Coffee & Conversation with Dylan Hayes
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Time to read 2 min
Sitting down for a morning americano
with artist Dylan Hayes
Walk us through your ideal morning and typical day at the studio
I love to wake up early, before the sun. I usually start the day with meditation, then enjoy my coffee while watching the sunrise through the windows. Sometimes I’ll write a little or flip through some artist books before bringing a coffee to my girlfriend and letting the dog out. After that, I head to the studio. If I’m not already working on a piece, I like to sit with the stones and wood I have around—a kind of meditative practice—to see if any of them start to suggest what they want to become. Then the chiseling starts... and so does the next round of coffee. From there, it’s a quiet back-and-forth rhythm between carving, stepping back, and listening to what the material needs, until I decide to head home
What music have you been listening to lately? Any particular song on repeat?
When I find a song I love, it usually ends up on repeat. I try to fight the urge, but most of the time I lose. Lately, it’s been “San Lucas” by Kevin Kaarl—it makes me feel like I’m on some kind of adventure. I love a soundtrack to every activity.
Dylan's go-to coffee routine: stovetop espresso
Something you learned or experienced lately that inspired you?
I feel like I’m learning every time I pick up a chisel. Every stone and species of wood acts differently—it’s a language I’ll never fully master, and honestly, I don’t think I want to. I love learning by doing, and the mistakes or mishaps are part of it. Recently, I had the privilege of showing my work in Marfa, TX. The time I spent there sparked a big inspiration—the spaciousness of the landscape felt like an endless opportunity. I’m currently working out pieces inspired by the area, both in stone and in the realm of land art.
What is the relationship between nature and your work as an artist?
Nature feels like a real collaborator in my work. I use found materials like stone and wood, and I let their textures, shapes, and histories guide what they become. To me it's a form of ready made. Nature being the architect. I try not to impose on the material too much—instead I aim to be in conversation with a piece as it evolves into a new form.
What’s your go-to for getting out of a creative funk?
Typically, getting into nature to look for material or go see the art made by others. Helps me get out of my own way as much as possible.
Favorite place to travel to within driving distance – and where do you like yo stay while you’re there?
I love to drive. I’ve driven through almost every state in the US. So that’s a tough question for me. I guess it’s less about the destination for me... at times. I love driving from Los Angeles to New York. The inspiration always comes during the journey, whether it’s a basalt stone I pick up with a friend or a fallen tree I spot along a Louisiana freeway. As for where I like to stay, it’s usually a perfectly placed motel next to a Denny’s, in a small town just outside a big one.
What are you looking forward to most right now?
Finishing these wonderful questions so I can go to bed and wake up to a stunning cup of Sunnyday coffee
