Meet Scarlet Hao

We had the good fortune of connecting with Scarlet Hao and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Scarlet, where are your from? We’d love to hear about how your background has played a role in who you are today?
I was born and raised in China, where both of my parents worked at a university. Growing up, they had a deep appreciation for Western culture—whether it was movies, music, or literature—and that naturally shaped my worldview from an early age. I was always curious about the differences and commonalities between Eastern and Western cultures, and that fascination has stayed with me throughout my life.

I’ve now lived in the United States for over 12 years, and one thing that continues to inspire me is how eager many of my American friends and community members are to learn more about Asian culture. That curiosity and openness really encouraged me to use my art as a bridge between cultures.

I’ve been drawing since I was a child, and my parents were always supportive of my creative side. They helped me see art not just as a personal outlet, but as a powerful tool for connection. Through painting, I can share aspects of Asian identity, emotion, and storytelling in a way that transcends language. It’s amazing to me how art allows people from different backgrounds to feel something universal—how they can see into my inner world and perhaps gain a deeper understanding of how we, as Asians, experience and express emotion.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
What I’m most proud of is having my artwork recognized and selected by movie and TV production teams. It still feels surreal that my pieces have been featured in shows like The First Lady, the reboot of The Wonder Years, You Are Cordially Invited, and the upcoming remake of Cape Fear. Knowing that my art is part of visual storytelling on screen, seen by people all over the world, is incredibly exciting and humbling.

But the journey here hasn’t been easy. Unless you already have deep connections in the art world, it really is a one-step-at-a-time process—growing from your local community, to your city, to your state, and beyond. Art is also deeply subjective. It’s not like a product with set specs or performance guarantees. It speaks to emotion, identity, and taste—and not everyone connects with it in the same way. Plus, art isn’t something people buy every week, so expanding your audience and building a sustainable practice takes a lot of persistence and creativity.

That’s why I’ve learned to diversify. Recently, I started turning my paintings into greeting cards to make my work more accessible and connect with people in new ways. I’ve also learned to stay aware of trends and paint subjects that resonate with people now—while still staying true to my own style and heritage.

For example, I create many portraits inspired by Beijing opera. Early on, very few people noticed those pieces. But as they were drawn in by my more widely appealing paintings—like serene Asian landscapes or anime-inspired work—they begin to discover the opera characters and fall in love with them too. That crossover moment is so powerful.

I want the world to know that for me, art is about sharing culture and spreading joy. When someone tells me my painting makes them smile every time they walk by it, or that it reminds them of a meaningful memory or part of their heritage, that’s everything to me. That’s the purpose of my work—to connect, to uplift, and to bring a little more beauty and understanding into the world.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Whenever a friend comes to visit, I love crafting a week that blends hidden gems, cultural flavor, and authentic experiences—especially through food and art.

We’d definitely start with a deep dive into Buford Highway. It’s a treasure trove of Asian restaurants, and one of my absolute favorites is Northern China Eatery. It’s not fancy, but it’s real. The owner is actually from the same area in China where I grew up, and the food tastes just like home—hand-pulled noodles, dumplings, and savory dishes that remind me of family dinners.

I also love introducing people to Tempoe Tea Bar for bubble tea and Asian-inspired desserts—it’s cozy, creative, and always buzzing with good vibes. For something more elevated but still personal, LanZhou Ramen has incredible noodles and rich, comforting broths. Every spot I bring people to on Buford feels like sharing a piece of my story with them.

Outside of food, I’d take them to explore Atlanta Contemporary or Whitespace Gallery—they’re smaller, more experimental art spaces that always showcase something unexpected. We’d also walk the Atlanta BeltLine, especially the Eastside Trail, to enjoy public art, pop-up markets, and people-watching.

For a peaceful afternoon, Piedmont Park or the Atlanta Botanical Garden offers a refreshing contrast to the city energy. And in the evening, I like places with personality, not big chains—maybe a jazz night at Red Light Café or cocktails at Ticonderoga Club, which feels like a hidden speakeasy tucked inside Krog Street Market.

Throughout the week, I’d make sure we balance the city with a little bit of escape too—maybe a short trip up to Serenity Garden at Gibbs Gardens or even a quiet hike near Amicalola Falls to reset and reconnect.

Atlanta has so many sides, and I love sharing the ones that are a little less obvious but full of character. It’s about feeling the soul of the city—and that’s what I try to give friends when they visit.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to give a huge shoutout to the Sandy Springs Farmers Market. When I was just starting out, I was still figuring out how to share my work with the world and honestly felt pretty shy about putting myself out there. The Farmers Market was the very first place that gave me the opportunity to show my art in public. It might have seemed like a small step, but to me, it was everything.

That experience opened the door to so many meaningful connections—people who appreciated my art, supported me, and became friends and collectors. It helped me grow not just as an artist, but as a person who felt seen and encouraged.

I especially want to thank Erin Cianciolo, the organizer of the Sandy Springs Farmers Market. Her support has meant the world to me, and she’s gone out of her way to help me feel welcomed and empowered. I don’t know how far my journey will take me, but I’ll never forget that this is where it all began. The Farmers Market will always feel like the first true home for my art.

Website: https://www.forbiddenparadiseart.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/forbiddenparadiseart

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scarlethao

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ForbiddenParadiseArt

Other: You can also find my work at Westside Market Midtown and The Hudgens Center for Art & Learning