Rebecca Hardaker in her London studio. Courtesy of the artist.
Welcome to an exclusive interview with the talented British artist Rebecca Hardaker (b.1988), whose captivating creations on canvas and paper delve into the realms of memory and mood. With a keen focus on balance and rhythm, Rebecca harnesses the power of gestural marks to transfer her innermost memories and emotions onto her chosen medium. Her vibrant color palette adds a playful and joyful undertone to her works while layering various mediums unveils new complexities in each piece.
Rebecca's artistic journey is enriched by her educational background, which includes a B.A. in Classical Studies from the University of Manchester and an M.A. in Heritage Management from the University of Birmingham. To further expand her knowledge and expertise, she pursued courses such as Buying and Selling Art at Auction at Sotheby's Institute of Art and Art Handling and Installation at the University of the Arts London. In addition to her education, Rebecca's artistic talent has been recognized through numerous exhibitions throughout the United Kingdom. Her works have graced galleries and public spaces, offering viewers a glimpse into her soulful creations. With every brushstroke, she strives to communicate a sense of joy, youth, and humor, impacting the environment surrounding her artwork.
Join us as we delve into the artistic world of Rebecca Hardaker, exploring her journey, inspirations, and the transformative power of her creations.
Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your background as an artist?
I’m a London-based self-taught artist.
Close-up image of one of Rebecca Hardaker's paintings in her studio. Photo by the author during studio visit May 2023.
What initially inspired you to pursue a career in art?
Discovering the monumental work of Robert Rauschenburg when I was 14 is a distinctive memory. My dad recently sent me a picture taken at that time, and it was such a joy to reflect upon the passion I had then and where I'm now. I’m not sure I could say there was a specific moment; it’s more of an uncontrollable compulsion. However, after seeing the Lee Krasner show at the Barbican, I came away with the understanding that I would not be satisfied unless I invested in myself as an artist and developed my practice.
Image of one of Rebecca Hardaker's paintings in her studio. Photo by the author during studio visit May 2023.
How would you describe your artistic style and the themes you explore in your work?
I’m inspired by memories, stories, and thoughts. Predominately I create large-scale abstract paintings. Fascinated by the marks I make on the canvas using my hands and one brush (which has become a stub), I enjoy the narratives that flow around the canvas, with forms and shapes drawing the eye to the next part of the story.
Image of Rebecca Hardaker's oil on canvas painting. Courtesy of the artist.
What mediums do you prefer to work with, and why?
Oils, oil and soft pastels, and oil sticks.
Image of Rebecca Hardaker's oil on canvas painting. Courtesy of the artist.
Can you walk us through your creative process from ideation to completion?
I’m not sure where the ideas occur or if the creative process is ever complete. Often it is hard to pinpoint the moment a painting began. There are sketches, there is inspiration, and there is contemplation. But I don’t work in a linear way, nor do I focus on what ignites a painting. Each painting is evidence of what occurred in the studio, where I can create a world in which I can inhabit freely without judgment or rules. The painting is completed when I'm hit by an unexplainable calm and decide I no longer need to work on a painting, and it can now stand alone without my input.
Image of Rebecca Hardaker's oil on canvas painting. Courtesy of the artist.
Are there any particular artists or art movements that have influenced your work?
Rose Wylie, Rachel Jones, Daisy Paris, Tracey Emin, Lee Krasner, Betty Woodman, Tal R, Helen Frankethaller…. The list goes on and on.
Image of Rebecca Hardaker's oil on canvas painting. Courtesy of the artist.
What role do you think art plays in society, and how do you hope your work contributes to that?
I think art can play multiple roles - reflecting society, commenting and questioning, or providing escapism from our present, allowing us to discover ourselves or connect with others. I do not presume to understand how my paintings might play their part in society. When they leave the studio, they embark upon their own journey, and it is that journey that will determine the part they will play in society.
Image of one of Rebecca Hardaker's paintings in her studio. Photo by the author during studio visit May 2023.
You have an upcoming group show, ALL THAT MATTERS TO ME NOW, opening on June 1st. Can you tell us a bit about the paintings that you will be showing? What was the inspiration behind them?
I'm showing two large paintings and potentially a few smaller paintings. The two large paintings were a reaction to working with the other fellow artists in the show, Oliver Lunn and Jonathan Lawes. Whilst working on these paintings, I was drawn to an ink sketch on my studio wall. The sketch was done at the end of 2022; at the time, I didn’t think there was anything particularly remarkable about the sketch, and yet when creating these works, I found myself drawn to the sketch. While creating these abstract paintings, flowers started to emerge organically, which was completely unexpected, and yet I felt at ease and calmed by them as they formed on the canvas. The title of the show has allowed me to be more accepting of the spontaneous nature of my practice and not overthink my work.
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