Artist David Hardy’s work draws inspiration from nature, memory and the landscape of West Wales, where he lives and works.
David’s work is characterised by a reduced palette, which seeks to ground the viewer in quiet contemplation, a monochromatic meditation on depth, tone and texture.
Here, we sit down with David to discuss his creative process, and how the confluence of memory, philosophy and the beauty of the landscape have all influenced his artmaking practice.
Can you please tell us about your creative process? Has it changed since you first started painting?
My creative process varies. I’ve never used sketch books, I normally go straight onto canvas, I seldom set out with any preconceived notion of what I want to produce, unless it’s a commissioned piece and the client has specified what they want. I generally allow myself to be guided by intuition and chance. I like to allow the painting to take over and evolve within itself. I can then exploit or remove aspects of the work to achieve a desired outcome. It’s a constant battle between creator and destroyer. I think you have to allow yourself to paint to the point of destruction. I find this way there’s an element of excitement, drama and trepidation in the work.
Is there a common element, aesthetic or theme that runs through your work?
Common elements within my work often include a reduced palette and the use of form and texture to evoke emotion or convey an experience. I try not to think about themes within my work, however I’d say the interplay of nature and human experiences are ongoing ideas.
What has informed your use of tone throughout your work?
I tend to use this reduced palette in my work as I find colour can be a distraction. I’m drawn to indigo as I feel it has a wealth of connotations, symbolism and history. Blue is nonthreatening and used in the right way, it can create a deep emotional connection. I’ve yet to find another colour that suits the range of emotions that I wish to portray. I do experiment with other colours, however, I’m always drawn back to a more muted palette, I think this is also down to the influence of living in West Wales, UK.
Where do you find inspiration for your work?
I draw inspiration from nature, human experiences, or philosophical ideas, memories, responding to a place or an experience. Currently the sky is big inspiration for me. I often reference the landscape, atmospheric conditions, winter, dawn, dusk, misty mornings, stormy weather for example.
Your ‘Indigo’ series is quite different to your ‘Colour Field’ and ‘Form’ series, how do you find moving between these different styles?
It’s no different to when you are having a conversation with someone about different subject matters. The ‘Shape & Form’ series act as a means of counterbalancing my larger emotionally driven pieces. They’re more playful, often influenced by music, rhythm the actual act of painting, they can even be produced based on act of creating something born from distraction. They also offer me an opportunity to experiment with new materials and techniques - implementing ideas that I either leave behind or use to move forward - either way they help inform my work. The ‘Colour Field’ pieces are simpler, quieter, stripped back works that focus on the very essence of an experience. They allow me to explore different sides of my personality.
Could you describe a typical workday?
I wake up early, eat breakfast, coffee is important. I’ll do a bit of email admin, check in on social media, then get in the studio. I share the studio with my wife who is also an artist. Our studio is at the end of our barn so it’s not a long commute. Living in rural Wales our lives are very much dictated to by the weather. If the sun is shining I’ll be either be out walking or on one of my motorbikes. We live in a beautiful part of Wales so inspiration comes from everywhere…
Are there any artists, musicians or designers who have inspired your work, or who you admire?
I admire so many artists, too many to list to be honest. James Turrell, Ben Nicholson, Roger Cecil, William Turner and Kyffin Williams to name a few. I’ve always been influenced and moved by music even from an early age. My taste is very eclectic and plays a big part in my life and studio practise. I love to create an atmosphere in the studio whilst painting and I find there is no better way than through music. For example Nils Frahm, John Hopkins & Matthew Halsall. (I have a Studio Hardy playlist on Spotify )
What are you working on now? Do you have any upcoming projects that you are looking forward to?
I’m currently working on a series of pieces that are inspired by the sky. I’ve got some work in a show in London organised by Lucinda Dalton Gallery which I’m excited about.
If your studio could be anywhere, where would it be?
I’ve just returned from a road trip on my motorcycle through the Spanish interior and spent a few days in Guadalupe. I’d love a studio in the Sierra de Villuercas, a mountain range in the Montes de Toledo. The landscape is stunning and it’d be lovely to work in a warmer climate.
David's pieces are available online at the Kerrie-Ann Jones Gallery.
For more from David, follow him at @mr.dhardy.
