Meet Isabella Hardin: Whimsy, Emotion, and the Art of Living
There’s something special about encountering an artist’s work before you know anything about them.
When I first saw a Isabella Hardin’s piece, a bold red dog that instantly reminded me of Clifford, I was drawn in by its playful, almost childlike energy. But after reading more about her process, I'm starting to wonder what deeper emotion might be sitting just beneath the surface. That contrast of whimsy with something darker underneath feels very true to her work.
Isabella is a multidisciplinary artist based in Austin, working primarily in 2D mediums like acrylic on canvas and oil pastel drawings. But beyond materials, what stands out most is how closely her art is tied to her emotional world.
Tell us a little about yourself and your creative practice.
“I am Isabella Hardin and I am a multidisciplinary artist. I create mostly 2D art with either acrylic paint on canvas or furniture or drawings using oil pastels. I have also been taking photos and experimenting with short form media in the form of videos or reels since I can remember.
I am often inspired by strong emotions… sometimes sadness or anger. A lot of times anger actually.”
When did you first realize you wanted to pursue art seriously?
“I’ve probably taken art seriously for a long time, only in secrecy… a large part of being an artist is really who you are and how you live your life rather than solely the act of creating art.”
How would you describe your artistic style?
“My artwork usually looks very silly and whimsical but there can be dark underlying themes not often observed initially.”
What does a typical creative day look like for you?
“My idea of the perfect day of creating looks like sleeping in until about 9 am. Meditating for 20 minutes right upon waking. I then enjoy a cup of coffee with whipped cream… I’ll probably sing loudly and practice alongside my favorite musicians… and then create inspiring art via channeling from some kind of infinite source.”
I love this answer. It’s such a reminder that creativity doesn’t have to be rigid, it can be something you ease into, something you allow.
(I’ve also been learning about sleep chronotypes recently and how different rhythms support creativity in different ways. I’m excited to explore that more & share.)
What has been a meaningful moment in your creative journey?
“One of the most meaningful moments was creating a door sign for Guy’s Poboys in New Orleans that still hangs today… More recently, being part of the Summer Salon at Cloudtree Gallery in East Austin is something I’m really proud of.”
What are you currently exploring?
“I am currently exploring very bold instinctual media that feels natural to me… painting larger spaces.”
How do spaces influence creativity?
“I can’t think in dirty, chaotic, or unsightly places much less create.”
Where can people find your work?
“I don’t have an interest in selling original pieces online… you can find me at vendor markets around Austin or hopefully in more galleries and publications in the future.”
Instagram: @isabellahardin
TikTok: @bellof.theball
Website: Portfolio
I’m excited to continue watching Isabella’s work evolve and to see where her instinct leads her next!