Chad Hayward’s artworks, composed of acrylic, spray paint, hemp thread, and hand-dyed linen, presents a vivid exploration of form and color that speaks directly to the concept of leisure. At first glance, the artwork’s intricate layers of brightly hued dots and meandering patterns evoke a sense of wonder and contemplation. This visual complexity encourages viewers to pause and immerse themselves in the painting, experiencing it slowly and deliberately. Such an invitation to spend unhurried time with the work aligns with the essence of leisure—an opportunity to detach from structured routines and engage with art in a meditative, open-ended way.
The materials and process behind his work further enrich its connection to leisure. Hayward’s choice to incorporate hand-dyed linen and hemp thread signals a tactile and time-consuming approach to making, where the act of creation itself becomes a form of mindful leisure. These techniques suggest a rhythm of repetition and attention to detail that is less about urgency and more about presence and engagement. The artwork’s layered textures, formed by careful application of dots and lines, echo the kind of focused, peaceful state often associated with leisurely activities like embroidery, walking, or observing nature.
Finally, the work’s organic composition and radiant color palette evoke feelings of joy, playfulness, and escape—emotional states commonly linked to leisure. The swirling shapes and patchworks of color resemble natural landscapes or dreamlike terrains, offering viewers a sensory journey away from the constraints of everyday life. In this way, Hayward’s artwork functions not only as an object of aesthetic interest but also as a visual metaphor for the mental and emotional space that leisure makes possible: one of curiosity, imagination, and restoration.
