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1) Let's say I'm someone who knows next to nothing about art, but I am genuinely interested in hearing you talk about your art. Leaving all jargon and assumptions behind, how would you describe as clearly and plainly as possible what your art looks like, why and how you make it, your intentions, and what you believe your art means?
I would describe my art as dark with a little humor thrown in every now and then. 90% of the time my art involves monsters and that comes from my love of horror. Ever since I can remember I have always loved horror movies, books. games whatever I just couldn't get enough so it was natural for me to want to make my own monsters. Starting out like most kids using crayons and pencils drawing on anything I could get my hands on! It was just a lot of fun for me and still is. I'm not really sure what my art means to other people but for me I just love to do it. Even if I had to have it as a hobby I would never stop.
2) When did you first want to be an artist, or when did you first realize you were one?
I've always loved to draw so I guess when I was a kid I knew I was an artist. When I was a teen I realized you could make a living with it and have been doing all I can to make that possible ever since.
3) Where do you find your greatest inspiration for art? How do dreams affect your ideas?
Horror movies are a great inspiration for me. From the classics to the new stuff. A lot of other artists are as well and that too ranges from the old masters to modern day. As for dreams, when I have a vivid one that I can remember that'll sometimes influence a piece but not to often.
4) I’m so curious… What does your studio look like?
Over the years I have gotten used to using very limited space when I work so I usually have an easel set up in a corner and a small table for paints. Nothing special. I think that helps me focus.
5) Is there a philosophy (or any other brain activity that cannot be achieved without above average IQ) involved in a process of making art? In other words, can it be unconscious and is it an art then?
I think it can. I know I have just been doodling while I watch tv and will come up with something cool without thinking to much into it. Yup, it's art.
6) Do you visualize your Art before creating? Do you know what it will look like before you begin? What's your process? Is there anything about your creative process that you would describe as paranormal?
Paranormal no, abnormal yes! Just kidding. I do visualize it beforehand but a lot of times it changes throughout the process unless I have a really clear idea of what I want. Sometimes I like to see the idea evolve beyond my initial concept. Thinking on a idea to much can sometimes kill it for me.
7) What is the technical process that you use to create your work? Do you work from sketches?
It depends. Sometimes I'll do a very detailed sketch and others very vague or not at all. Once I do that I will do a underpainting in monochromatic. That helps because I can see certain things with a paint brush better than a pencil. Small details and what not. Background will go in first after that, I'm a little more sloppy with those. Then mid tone and shadow. Once that's done I can see if I like where it's going or if I want to change bits or
8) According to the philosophy of Alan Watts, the best things in life can't be told. The second best are what we try (but are unable) to talk about. The third best are what we end up talking about. Where would you put your art?
I suppose the first. I think it applies to a lot of artists, you have to see the art.
9) what makes a work of art great for you? … and which is your favorite piece that you have created and why?
When everything works out without to much thought. When I start over thinking things that's when I loose interest in a piece. My favorite piece so far is Good Boy. There's just something about it. The twisted anatomy maybe.
10) What is the most important idea, issue, dilemma or thing that you want to address in your art?
I try to keep Politics and world issues to a minimum in my art. I'd probably start to dislike what I was doing if I felt like I needed to send a message with my work.
11) What do you think is the place of beauty in contemporary art? In your art?
Beauty is different to everyone. What I find beautiful others might find repulsive.
12) Do you ever think of your art in terms of transforming society, changing the world - or is it simply personal?
It might, you never really know. Again, I don't set out to do that but if it were to happen it would depend on what kind of affect it had. Positive, cool! Negative, I might go into hiding lol.
13) Does the representation of your grisly creatures constitute a part of your dark side surely, but how do you express your alter ego accomplishedly? Can you reveal it to the readers of xlegion?
Do you know my alter ego? Tell him he owes me money! I never thought I had one I just create art and beyond that your guess is as good as mine.
14) Who would you invite to a small dinner party you were hosting. The person could be living or dead, including fictional.Describe why this person is your choice.
I would love to have Vincent Price over for dinner. That would be amazing! Being one of my all time favorite actors and an art collector and artist himself I think we'd have a lot to talk about.
15) Which are your projects for the future? …and which is your greatest ambition?
I have a few book covers in the works like The Howling re release and some big gallery shows coming up so right now my future is pretty busy and I'm grateful for that. As for ambition, I'm gonna keep plugging away with my art and hope to improve it and just see where it takes me.
Thank you very much for the opportunity and very interesting questions. I had a blast!!
xLegion Gallery: Dan Harding
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