Hi Dylin! Tell us a bit about your background.My name is Dylin Hardcastle and I am a queer non-binary author, artist and screenwriter. I grew up in Sydney and, for as long as I've been alive, my life has revolved around the sea. I think this is why the ocean is a current that flows through all of my work - from my paintings to my writing. If you ask anyone who knows me, they'll probably tell you that I am obsessed with Antarctica and with glaciers (as they are libraries of ice - tiny particles of air telling stories of distant worlds).
Who and what has inspired you as an artist?I am inspired mostly by other writers and artists. My favourite authors are Rebecca Solnit, Tim Winton, Ocean Vuong and Maggie Nelson. I love the art of Kiki Smith, Claude Cahun and Marcel Moore. If I am stuck with writer's block, I also turn to other authors and draw inspiration from them - especially when it comes to experimenting with language and different ways of storytelling.
Being an artist, filmmaker and published author is so impressive! What are you focusing on right now?I am writing my next novel as part of my PhD, and working on developing three tv shows. I am also painting a lot, but mostly for fun!
Have you thought about doing or done any book illustrations?I haven't, but it's definitely something I'd consider!
What themes do you pursue in your paintings?Currently, I am mostly interested in blurring the boundaries between human bodies and nonhuman landscapes.
What’s integral to your work as an artist?Depth of experience! As one of my favourite authors once said to me, you need to experience the shit out of everything and to consider every experience as important, because if you don't push yourself in new directions, your next novel will just recycle the same ideas in the shape of different characters.
Professionally, what’s your goal for the future? Is it art, film or is it writing?All of the above! I see my various creative endeavours always working in tandem, feeding into and informing each other. I feel very grateful for being able to support myself through my art, and hope it stays that way!
