Biography
Kevan Henry Hardacre is essentially a self-trained artist and writer. An insatiable learner at school, he was none-the-less forced to work in an abattoir/factory at fourteen with the prospect of graduating at 18 with a rifle and a slouch hat. He felt crushed, but complied, for the family needed every penny to survive. Troubled, like many by the approaching army of invasion he set out to be even more humane and better educated. (Sanity must return one day, he reasoned). He regularly carried a dictionary and continued to read and learn as he worked. Each free day he rambled the bushland, trying to understand. He wrote, drew and painted, for in nature he found great truths, solace and inspiration… indeed, an insight into the universal values that make Life decent. All Life is Sacred. Art is Life. He drew it all on the factory walls until the first atomic bombs fell obscenely and needlessly on innocent people… and the madness staggered to a bloody halt.
“Celebrate Life every Precious Day…but at the Same Time Live It Simply so that Others may Simply Live.”
Later, he moved to Sydney, (a small frog in a big pond) to try his luck. Working initially as a freelance illustrator he drew adventure strips, and later became art editor and art director to a virile publishing company whose magazines became so good they were bought out by another, large corporation. A new pond, a new frog. Kevan established himself anew as a Design and Art Consultant and worked with large indigenous and international corporations on product design and services promotions. Essentially a specialist in printing and display design and production he ran a team of artists. Later, he installed a number of large murals and mural/displays and then retired early to find himself, again. He painted and described in text all the avifauna listed for Australia and New Zealand before he taught Graphic Design in the Technical and Further Education division of the Dept of Education, NSW. Kevan's authentic artworks express a regard for Truth and Life that appeals to all sensitive collectors who naturally understand.
Kevan believes that no matter who the artist is or how or what the artist chooses to paint, and in whatever style or medium, it is ART so long as the artist is genuine and is trying to say something worthwhile. Wildlife art demands particular skills; comprehension of the subject and atmospheric effects, and practice in drawing and painting techniques with no ‘gimmicks'. Above all the artist must desire to show one cares, and wishes others to care about life ..... to be Naturally authentic.
Welcome!
“I am a committed Naturalist trying at all times to live in harmony with, not against Nature… without greed, without harm. All Life is sacred and a truly intellectual vitality, when firmly linked with compassion leads one to personal, inner well-being. Through a firm denial of greed, (enough is enough.) and by love integrity, honesty and harmony one finds ‘Nirvana, Bliss. I often detach and give myself time to think, for that separates me from the pointless pursuits of the materialistic masses and re-positions me in the Natural life force, the stream of controlled consciousness. Relax and relate; share and care. In my art I try to convey such philosophies, the right attitudes to Life and Love, … naturally”
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