We were lucky to catch up with Gregory Hardy recently and have shared our conversation below.

Gregory, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

The creation of the Battle of Kings desk set has probably been the most meaningful project for me. I set out to make the pen only as part of a maker’s contest, and it involved hundreds of hours of design and work. It was really a stretch for me in terms of skills and new techniques, and really became a passion. As the pen drew near completion, I somehow convinced myself that it wouldn’t really be complete unless there was a cradle or stand of some sort. (“You spent all of this time on the pen. Do you really want someone just dropping it on his or her desk?”) I set about making the throne-shaped pen cradle…which led to a slate stand and oak base…which let to ink well, blotter and letter opener. The project was really a nights-and-weekends one tucked in between regular production pen making. The passion grew into more of an obsession before it was done, but it was enormously fulfilling work and brought me a great deal of joy to make and show at pen shows around the nation.

Gregory, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Pen making has really been a second career for me. I spent thirty-five years working in rural public schools here in Western New York State. I was a teacher (elementary for ten years, high school history for twelve), a Building Principal for seven years, and finally a superintendent for the last six years of my career.

At the time I took the superintendent position, we moved into the district and I left behind a very large, very well outfitted shop at our former home. The new job was very taxing – both in terms of energy and time – and I really needed to be doing something with my hands. I had seen videos and known people who made pens, and I decided to make the leap. I purchased a limited amount of equipment, some materials, and started. I improved in a relatively short period of time, started selling at local shows, and continued to grow the business and my skill set. The making became a full-time endeavor immediately subsequent to my retirement from schools six years ago, Today, one of my sons (Gavin) works full-time for the business as well, and we are opening a second shop space to accommodate additional growth. We ship all over the world through website sales, and attend upwards of ten national pen shows for in-person sales and networking.

I have actively worked with my hands for my entire life. As a young person, I learned some basic jewelry making skills, and decided to apply that skill set to my pen making. It has been the metalwork on our pens that has set us apart from other artisan pen makers. All of our metalwork is done in our shop and continues to be a drawing card for us.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

I think society is taking care of this on its own. s I study the demographic of my customers, I am finding that many of them are younger – in their thirties and forties – and are placing less emphasis on volume and more emphasis on quality. They like the idea of having a pen that is handmade. They like one-of-a-kind. They like talking (and shaking hands and hugging) the person who made their pens.

Moreover, society has become so very digital in nature, that my customers – particularly the younger ones are sitting at a keyboard or with phone all week. They work at night. They are very connected to the digital world. My pens – using a fountain pen and ink and nice paper – become the right-brain refuge for them. It is an analog opportunity to relax and enjoy some time away from the digital society in which they make their livings.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

I really am driven by the prospect of being better at my craft. I have always described myself as a “hammer maker.” I make the hammers so that others can build beautiful cathedrals though writing, penmanship, drawing, and so on. Some pen makers take themselves a little too seriously and view their pens as the final product. I am more focused on improving function while always looking for ways to make then pens more beautiful. That balancing act is really the focus of the journey.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.hardypens.com
• Instagram: @hardypenwrights
• Facebook: Hardy Penwrights

Image Credits

Portrait Image by Michael Whitney