First Look Artist Interview: Lawrence Hardy

We took a moment to dive into the artistic processes behind the artists in First Look 2024 to learn about their process, projects, and what inspires them to create work.

How did you become a photographer? what drove you to choose art as a career.

My path as a photographer began four years ago, coinciding with a significant turning point in my life when I embraced sobriety after years of battling substance abuse, particularly opioids. During this period of self-discovery, I stumbled upon a captivating photograph by Max Ablicki, depicting a fisherman, which ignited a dormant passion for art within me. Motivated by this newfound inspiration, I started capturing the world around me with my iPhone, gradually progressing to digital and film cameras as my journey evolved.Currently, art isn't part of my career, but it's a passion I'm devoted to turning into a profession. I genuinely enjoy the entire creative process – from capturing images to editing and experiencing the emotions they evoke. Right now I am finally taking a break from social media, I'm dedicating time to self-care, family, and immersing myself in art to find inspiration beyond the digital world.

What’s the intended audience for your work, if you have one? What communities are you trying to speak to?

I don't have a specific audience in mind for my work. It's about reaching out to anyone who can relate, particularly those affected by mental illness and addiction, including friends and family. These issues touch many lives, and I aim to capture their impact through my photography, providing a voice for those who struggle and those who care for them.

What’s your Photographic practice and Artistic process like?

In my photographic practice, routine plays a key role. I start my day about two hours before sunrise, enjoying a cup of coffee before venturing out. Whether I'm cruising familiar routes in my truck or exploring new paths on foot, I take my time to observe and capture moments. Even with digital photography, I approach each shot with the discipline of shooting on film, valuing every exposure. Essentials like my flash are always with me, but I remain flexible with other equipment, focusing more on the moment than the tools.

What compels you to choose your subjects? What do you find calls to you? 

My choice of subjects is driven by a combination of mood, weather conditions, and time of day. I'm particularly drawn to extreme weather, old or abandoned buildings, peculiar occurrences, and individuals whose faces evoke a visceral reaction within me.

What messages are behind your photographs are you trying to convey?

The essence of my photos conveys a sense of immediacy , a feeling that shouldn't be delayed. If a viewer doesn't sense something meaningful almost instantly, I fear I may have missed the mark. This isn't to rush viewers through my work or disrupt their engagement. Instead, it's a gentle reminder that life is fleeting, and it's vital to pursue what you love without hesitation. Discovering that passion may involve a struggle, but it's a journey worth embracing.

How has your journey to sobriety influenced your work?

My journey to sobriety has deeply influenced my work, profoundly shaping my perspective in ways I struggle to articulate. Now, I find beauty in the wrinkles etched on an elderly fisherman's face and cherish the simple splendor of sunrises and sunsets. No longer do I overlook the mundane; instead, I immerse myself in studying the world around me, sometimes yearning to pause time. Emerging from a decade of substance abuse, sobriety has been a rebirth, infusing my life and art with newfound clarity and appreciation.

Learn more about Lawrence here. All work is available for purchase. Please contact director@panopticongallery.com