Gregory Lynn Hard- nicknamed Rocky at birth – was born to a cross culture as the product of the Creek Indian blood of his Revolutionary-era great-great-great-grandfather and a great-great-grandmother from the Civil War era. It was this background that Rocky believes inspired a vision.
In this vision, Rocky sees his Indian self kneeling beside a lake… glistening metallic particles streaming through his fingers like sand. His consciousness tells him that in his hands is the ability to make the particles into a future and a livelihood. His gallery and his work are the manifestation of that vision.
RESUME
Born: July 15, 1949 – Guantanamo Bay, Cuba
1969 – Horseback across Central Afghanistan with Uzbek Nomads
1972 – Graduate BA – University Of Maryland, Cinematography and Creative Writing
“Tous Va Tres Bien” – film made with participation of Jean Lac Godard (Father of Modern film)
1973 – Assistant to Director Conquest Of Peru, BBC (Largest production in history of BBC)
Climbed Chachani (25,000 Ft.) with German team Drove first vehicle around East side of Lake Titicaca. Recognized by Peruvian & Bolivian Authorities
1974-75 – Learned stone cutting and metalsmithing from Peruvian and North American Indians
1976 – Won “Best of Show” Award at Great Gulf Coast Arts Festival (One of top 50 in U.S.)
1975-78 – Further study at Rhode Island School of Design, Jewelry Institute and the Guild of the Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths (English Guild)
Numerous Awards – (60 plus) Photography and Metal Smithing in Regional American Craft Shows throughout the Southeast including “Southeast Regional” Macon, GA – Best in 3-Dimensional Design – 1978
1982 – Knoxville World’s Fair. Produce “Burning Sphere” Design
1986 – First Place Jewelry – Great Gulfcoast Art Festival
1989 – Commissioned to produce gold medal for Roy Jones, Jr. for Naval Aviation Depot. Presented live on Ted Koppel at NAS, Pensacola
1990 – First Place Jewelry – GGAF. Judged by most eminent juror ever at GGAF who picked an unprecedented 4 pieces for final judging and stated:
“In this day and age it is rare to find any fine art in precious metals and gemstones. This is the rare exception.”
Lloyd Herman,
Director Emeritus of Fine Arts
Smithsonian Institution
1991- Commissioned to produce Coronation suite for King Ocansey of the Ada District in Accra, Ghana, Africa.
1992- Award of Distinction – GGAF and Finalist for the Diamond International Award
1995 – Commissioned to produce World Championship collection for Roy Jones, Jr.
1995 – Assembled free museum displaying largest permanent Collection of Dinosauria and unique anthroplolgical “Evolution of Ornament” not for profit attracts many including school groups through college level.
1997 – Commissioned to produce “Champion of Peace” belt Muhammad Ali.
1998 – Donated “Peoples Award” for Roy Jones, Jr. as recognition for the Olympic Order
1998 – Commissioned to produce 3rd Centennial Celebration Necklace “Tristan at Pensacola Pass” presented November 21st, 1998 at NAS
2000 – Partnered largest gem quality Emerald, 250 carats, cut in the world with Gus Varanza, the renowned DeBeers of Emeralds.
2002 – Awarded North American Designer of Choice