For HNin Nie, art has always been at the center of her life. The only other thing that might top the list is her love of pickles.
A Charlotte-based multidisciplinary artist, HNin’s playful creations span painting, sculpture, zines, and murals. Her work bursts with color, energy, and relatability, drawing inspiration from her experiences as an Asian woman in America.
“I extend empathy to objects,” HNin explains, noting that her work often reflects the shared experiences of being human.
However, in recent years, her artistic journey has been reshaped by profound personal challenges. “I had a wake-up call with my health. Cancer gradually changed the way I have always expressed personal narratives, but I discovered new mediums for storytelling,” HNin reflects.
As a chronically ill artist, HNin must balance her creative career with the realities of her health. “I am constantly reserving energy, restlessly thinking about doctor appointments, all while mentally being consumed by creative pursuit,” she shares. Over a year of surgeries and physical therapy, supported by a strong sense of community, she has cultivated a new perspective on her artistic process.
Works like the 8-ft tall sculpture Oyster Corner for Rail Trail Lights in 2024, and her tiny zine project Rare and Complex, underscore HNin’s shift. She’s chosen to slow down, embracing storytelling, experimentation, imperfection, and the ritual of creation itself.
“Not every creation has to be grandiose or perfect,” she says. “It’s okay to let ideas pass like clouds. You can take up space while working small.” By letting go of the pressure for everything to be monumental, HNin has given herself the freedom to explore and experiment in ways that feel more personal and grounded. In this new state, her work continues to do what it’s always done—encourage viewers to rediscover magic in the mundane.
With her renewed interest in storytelling, HNin offers a more intimate connection by sharing in-depth glimpses into her creative process and life on her YouTube channel. Here, she presents herself as a full-time artist "bursting with energy, rotting on the inside, healing and art dealing." In her latest episode, she shares the full behind-the-scenes experience of creating Oyster Corner. Check it out!
By Alexandra Smith