Danielle Hardy

ARTIST STATEMENT

My artistic practice is strongly tied to my African American identity. I use photographic mediums to explore the nuances and variability of black Americans by conceptually linking black historical themes into a modern context. Inspired by my formal dance training, my photos push the physical form of each subject to further illustrate the complexities of one's identity. Balancing the line between fashion and narrative art, my use of natural light and out-of-studio scenes highlights and celebrates both the mundane and extraordinary aspects of black existence. Above all, exalting the black body is at the core of my practice.

Interview with Danielle Hardy

Can you tell us a bit about your background and how you became interested in becoming an artist?

Well, I have always been an artist in some sense. My mother put me into ballet when I was 2 years old, and ever since then, I knew that I thrived when I had a creative avenue to express myself. After dancing for sixteen years, I want to express my creativity in a different medium—hence photography!

Can you tell us about some of your most memorable early influences?

I have always been inspired by movement due to my performance background. Likewise, I am inspired by authentic black art.

Where are you currently based, and what brought you there? Are there any aspects of this specific location or community that have inspired your work?

I am based out of Boston. I moved to the city about four months ago for a creative producer role with Converse. I think moving from the Midwest to the east coast will inevitably change the landscapes and types of people I have access to create with, which is always exciting.

What is your studio space like? What makes your space unique to you?

At the moment, I do not have a dedicated studio space for my photographic practice.

What is a typical day like? If you don't have a typical day, what is an ideal day? Do you work in large chunks of time or throughout the day?

Learning to balance my full-time producing role with my art practice has been a challenge. I carve out that time for my artistic goals on the weekend and at night. But the knowledge I have gained from each vector lends nicely to the other.

What gets you in a creative groove or flow? Is there anything that interrupts your creative energy?

I’d say my “flow” is when I am on-location, in the moment, shooting. I love stepping back and taking in my surroundings to conceptualize new ideas and shots on the spot. The biggest flow disrupter is when I get in my own head and think too hard about it—it’s important to just let things flow.

How do you maintain momentum in your practice? Is there anything that hinders or helps your focus?

For me, I have to push myself to find constant inspiration from the world around me, phenomena that intrigue me, or other artists who are making great work.

What medium or media are you working in right now? What draws you to this particular material or method?

Lately, I have been focusing on photos almost exclusively, but I love adding yarn or text to supplement themes I want to convey in my work as well.

Can you walk us through your overall process for making your current work? Does drawing play a role in your process?

So, it starts with a spark of inspiration or visualization of an image, and I work back from there. I put together mood boards, scout locations, find talent, and all the other things that come with producing a shoot. But most importantly, I make sure that I am staying thematically true to what I want my viewer to take away from the work.

What is exciting about your process currently?

I love seeing all the pieces finally land in place. I love having a mental picture of the final image and then seeing it through to fruition and actualization.

Can you talk about some of the ongoing interests, imagery, and concepts that have informed your process and body of work over time? How do you anticipate your work progressing in the future?

I have been inspired by real, documentary-style projects recently. I think my practice will push into mixing a documentary “real story” lens with a fashion twist.

Do you pursue any collaborations, projects, or careers in addition to your studio practice? If so, can you tell us more about those projects, and are there connections between your studio practice and these endeavors?

As I mentioned earlier, I am a full-time producer at Converse alongside my practice. In my role, I work to bring productions to life by pairing the right creative partners with the brand based on a blend of art and commerce. The artists I research and work with in my full-time role inspire me to push my own practice that much more.

Have you had any epiphanies recently that have changed the course of your work or caused you to shift directions?

The biggest epiphany I have had recently is that everything can fuel creation. As simple as it sounds, it is important for me to remember that as I maneuver through the hills and valleys of this life.

Can you share some of your recent influences? Are there specific works—from visual art, literature, film, or music—that are important to you?

I am heavily influenced by other photographers’ work, such as Deanna Lawson and Tyler Mitchell, to name a few. But I also love drawing inspiration from a few of my favorite musical artists and classic films.

Can you elaborate on a recent work of yours and tell us the story of how it came to be?

One recent work I made titled “Tapestry” was inspired by my brother-in-law’s relationship with my nephew, as well as rhetoric about the absentee black father. So, the project aimed to show that relationship gently and authentically, which I feel is not shown and celebrated often.

Have you overcome any memorable roadblocks or struggles in your practice that you could share with us?

The biggest roadblocks are creative blocks and self-doubt. To this day, I struggle with releasing fear and doubt about my ability to create work that resonates the way I want it to.

Who are some contemporary artists you’re excited about? Is there a recent exhibition that stood out to you?

About a month ago, I went to see Forecast Form: Art in the Caribbean Diaspora, 1990s–Today at the Institute of Contemporary Art here in Boston, and it was fabulous. I loved seeing so many beautiful black artists take up space in an artistic way.

Do you have any tips or advice that someone has shared with you that you have found particularly helpful?

The first thing that comes to mind is just to remember that no matter how you’re feeling in that moment, you are important, and your creative point of view is valid and necessary.

What are you working on in the studio right now? What’s coming up next for you?

I am producing a couple of fashion shoots to beef up my portfolio, and I am in the beginning phases of a personal project that I am really excited about!

To find out more about Danielle Hardy check out her Instagram and website.