Born on Deer Isle in 1917, Hardy spent his entire life on the island. After making a living as a mason, he began his career in folk art at the age of 60.

Isolated from art trends, with no formal training and only a seventh grade education, his work is concrete, raw and direct. His sculpture is very much a part of his environment. From his roughened hands come the energized versions of wooden porcupines, tigers, red foxes with alligator teeth, blue howling coyotes, seagulls and song birds; although, Hardy is authentic, he is keenly aware of the Maine mystique and learned how to package it well for his summer customers. His relationship to these people is of interest because they help to support his family and the continuation of his work.