Caroline Hardy is an artist living and working in Williamsburg, Virginia.
It Often Starts with a Rubbing

Creative Process

Every artist has their method of making things, but one fact we share in common is that the art we make is “a combination of energies and interrelationships” (art critic, Lance Esplund). Personally, I begin with a strong feeling which evolves into an idea as I search for relationships. The artwork gradually combines its “energies and interrelationships” into a meaningful form. Then I see that the whole process has been a dance with destiny.

The soul that sees beauty may sometimes walk alone.” Goethe

Every act of creation is first of all an act of destruction.
— Pablo Picasso
It Often Starts with a Rubbing

It Often Starts with a Rubbing

As I find unique textures, plaques, 3D objects, or other items in my travels, I take a rubbing.

Rubbing-Composite.jpg
 Utility covers and manholes—such as these from San Sebastian, Spain, and Mexico—are something something that highlights design elements in everyday objects.

Utility covers and manholes—such as these from San Sebastian, Spain, and Mexico—are something something that highlights design elements in everyday objects.

My Studio

My Studio

Panoramic view of my studio during one of my creative maelstroms.

A Palette of Papers

A Palette of Papers

I layout a series of color schemes and textures created by rubbings and papers during the process of exploring possibilities.

Making decisions

Making decisions

Dressforms

Dressforms

Dressforms are useful for determining dimensions and impact.

Finishing Up

Finishing Up

Some kimonos are keepers; some are not. I finally disassembled this one to recycle the more successful parts. Destruction as well as de-construction play roles in the creative process.