We were lucky to catch up with Hikaru Haneda recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hikaru, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Are you happy as a creative professional? Do you sometimes wonder what it would be like to work for someone else?

I’ve always had this burning curiosity and an urge to dive into different disciplines and categories. I find myself constantly contemplating what it would be like to immerse myself in different professions and fields. Currently, I’m working full-time as a studio assistant in the creative field, and whenever I have some free time, I’m busy creating my own artwork. But before landing this job, I embarked on diverse professional experiences, including working as a behavioral therapist and as a restaurant server. Each of these previous roles has profoundly influenced my artistic journey and shaped my perspective.
In particular, my time as a behavioral therapist has left an indelible impact on my artistic practice. It has not only provided me with a fresh lens through which to view the world but has also reignited my belief in the transformative power of art in addressing and illuminating important social issues.
The beauty of art is its ability to integrate and draw inspiration from various disciplines and categories. By embracing this interdisciplinary approach, artists can incorporate a diverse range of influences, perspectives, and techniques into their work. This openness to exploration and the integration of different fields continues to fuel my desire to venture into new areas of study and artistic practice.

Hikaru, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I am a multimedia artist specializing in video art, sculpture, and installation. While I enjoy working with digital media, my absolute favorite material to work with is the orange peel. Since my freshman year in college back in 2017, I have been using oranges as both my medium and subject matter. Recently, my brother approached me with a request to showcase my earliest orange peel artworks in his hair salon located in New York City. This news filled me with immense joy and rekindled my motivation to once again dive into the world of orange peels.
Though I have continued practicing my craft and personally indulging in peeling oranges and savoring their juicy goodness, I haven’t created any new artworks using this fascinating material. However, I have recently ventured into making jewelry using orange peels, inspired by a special request from my mother for her birthday.
While these jewelry pieces are still in the experimental and prototype stage, I am determined to develop and refine this project further. My goal is to see this unique fusion of art and oranges flourish and come to life.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The act of creating itself is incredibly rewarding for me. It’s like a rush of adrenaline and dopamine that fuels my passion. When an idea strikes and takes shape in my mind, it’s an incredibly fruitful and exhilarating feeling. But the real magic happens when I bring that idea to life and transform it into a tangible artwork. The most fulfilling part of the entire process is when I get to share my work with others. There’s something truly special about connecting with people through art. When someone connects with my work in their most vulnerable and authentic way, it’s the ultimate reward.
To know that my art resonates with someone on a deep level, evoking emotions or sparking thoughts, is a profound experience. It’s the power of art to transcend boundaries and touch the hearts and minds of others.
The joy and fulfillment that come from sharing my creations and witnessing that personal connection is what drives me to continue creating. It’s a beautiful exchange of emotions and experiences that reminds me why I fell in love with art in the first place.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

Attending art school was truly a transformative experience, and I stand by that statement wholeheartedly. It provided me with the opportunity to meet remarkable peers and partners who I deeply respect and share a profound connection with. During my time in art school, I had the privilege of delving into important theories and art histories that have had a lasting impact on me. I hold those lessons close to my heart and cherish the knowledge and insights gained from them. But, I must admit that I also encountered moments of self-doubt and experienced burnout while navigating the demands of school. It took a toll on my creative momentum, and I needed some time to rediscover my passion for creating. At times, I felt overwhelmed by the pressure to explain every aspect of my work. I realized that I had fallen into the trap of overthinking and had veered slightly off course. It became clear to me that I needed to shed some of the weight I had placed upon myself.
Although I treasure the artworks I created during my time in art school, I recognized the importance of releasing the pressure of self-doubt that had plagued me since graduation. This shift allowed me to approach my creative process with newfound freedom and authenticity. I learned to trust my instincts and create without constantly second-guessing myself.
Taking that step back and reevaluating my approach has been liberating. It has enabled me to create from a place of joy and genuine expression, unburdened by the weight of self-doubt. I am grateful for the lessons learned during my art school journey, even the challenging ones, as they have contributed to my growth as an artist.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://hikaruhaneda.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mush_orange/?hl=en
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hikaru-haneda-3ab107184/