If there’s one thing you know about us it’s that we are not the best at keeping secrets and if there’s one thing we’ve learned from y’all it’s that you love bold color! So this post is too good not to share!!! Today is the day and we are finally welcoming Birmingham based abstract artist A.K. Hardeman as she launches her latest collection of bright abstract paintings in our collection. We are thrilled to welcome A.K. to our roster of talented artists and are thrilled to finally make her introduction. We cannot wait for y'all to see more of AK's work but until then, get to know the woman behind the paintbrush by reading her responses to our rapid-fire questions below. Welcome, AK!
What is currently on your nightstand?
Pictures of my children and a stack of books…the same books I have been “reading” for four months!
Who is your biggest influence as an artist and why?
It often changes, but right now, Cy Twombly. The openness and freedom of his works, as well as his mark making have been very inspiring to me recently.
Tell us about your childhood. What is the most memorable moment as a young person?
As cliché as it sounds, one of my most vivid memories is taking art lessons at the museum one summer, I think I was around age six.
If you could only have one supply in your art studio, what would it be and why?
A tube of cadmium red paint because I believe it can bring life to anything.
What is your favorite room in your house? Describe it.
My living room is my happy room because the kids don’t often go in it and it is always clean! All my favorite silver pieces and knick-knacks that mean so much to me are in the room. Also, I love my drapes. They have leaves, flowers, and peacocks, all of which make me so happy.
What is your biggest score online?
I don’t have a biggest, but I love looking for vintage jewelry online.
What is the benefit of buying art through a collective? What do you recommend for those that are new to buying original art?
A good collective is well curated and well collected which can help a new buyer navigate the world of art, which can be overwhelming. Collect pieces that strike you and make you feel something, not the piece that matches the sofa.
If you have the entire day to spend in an art museum, which one and why?
Tate Modern and National Portrait Gallery in London. I spent time in London in college and have fond memories of my hours spent in these museums.
What is your favorite hotel and what makes it special?
Hotel Healdsburg in Sonoma California. The hotel and staff were fabulous, and everything is better with a glass of wine.
If you were a lipstick color would you be red, pink, or clear and why?
Pink
I can never get on a plane without….
Earphones!
How did you get into the world of art?
I have created and loved art my entire life. I cannot remember a time when art was not a passion of mine, even when I was a very young child.
What do you do to relax?
Put on music and go for a walk
When do you get the biggest surge of inspiration?
My best ideas come as I am lying in bed. My mind is often overwhelmed with thoughts and images which could probably explain why I am perpetually tired!
Prediction for the Color of 2021?
Emerald Green
What is your idea of a date night? Dinner and a movie or dancing all night?
Dinner and dancing!
Tell us about your favorite painting that you have created.
It is hard to choose a favorite, but I recently complete a commission for a triptych of three 48 x 48 inch pieces. The background is a deep blue, almost black, with bright colors composed of mixed media elements composing the rest of the piece.
One piece of advice for buying original art?
Collect pieces that strike you and make you feel something, not the piece that matches the sofa.
