WAS THERE A PIVOTAL MOMENT WHEN YOU DECIDED TO FOLLOW YOUR PATH AS AN ARTIST?
I received a Bachelor of Architecture Degree (1980) and a 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.
CAN YOU DESCRIBE YOUR WORK FOR US?
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 DOES YOUR WORK AIM TO SAY?
I have a unique, diverse design background and embody a renaissance approach to life. All of my work is abstract in nature and meant to convey a sense of time, place, mood, and ambiance. Much of my work expresses the inherent juxtaposition, tension, and confluence of an orderly, planned orthogonal world versus the chaotic, random spontaneity present in nature and the built environment.
Lawrence R. Armstrong – Star Of The Week.
“ReudhKueitGhreBhel 2.0” Acrylic on Board by Lawrence R. Armstrong.
HOW DO YOU THINK YOUR WORK FITS WITHIN SOCIETY IN OUR PRESENT TIME?
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. As artists, we reflect humanity’s core; we are truthtellers, knowledge seekers, and vehicles for innovation who shift the pendulum and shape how society evolves over time.
WHEN LOOKING BACK, WHAT ARTWORKS COME TO MIND THAT MOST RELATE TO YOUR LIFE STORY?
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 a social and emotional response.
“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.”
“Spectrous 2.2” Acrylic on Board by Lawrence R. Armstrong.
WHO ARE YOUR BIGGEST INFLUENCES?
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.
CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT YOUR CREATIVE PROCESS?
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.
“VyolBhelBhel 2.0” Acrylic on Board by Lawrence R. Armstrong.
“VyolBhelGhreGeoluhread 2.0” Acrylic on Board by Lawrence R. Armstrong.
WHAT VISUAL REFERENCES DO YOU DRAW UPON IN YOUR WORK?
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.
ANY UPCOMING PROJECTS?
I exhibit internationally quite regularly.
I have three solo shows in 2023, two in the US and one if Florence, Italy:
- JWA Solo Show – Santa Ana, CA March 16 – April 13
- ADC Featured Artist – ADC Fine Art – Cincinnati, OH May 26 – June 16
- Layered Vision Solo Show – Galleria 360 – Florence, Italy – Oct 3 – 30
Visit this artist’s website and discover more art by our Star Of The Week Artist!
www.lraart.com
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