About

Jo Hards

Gothic, fantasy & doll artist

My name is Jo Hards. I am a UK based, self representing artist, specialising in Gothic fantasy art and Gothic art dolls. Raised in a  family of artists and musicians, I grew up in Yorkshire, in the North of England. I briefly attended art school in my teens, but felt that life outside of education had more to teach me at that time. From an early age, I was never happier than when  I was lost in my own fantasy world, which I loved to express through music and art. My work is influenced by myths and fairy-tales, Gothic and alternative culture, and Sixties subculture. Mostly self taught, I have enjoyed working in various media over the years, including acrylics, graphite, coloured pencil and pastels.  Subjects I enjoy painting and drawing include Goth girls, faeries, mermaids, vampires and ghosts. In 2011, I also began making Gothic themed, cloth art dolls. My Strange Little Girls are now loved by collectors all over the world. Available dolls can be found at the Strange Little Girls website. My original artwork can be found on my fantasy art website. You can also find me on Facebook, or check out my latest eBay auctions.