Interview
Lawrence R. Armstrong
Lawrence has a unique, diverse design background, and embodies a renaissance approach to life. He is not only a talented artist, but an accomplished architect, designer and chairman of international architecture firm, Ware Malcomb.
Lawrence is well known for his strategic, visionary approach to design and business. His focus on creativity and innovation influence all of his artistic endeavors.
His work has been shown in Madrid, Milan, Bologna, Florence, Rome, Vienna, Toronto, New York, Miami, Fort Lauderdale and California. Armstrong has also received numerous individual awards for personal art and design, including: the Sandro Botti-celli Prize in Florence, Italy, Artavita 9th & 10th Contests, ATIM Masters Award, ATIM Choice Award, AIA Honor Award, OC Design Community Art Exhibition, Terminal Tower Design Competition Award, Shaker Square Circle within a Square Design Competition, and Cleveland Award.
What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?
“I received a Bachelor of Architecture Degree (1980) and Bachelor of Science in Architecture (1979) from Kent State University. While I pursued my degrees in architecture, I studied art throughout high school and college. I have been an artist my entire life.
My life as an artist makes me a better architect. After I stepped down as CEO of Ware Malcomb, an international design firm, I transitioned to the role of Chairman. As Chairman, I have been able to dedicate more time to my art practice. Art enriches my brain to be more creative in all aspects of my life.”
What inspires you the most?
“I am inspired by layers. I see and feel layers in every three-dimensional environment: spiritual, physical, built, or natural. I notice audio layers in music and in space, emotional layers in social groups, and intellectual layers in conversation.”
“My work, both in art and architecture, represents an ongoing exploration of the concept of layers; both how they interact and intersect with one another, and the meanings contained within.”
What themes do you pursue? Is there an underlying message in your work?
“I have a unique, diverse design background, and embody a renaissance approach to life. All of my work is abstract in nature, and is meant to convey a sense of time, place, mood, and ambiance. Much of my work expresses the inherent juxtaposition, tension, confluence of an orderly, planned orthogonal world versus the chaotic, random spontaneity present in nature and the built environment.”
What is your creative process like?
“A piece of art is often precipitated by flashes of light and inspiration, derived from anything from written text to music to a particular ambiance. Regardless of its origins, through my art, I explore the natural tension inherent in opposing forces, whether it’s the natural world versus built environments, or other paradigms such as chaos/order, free form/precision, random/planned action, and solid/void.
Since I began showing my work publicly over ten years ago, I have explored different media. I began studying layered paper compositions, and my work progressed to be more three-dimensional, with my layered canvas, and layered metal pieces. These pieces transcend their frames, and the frames become an important part of the composition. My digital sketch pieces explore conceptual layers, expressed through individual layers of lines, colors, metal and acrylic. More recently I am exploring abstract layered paint.”
How would you describe your work?
“My art is unique in its expression and interpretation of layers. Intellectually, I hope to communicate the sometimes congruous, sometimes opposing forces in the world. Sophisticated and complex, the oeuvre of my work induces the viewer into existential and reflective states; simultaneously penetrating the human psyche, as well as captivating the eye. Elevating the importance of line and accentuating volume and mass, I veer from static forms and compositions and instead embrace the vigor of present reality.”
What is an artist’s role in society and how do you see that evolving?
“Artists contribute to the overall well-being and development of our society. As an artist, I believe my role is to inspire creative thought in all aspects of society and life. We, as artists, reflect the core of humanity; we are truth-tellers, knowledge seekers, and vehicles for innovation who shift the pendulum and shape how society evolves over time.”
Which artists influence you most, and what is your favorite artwork?
“I have been inspired by modern architects Charles-Edouard Le Corbusier and Richard Meier. Le Corbusier and Meier were/are architects who also created art. Further to that, I am inspired by influential contemporary artists. The artists I admire are Jackson Pollock, Piet Mondrian, Mark Rothko, Charles Arnoldi, Frank Stella, and Dale Chihuly. Their work continues to look modern, fresh, and innovative.
My favorite artwork is ‘Nude Descending a Staircase’ by Marcel Duchamp. I love the abstraction and movement. Duchamp saw movement beyond the physical and embraced how it could stir up social and emotional response.”
“My layered glass portraits explore the abstraction of facial geometries, expressed with individually cut and painted pieces of glass, in a layered assembly.”
Have you had any noteworthy exhibitions you'd like to share?
“Artblend Market Art + Design Hamptons
SOFA Chicago
Layered Vision Solo Show, New York, NY
Saphira & Ventura Solo Exhibition - Turin, Italy
LA Art Show
Spectrum Miami Art Fair
Agora Gallery, New York, NY”
