Artist in conversation: Viviane Lawson
“ I have a vision that you can make change and a difference with art”
Viviane Lawson is a true enchantress of art. She draws inspiration from themes such as feminine energy and mother nature to create works of art that touch the soul. An appealing blend of surrealistic and realistic styles, combined with real-life motifs and imaginative elements, can be found in her artwork. Viviane Lawson has a clear vision: a new earth. She wants to change the world through her art and help people to remember their light. With every brushstroke, she transports us into a new world full of magic, magnetism and light.
What initially inspired you to become an artist, and how did you develop your unique style?
I never had the intention to become an artist, art and being creative was just always in my genes and in my space through my mother and her father. It was something I would always do as a kid, then in school and in between. What inspired me to become an artist in the end was, when people said I should sell my art and were mesmerised by it. My style developed through time and will develop as my personality evolves.
Do you have any rituals or routines that help you get into a creative mindset when starting a new project?
My ritual before starting a new project is to cleanse the space, put on a candle, drinking tea and let it flow through me without any expectations or plans ahead. And listening to some good music.
Are there specific techniques or mediums that you feel particularly connected to when expressing the themes of nature, the universe, and femininity in your art?
Currently I am very drawn to floral themes and surreal portraits to express the connection between the feminine energy and earth. Intertwining earth and cosmos.
Growing up surrounded by artistic influences from your mother and grandfather, how have their styles or philosophies shaped your approach to art?
My mother had an influence on my art, not only from her being a full time artist, her sense of creativity and ideas, but as well as her being a feminist, who always fought for women rights. Also she had her little studio at our home and was illustrating every day. I loved her art.
Can you discuss a specific piece of your art and the story or message behind it?
The Goddess of Joy came into form when I wanted to express the joy of women and also of black women in particular. In history they were talked about as poor or angry without any rights, but in reality there is so much joy and strength. Also I wanted to remind of the Golden African age.
How do you incorporate feedback from critics and audiences into your artistic practice, and how do you balance this feedback with your own artistic intuition?
If I‘d get critique I would be grateful, but at the same time stick to my own style and ideas.
How do you stay motivated and inspired despite any setbacks or creative blocks you may encounter?
I stay motivated by always taking pauses in between painting. When I paint I am in it for hours, sometimes one day. Then, if I need to, I take a day or more off for other things and then get back to painting fresh, full of excitement and a clean mind.
How do you feel about exhibiting your artworks with The Holy Art Gallery?
I am honoured and excited to be working with such a modern gallery and looking forward to see my work in the Holy Art Gallery exhibition Aura. Since the background of three paintings is actually an aura, I thought it fits perfectly.
Looking ahead, what are your long-term goals and aspirations as an artist, and how do you plan to achieve them?
Long term wise, I want to continue painting on large canvases and touch people with my art. I have a vision that you can make change and a difference with art. That's my plan.
What role does emotion play in your creative process, and and how do you aim to evoke specific feelings or reactions from those who view your artworks?
I paint in whatever emotion I am in. So I am not only in the flow when I am sad as a lot of artists are. Through the colours I choose and the energy I give into a painting, I believe it transfers a deep knowing, when people looking at my art.
