You likely know Melora Hardin as Jan Levinson on “The Office,” or Jacquline Carlyle on “The Bold Type,” but there is another facet to her creativity the world should know more about: Hardin is a collage artist, and now; wallpaper and product designer. Hardin sat down with DNN Editor in Chief, Courtney Porter to discuss the inspiration for her new wallpaper collection, ‘Storyboards.’ They discuss her creative process, her partnership with Canadian mural-and-fine-art printer, NumérArt, and plans for an expanded home decor line.
To watch the full interview with Melora Hardin, click play on the video below:
Five Takeaways from the Interview with Melora Hardin
The boundaries between creative projects are porous. When asked about starting the wallpaper line, the conversation unexpectedly pivoted to her current documentary project. That’s because they are thematically related. Hardin says this about creating the collages for ‘Storyboards:’
“I’ve always been a collage artist, but my collages became a more serious and passionate endeavor while I was making my documentary “Hunter’s Thunder” (working title) about real-life serendipity that led to an unlikely, deep, and healing friendship that uncovers a long silenced secret and explores and celebrates how women heal and hold one another up.”
- Speaking of crossover-creatives, she draws inspiration from other bright, bold multi-hyphenates like Isaac Mizrahi (Fashion designer-Cabaret singer) and Christian Lacroix (fashion and home goods designer). Like both Mizrahi and Lacroix, Hardin isn’t afraid of dramatic prints and vibrant color palettes and identifies with the multi-hyphenate creative’s story.
- Sustainability was a major component in the manufacturing process of ‘Storyboards,’ Manufacturer, NumérArt “specializes in printing on ecological pre-pasted wallpaper made from post consumer paper fibers meeting the LEED environmental standards.” All of Meloras wallpapers are no-VOC.
- The panels are collages of the collages. They’re comprised of photographs of her original works, which make the segue from creating the collage to blowing the pictures up to full wall panels relatively seamless.
- What’s next for Hardin in the product design space: Hardin has been playing a lot in the textile space. She recently designed the Collage-Coat and skirt and is looking forward to continuing her wallpaper collaboration with NumérArt.
Melora Hardin wallpaper is available for pre-order at Melora.com
Photos courtesy of Melora Hardin
Photographer: Johan Jansson
Stylist: Randy Smith
Hair & Makeup: Steeve Daviault
