EV | Hardaker
Designer and Maker
The bustling city of Leeds. Home to our second store, a vibrant arts scene, Emmerdale, the artist EV | Hardaker and her spaniel/sidekick Zepp. Well known for her punchy palettes and bold, abstract style. Her signature works have become an integral part of the cityscape.
Emma's creative flair extends beyond the boundaries of a canvas or a piece of paper, transforming spaces with her vibrant and eye-catching designs. With a particular interest in architecture, Emma brings a flourish of creativity to the urban fabric, turning everyday structures into vibrant and dynamic artworks. Emma has recently completed her largest project to date – a monumental revamp of the Regent Street Flyover in Leeds. Once a dull, grey underpass, the flyover now radiates with an explosion of colours and abstract designs. Through the strategic application of paint, Emma has managed to inject an undeniable sense of joy into the structure, effectively reconnecting it with the thriving, colourful culture of Leeds.
Emma's artistic journey extends beyond Leeds, reaching as far as her hometown of Hull. Here, she's used her talents to redefine the visual identity of the Polar Bear, a popular live music venue on Spring Bank. Her signature use of bold, abstract shapes and lively colours has transformed the establishment into a beacon of creativity and vibrancy.
Whether she's revitalising public spaces or exploring personal projects, Emma's passion, palettes and abstract forms are constantly evolving. Her work is not just about creating art – it's about reshaping environments, and instilling a sense of joy and cultural identity in the urban landscapes that people interact with every day.
We have been admirers of Emma's blossoming career for some time. In 2022, we were thrilled to invite her to Manchester as our Artist In Residence. It was amazing to work with such a multi-faceted artist and maker. Although making physical products was a new experience for Emma, she brought so many ideas to the table and was involved at every stage of product development right through to the finished products you can find in a Fred Aldous Store near you.
Meanwhile, her public artistry continued to radiate joy across the region. She enlivened Stevenson Square right outside our Manchester store, brought colour to our Sheffield store's front, and back in Leeds, she transformed the hoarding boards up Kirkgate.
We're eagerly anticipating what Emma will create next and we couldn't be more thrilled to support her journey.
More of EV | Hardaker here - https://www.evhardaker.com/
