We know that the job of an artist is, at times, a difficult one. To mediate the world through the stroke of a brush or the snap of a camera is no small feat. We believe in giving artists their flowers, which is why we love to highlight them through an Artist Q&A! We dive into their process and how they created their current piece in the gallery. Please keep reading to learn more about artist Cheryl Hardy and her artwork in our Members’ Winter exhibition, Silent Spring!

What was the inspiration behind this piece?

“Rachel Carson wrote a book entitled Silent Spring (1962) was about the loss of birds due to the indiscriminate use of pesticides, especially DDT. Although birds are still in decline, amphibians are going extinct faster than any other animal group, due to human impact on habitat loss, chemical use, and fungal infections enhanced by global warming. The frogs in my art are disappearing. Frogs show discontent by closing their eyes, and so too do the frogs in this drawing. Finally, the background goes increasingly darker because the world will be a darker place without frogs. And quieter too.”

How long did it take you to make this piece?

“I’m very slow at drawing, so I’d estimate about 40-50 hours.”

Describe your creative process. I draw what I feel passionate about.

“Often, I carry ideas around for a long time before committing to them since my output is small each year. I work from a reference thumbnail or digital collage, which typically changes as I work. I keep an ideas folder and write down ideas as I have them.”

If you could give yourself one piece of advice when starting your journey as an artist, what would that be?

“Play to your strengths and be true to yourself. There is room in this world for all kinds of artists and art. If you love what you do, then that’s all that matters.”