Meet Haina Zhang

We were lucky to catch up with Haina Zhang recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Haina, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?

I find my purpose through my art, which serves as my voice and resistance. As a feminist, I use my work to process the complexities of living in a world where women still face systemic injustices, deep-seated fears, and everyday struggles. Many of my pieces emerge from emotions and experiences that words cannot fully capture—moments of anger, frustration, resilience, and hope. Art allows me to have a voice in spaces where words fall short—it is my way of processing the world and responding to the issues that matter to me. I create with the hope that my work does something meaningful, whether that means making someone feel seen, starting a dialogue, or inspiring action. My purpose is to create art and contribute to something bigger—to use my creativity as a force for awareness, empowerment, and change.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

Much of my current work consists of images inspired by moments when I have feelings, thoughts, and reactions to the world that can’t be expressed in words. Some are more representational and a lot more are abstract. My emotions are transferred directly onto the paper. Some works reflect the mixed and complex feeling I experience when I go home and connect with family; some capture the moment I stare into the sky and wonder what karma we face as we destroy our planet, and a lot more pieces reflect my anger and fears as a woman living in today’s world. The shapes and spaces in my more abstract work arise from deep inner impulses—physical, psychological, and emotional—and seem to speak directly from my unconscious. Art serves as my visual diary, a way to express myself beyond the limitations of words.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Looking back, three things have had the greatest impact on my journey: curiosity about history, openness to experimentation, and the ability to think big without hesitation.

First, understanding history—whether it’s art history, feminist movements, or broader cultural shifts—has given me perspective and inspiration. I constantly draw references and inspiration from history. It is fascinating how we have become what we are today, and that’s worth digging deep about.

Second, being open to trying anything has been essential. You never know what you can create until you step outside your comfort zone. Some of my best ideas have come from exploring unfamiliar materials, methods, or subjects. Staying in one place creatively can be limiting, so I push myself to experiment constantly.

Finally, thinking big and not letting doubt hold me back has made an enormous difference. It’s easy to hesitate—whether because a project feels too ambitious or you don’t know how to make it happen. But I’ve learned that the crazier you dream, the better you create. Some of the most influential work comes from ideas that once seemed impossible.

My biggest advice for artists is to keep an open mind. I used to only create realistic graphite drawings and thought I would do that forever. But since then, I’ve experimented with mediums I never imagined using and created work I never thought possible. Remember, no one is restricting what you can make—your art is your own. It’s never too late, and nothing is impossible to try. Keep experimenting—you’ll be amazed at what you can create.

Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?

When I feel overwhelmed, I turn to art as a space to escape and process my emotions. But there are also times when creating itself feels overwhelming or I get stuck in my work. In those moments, I remind myself that taking breaks is necessary. I step away, clear my mind, and return with fresh eyes. I also work on multiple pieces at once, which helps me stay flexible and not get too caught up in one idea. Most importantly, I take it one step at a time—progress doesn’t have to be immediate, and giving myself space to breathe always leads to better creativity.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @h33haai