I am an oil painter located in Rockmart, Georgia. Art has always been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. I was influenced to become an artists from my mom Lynn Hardy, who taught me everything about art before I went off to college.
I attended college at Lee University and graduated with a BFA of Studio Art with an emphasis in charcoal drawing in 2015. I am very deliberate when I paint and oil painting is my favorite medium because it dries slowly and gives me the time to work on my pieces.
My work explores the intersection of personal narrative and universal human experiences. A graduate of Lee University with a BFA in Studio Art, Olivia specializes in oil painting, self-portraiture, and anatomical symbolism. Her practice delves deeply into themes of motherhood, mental health, and identity, with a mission to connect people to their own stories and remind them that they are not alone.
Olivia’s latest series, In Their Shoes, shifts her focus exclusively to footwear as a metaphor for life’s journeys. Each shoe in the collection tells a story, capturing the strength, transformations, and milestones that shape our lives. Inspired by her belief that “every sole holds a story worth telling,” this body of work invites viewers to reflect on where they’ve been, where they’re headed, and the resilience they’ve built along the way.
Through In Their Shoes, Olivia continues her mission to foster connection and inspire courage. Whether addressing postpartum depression, anxiety, or personal growth, her work reminds us that our struggles and triumphs are threads in a shared human tapestry.
When I am not knee deep in my work, I am most definitely spending time with my wonderful husband and precious kids, Hunter, Floyd and Oliver.
Statement
My work is an exploration of stories—the ones we carry, the ones we live, and the ones we leave behind. As an artist, I am drawn to themes of identity, resilience, and connection, using visual storytelling to delve into the complexities of mental health, motherhood, and personal transformation.
In my current series, In Their Shoes, I focus on shoes as symbols of life’s journey. Shoes are more than mere objects; they are intimate witnesses to our struggles, triumphs, and evolution. Each pair holds a narrative, representing the paths we’ve walked, the challenges we’ve faced, and the courage it takes to keep moving forward.
This collection is deeply personal yet universal, reflecting my belief that every sole holds a story worth telling. Through vibrant compositions and thoughtful detail, I aim to evoke emotions that resonate with viewers, inviting them to see pieces of their own journey in the work.
By painting shoes, I hope to remind others—and myself—that no matter how winding the road, our stories matter. Together, we stand as proof of strength, transformation, and the enduring beauty of the human spirit.
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