Today we’d like to introduce you to Deidre Hardin.
Hi Deidre, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
To briefly describe my journey up til now, it’s as full of layered twists and turns as my jewelry designs display!! My health has been the core source of my emergence to create. After leaving a sixteen-year career in Colorado as an art teacher due to SLE lupus, I learned about the healing properties of copper for joint pain and circulation. It was then that I began creating pieces of jewelry to improve my hand malleability and to continue making art. Two years later, after having my daughter, I was diagnosed with post-partum cardiomyopathy and then received a pacemaker. At this time, my fatigue levels were extreme, so whenever I could find time to create, it was pure joy. The process of creating remains a source of healing for me. Fast forward five years, and my family relocated back to Texas, which is home for both my husband, Keith, and me. According to my cardiologist, had I stayed another year in Colorado, I wouldn’t have made it. However, two years here in Dallas, teaching a Seniors jewelry making class at my local rec center, I had another health scare, this one more severe, which changed my outlook on life completely. I was suffering from congestive heart failure and needed a heart transplant.
As I reflected on my reset goals and things I still wanted to leave as a legacy to my children, I began to form a pattern with copper wire. It was full of swirls, twists, and curves, a visual testimony of sorts. This then became my lifeline to maintain my sanity during such an anxious period in my life. I wanted to make this storm I was in beautiful, no doom and gloom moments. My jewelry line, Copper Signatures, was born.
Post transplant, my copper creations have been seen on Good Morning Texas, at NYFW, published in several national and international publications, walked on several local runways, in competitions, and received awards. I have collaborated with wonderful creatives along the way, and am now looking to create a coffee table book of the amazing opportunities I have experienced. It is a promise I made to my heart donor to do something with this second chance he’s given me. To leave something wonderful to say, we were here!
With copper being a natural, sustainable element, after retiring large pieces from runways (again due to my low immunity and repeated rejection episodes), I repurposed them into bodice-sized sculptural armor. They reflected the protection I saw myself in as I battled unseen illnesses. They were displayed by Eye of the Beholder Art Gallery at the San Antonio Airport for several months and again, in a full-circle moment, at Baylor Medical Hospital, where I received my heart transplant.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The obstacles I face daily are never predictable. Dealing with environmental triggers that can affect my mobility can show up as extreme fatigue or migraines that can last three days. I consider it a blessing when I can make something each day, even if it is just the baseline of a piece to finish later. I am often asked how long it takes to create my work, of which I never count the hours. I consider my creative time sacred time. Even I marvel at what I have been blessed to accomplish. Though I have challenges and limitations, it has taught me what my true values are. The first being my health, without it, nothing else moves forward. The second is time. It is a commodity I must manage wisely according to my energy.
I’m still doing what I love, within my allotted time to allow for self-care as needed. There’s a saying, while nurturing the roses, you are also watering the thorns. We all have something to overcome before we can appreciate the bloom.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a mixed media artist and copper jewelry designer. Most of my work incorporates copper details. I became “that copper lady” for about six years, recognized by those who appreciated my jewelry designs!
For the past three years, I have created figurative sculptures by incorporating copper and clay to express my emotions about dealing with lupus. I found commonality with the Tin Man from The Wiz. He suffered from the debilitation of severe joint pain and wanted to ask for a heart! Now, I embrace the a.k.a The Tin Woman who works in copper.
This past year has been a blessing. I was commissioned to create Alchemist Heart Awards for Culturs Magazine, which allowed me to travel to Los Angeles and present actress Yara Shahidi of “Grownish” and “Blackish” with the Ambassador award. I have re-established my business practice to support my time, energy, and health. I love doing commissioned work because it allows a more intimate connection with my clients, and we can co-create to meet their needs.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
There are many people to recognize for their continued support, family and friends, clients, co-creative collaborators, TV, and print. However, the main person is the one who donated his heart, allowing me to continue doing what I love. All of my successes are to honor his sacrifice. I don’t want our lives to go in vain, so I carry his memory with all that I accomplish and all that I create.
A.I.N. Competition- Meko Krout
Culturs Magazine CEO /FOUNDER Elleyne Aldine
Eye of the Beholder Art Gallery- Maria Williams
Creative Soul Photography
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/1tinwoman
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/deidrehardin
