The estuaries and coastline of Suffolk has been a source of inspiration for Roger Hardy. In his sculptures, he uses found river and sea wood that have had a previous life and have been worn by time and tide. Roger re-shapes and carves that wood giving it back life and soul in the form of the human figure. The estuary on the river Alde has been another Roger’s inspiration for the latest years. Whether searching at low tide for wood worn by time and tide or collecting fragments from the boat yards, these found elements are relics of history and past time.
Using found river wood in sculpture has a previous life and a story to tell. Although the wood Roger finds has mostly been worked by man, nature has reclaimed it and shaped it over time. By re-shaping and carving found wood, Roger saves it and gives it back life and soul in the form of the human figure, revealing the layers of history and life it once had.
When working on groups of figures, Roger reflects on the recent migration and movement of people from troubled lands. The river where he finds the elements is, of course, a significant conduit for the movement of people and the spreading of cultures.
Roger attended Kingston Upon Thames University and graduated with a B.A.hons in graphic design in 1994. After working in design for ten years in London, he moved back to Suffolk. He has been represented by jaggedart since 2019.