Today we’d like to introduce you to Jon Lawrence.
Hi Jon, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Working Artist 2001 – Present
Mediums: Silkscreen, Framing/Woodworking, Illustration, Sculpture, Acrylic painting, PC/Mac Photoshop
East Side Artist Coop 2001- 2005 – Executive Director
Established: Monthly Gallery exhibits, Silkscreen/darkroom work stations, Studio space for working artists.
Co- Founder Texas Biennial 2005 – Present
Duties: Jury of show, Art delivery and Install, Build-out of gallery walls, Catalogue of artist into spread sheets
Art Palace 2005
Build out of entire gallery, Installation of shows and striking, Art handling and artist register.
Build Out Design 2005 – Present
Wood working, Paint/tape float, Sheetrock, Commercial/residential installation.
Clients include: Art Palace, Parts & Labour, Gauge Knits, Wet Whistle, Mural at Bouldin Creek Coffee House, Blue Star San Antonio, Drafting Room, and many more detailed projects such as all Due East build out and West Austin Studio Tour events. LBJ Museum and Briscoe Museum
Big Medium Board of Directors 2009 – 2020
Build-out of all Gallery Installation at Canopy, Monthly board meetings, Committee formations with projects concerning East and West Tour.
LVL5 2026 – Current Museum and gallery services
Living and working in Austin since late 1990’s gave me access to a huge amount of outlets in art being born and created. I engaged and met so many talented creative people that were investing in the future of the arts scene in Austin along with artist and curators across the state.
I soon opened a cooperative art space on 3rd and Chicon, which built a base to allow access to creating and showing art.
This studio gave me access to produce zines called “Theywhosearch”, Darkeyes clothing, a woman’s clothing company in which I created and illustrated imagery which then was silkscreened on to garments, curated gallery shows giving Austin based artist a place to show and sell work.
The space grew to working with Big Medium to create the huge group show in which built out spaces for EAST Tour which created a massive wave of dialogue for Austin artist.
These partnership grew even further to the birth of the Texas Biennial in 2005.
This project opened the door to give a voice to working contemporary Texas artist across the state.
My time working on all these project have given birth to a museum and gallery service business called LVL5.
Since the birth of this new business I have been given the opportunity to work with the LBJ museum gallery at the University of Texas
LVL5.biz
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The time and experience work through all of these projects has had it ups and downs for sure.
Nothing good comes easy.
Most of the struggles with the arts in Austin and Texas is the lack of funding and commitment.
Tons of hour were donated and unpaid to accomplish these ideas and dreams.
Compounded by the boom of Austin which comes with development and prices sky rocking for artist and artist run spaces has caused many doors to close and the lack of leadership by the established institutions here to educated the ultra rich that have moved here or lived here on the value of supporting local art and artist run spaces doesn’t help at all.
The lack of partnerships and bridging the gaps would be huge help to the arts and artist.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Jon Lawrence is a multifaceted artist whose creative journey spans across various mediums, from painting and sculpture to collage and installations. Born and raised in Texas with most of his adult life in the cityscape of Austin. Jon’s work is a reflection of the dynamic energy and diversity that characterizes urban life. Drawing inspiration from the chaos and beauty of his surroundings, Jon explores themes of identity, human connection, and the interplay between the individual and the collective consciousness. His artistic vision is informed by a deep appreciation for the rich tapestry of cultures, traditions, and stories that converge in urban environments.
Beyond the canvas, Jon’s artistic practice extends to sculpture and mixed-media installations, where he experiments with form, texture, and space to evoke emotional responses and provoke thought. Through his sculptural works, he challenges perceptions and invites viewers to reconsider their relationship with the physical environment.
In the realm of collage, Jon’s harnesses Fashion and style with a touch of illustration to push the boundaries of creativity, exploring new techniques and mediums to express his artistic vision. His collage creations are a fusion of traditional but cutting-edge innovation, offering a glimpse into the pieces as he twist the world of fashion and design.
With a keen eye for detail and a relentless passion for experimentation, Jon Lawrence continues to push the boundaries of artistic expression, creating work that resonates with audiences around the world. Through his diverse body of work, he invites viewers to embark on a journey of self-discovery and exploration, challenging them to see the world through a new lens.
Jon Lawrence’s art is not merely a reflection of the world around us but a transformative experience that invites us to engage with the complexities of existence and find beauty in the unexpected.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
I would say building a strong foundation within your city and having goals and ideas that crossover with other artist and people with the same ideas, vision, and hope helps. Believing in yourself and growing these relationships as you get older opens the doors for endless opportunities if you maintain its value.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://LVL5.biz
- Instagram: Jlaw.art
