A contemporary artist able to breathe new light and harmony into a space via abstract form can be a rarefied skill. With a dialogue between geometry and soft edges, artist, creator and also founder of Studio Lawrence, George Lawrence is achieving just that. His work with lines, levels and monochromatic tones create characteristic work to bring a new energy to spaces, clearly evident by the placement of this art within House of Kip’s interiors. As one of our favourite British artists, House of Kip caught up with the man in question…
Describe your artistic concept and direction
Having spent the early part of my working career in the fashion industry as a buyer, much of my inspiration emanates from there. I have always been fascinated by fabrics, from how they look, feel and react to colour. I have tried to translate this in my work by moving away from ‘conventional’ fabric bases to paint on, such as cotton or linen canvas, and experimenting with what I believe to be much more interesting textiles. I like to keep things clean and simple. It creates a subtle impact. And that’s what I love.
How do you retain sustainability values in your work
Sustainability is a huge part of what I do. Initially my art career grew out of up-cycling pre-loved canvases. This has gradually become a smaller part of the business where working with second-hand items do not necessarily guarantee good quality, which gives the potential for artwork to not be what it should; timeless.
I am now working on lowering my carbon footprint on many other fronts. Whether it be ensuring the packaging I use is largely biodegradable and fully recyclable, or sourcing and researching new fabrics to work with, made using recycled and organic fibres and milled in ethical factories. We also use wood for our frames that is PEFC and FSC-certified that ensures the wood is farmed sustainably. Plus, we use carbon neutral delivery services only.
By its very nature, original artwork is an extremely sustainable practice. It is created by hand rather than being manufactured in bulk and thus intended to last. I always want to go that one step further to make sure every decision I make, from design to delivery, has sustainability at the forefront. It may cost a few extra pounds, however it costs the earth a lot less.
What artists inspired your work?
That’s a difficult one! I don’t think any inspired me to be an artist necessarily, however I do really like Daniel Arsham, Sage, Alice Watt and Aythamy Armas.
What projects are you currently working on?
I’m working with a retailer/brand I have followed for a while. It’ll be the first time customers will see my work in the flesh before buying, which if you told that to an art purist, they’d find it crazy!
Whereabouts are you based in London?
I’m just outside London on the London-Essex border.
Describe your ideal weekend in London
Good question! Ideally we’d be in spring or early summer – this time of year in fact! I’d go for a run first thing – personally, I don’t think there’s a better way to explore a city. I’d stay at a cool hotel, probably The Hoxton in Southwark or Chiltern Firehouse in Marylebone. I love the restaurant Caravan and so I’d go there for brunch and then stroll around for a few hours. There’s a new restaurant in Hackney called Café Cecilia that I really want to go and so I’d head there for dinner, or perhaps Luca in Clerkenwell.
What has been your career highlight so far?
Being part of a project with my favourite interior designer, Rebecca Wakefield. This led to a feature in The Sunday Times’ Style Magazine which was definitely a career highlight!
What future projects do you have in store?
I have plans to expand the business into different areas to sit alongside my artwork and will also finally launch my website!
What’s your top London secret?
Caravan in Fitzrovia – it has it all. Amazing food, cocktails, atmosphere, interiors… the lot!
Describe your home in three words
This questions varies hugely before and after children… I’d like to say contemporary, relaxing and unpretentious, but as anyone with kids knows its more likely to be busy, noisy and full of colourful plastic toys that get hidden away at the end of each day under the pretence we are child free until the next day!
Studio Lawrence
@studio.lawrence
enquiries@studiolawrence.co.uk
