Hannah Lupton Reinhard: @hannahmontana12346789

Hannah, How would you describe your work to somebody who has never seen it?

Usually when people ask what kind of paintings I make, I describe them as "fantasy realism" or "fantastic realism" or "realistic fantasy." I haven't really decided which one is funniest and cheesiest and most descriptive. If they ask more questions I say I make figurative paintings and stick rhinestones all over them. I don't usually open up about the work immediately. 

Finish this sentence: “I can’t live without…..”

"I can't live without..." Starbucks. I love Starbucks. 

If you could own one piece of artwork in the world, as if money or likelihood was no issue, what would it be and why?

"Cherry" by Ed Ruscha (I think there's a couple, but I like the one with the bigger text). Seeing this body of work as a kid was the first time I realized that art can be really funny and simple and honest. 

What reactions have you had to your work that you remember?

I think my favorite thing that someone has said about my work was something along the lines of, "I don't like bright colors and I don't like sparkly things and I don't like paintings of pretty looking girls but somehow you're making me love all of it." My paintings aren't supposed to be subtle or unintrusive or quiet; they demand attention, whether positive or negative, and changing someone's assumptions about art and beauty feels pretty good. 

Professionally, what is a goal you would like to achieve?

There's so many things I want to achieve throughout my career. It's always been a goal of mine to be in The Jewish Museum in New York, I think that would've made my grandparents really proud. It would also be super cool to be sponsored by Swarovski someday! Just kidding, sort of. 

What are you working on at the moment?

Currently I'm working towards my first solo show! It's very exciting and overwhelming. 

How has the pandemic effected your work, has it been positive in the fact that you have so much time on your hands? Or as I imagine the pressure that many have felt to be productive created a negative impact?

Honestly, the pandemic was one of the best things that could've happened for my work. I finished my senior year at RISD online in my parents garage and was living with my whole family for the first time in awhile. Surrounded by my sisters and the golden California sun, I started making work that was a lot more intimate and honest, I think.  

What do you like/dislike about the art world?

I love the community of artists, both in my daily life, and just on the internet/all over the country. It feels so incredible to be a part of dialogues with other people dedicating their life to something so difficult and personal. Something that I've found to be hard about the art world, however, is not knowing who to trust. It's a world largely dictated by wealthy people who don't always have your best interest in mind. I've been fortunate enough to meet some amazing collectors and gallerists, but I don't think that everyone is very, uh, nice. It's a super exciting but scary world to be involved in. 

Hannah what do you believe is integral to the work of an artist?

I think that being self critical is extremely important as an artist. I'm never satisfied with a painting, which immediately motivates me to start something new. I guess a combination of conviction and self-criticism is what continuously drives me every day. Also you gotta have a sense of humor and not take things so seriously. 

Who are your favourite contemporary artists?

Doron Langberg @doronlangberg, 

Dominique Fung @dominiquefung, 

Anthony Cudahy @anthonycudhay, 

Elizabeth Glaessner @eglaessn, 

Lisa Yuskavage @lisayuskavagestudio, 

Janiva Ellis, #janivaellis

Caitlin Cherry @the_underboobcommons, 

Haley Josephs @haley.josephs, 

Asif Hoque @asifhoque, Ricardo Partida @babyboypaintings and 

Emma Webster @emma_webstah . 

That's just a few!

What one song should be added to the She Curates playlist?

Anything Can Happen by Ellie Goulding. Don't know what it is but that is just such a fire song. Also 9 to 5 by Dolly Parton.