In the Studio with Artist Symone Hardy
Today, we’re going In the Studio with artist Symone Hardy. Symone’s artwork is currently on display in the Chesapeake Arts Center’s Power to…the Art of Protest Gallery exhibit.
Symone Hardy creates to raise perception and awareness. “Think after you feel in the presence of my pieces.” An artist from Baltimore, Symone has been artistic her whole life, however after attending Morgan State University and earning a degree in FIne Art, she began her company Graphite Pulse. Her dream is to inspire the world with her conceptual pieces that focus on social norms, ideas of community and both positive and negative African American conceptions. She works across multiple mediums including charcoal & pastels, photography and digital illustrations. Symone’s pieces have a darkness about them through the truths that they convey and the sentiment that they impart.
Here’s Symone talking about her art, process and experience...
What style, genre or medium of art excites you the most?
I am an abstract artist who currently specializes in illustration and multimedia work. I get excited the most when the piece starts off blank, then you add some color and then something magical comes together that you weren't expecting.
Do you consider yourself an artist? Why or why not?
Yes I consider myself an artist but an amateur. I am still learning new ways to do things and haven't mastered the skills I would like to master yet.
Who is your mentor and what did they teach you?
My mentor that I like to look back to is Basquiat but my living mentor is my former teachers from college. They gave me so much wisdom for my art and gave me the confidence I needed to continue. They taught me perseverance and confidence is key to life.
How do you find inspiration?
I find inspiration mostly through emotion and experience.
What emotion(s) fuel your work?
Most since I've been depressed for the past 2 years I would say my grief and sadness fuels me the most.
What does your artwork represent?
My artwork represents change. It challenges people minds and make them realize everything isn't just easy like Sunday morning. Change can only happen if you make it.
When did you start creating art? Was there an event that led you to this?
I started creating art when I was young just practicing on coloring books and copying Tasmanian devil and bugs bunny often from sight. I continued on once I found out its genetics and l am a little bit special than most Artist because I have a vision. Once I got to Morgan State University for my Bachelors in Architecture they told me they have degrees for art. Afterwards, I committed my journey to becoming a change in the community and someone children can look up to.
How often do you create art?
I create art in between my full time job and school. I'm currently working on a YouTube animation series involving spoken word.
When do you art? (before coffee, after bed, when inspiration strikes…)
I usually create art when inspiration strikes and I can be completely focus.
What is your studio/creative space like? Or what is your favorite place to create in?
My studio space is unordinary. I don't have one place to call home yet but when I did it was open space, a lot of room for my bad vocals to fill the air and just a space to be uninterrupted.
Do you work on one piece of art at a time, or multiple?
I usually work on one until I'm frustrated and start on another one until I get frustrated again. It's an ongoing cycle of frustration until it's completed.
What’s in a name; how do you title your artworks?
I title the artwork by the emotions I'm feeling from it at the current time when it's completed.
How has your art/style evolved over time?
My style has changed from light themes to picture framed moments and dark themes. Since I am in a different mindset in life it tends to shift more towards a grim part in this world.
What’s your favorite medium to work in? Do you explore others?
Charcoal is my favorite and pastel. I have explore multiple mediums next I'm going to try is wood or metal. I haven't decided yet.
What’s your go-to song or album that you listen to while you create?
My go to album is either Alicia Keys music or something with a melody that excites me.
What city have you always wanted to create art in?
I have always wanted to create art internationally and maybe do it in Italy.
If you could be anything besides an artist, what would you be, and why?
I always dreamed of being an animator but that lies under an artist as well. So I guess it's either creativity or nothing!
How does art impact our society?
Art is another outlet to display community woes and sorrows. The same way people go to the media or movie to learn lessons is the same way people go to art. Interpretation helps an audience feel and learn from it.
For more information on Symone and her expressive artwork, check out her website https://r1a2kia.wixsite.com/graphitepulse.
Hal Gomer Gallery Hours:
Monday-Thursday 10:00am-6:00pm
Saturday 10am-1pm ( starting on January 15, 2022)
*Visitors are required to call ahead to reserve a time to view the exhibit. Please call CAC’s main office at 410-636-6597 during our business hours Monday - Thursday, 10:00 am-6:00pm to reserve a date and time. Visitors will be checked in upon arrival and masks are required to enter the gallery and CAC building.