DEB LAWRENCE
Deb Lawrence was born in the US and raised in the artsy college town of Ann Arbor, Michigan. As a child, she painted with oil paints, built pots on a potter’s wheel, etched on metal with acid, silk screened, carved linoleum blocks, learned to weave on large looms, and even tried her hand at marble sculpting.
She received her Bachelor of Arts from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor and her Doctorate from CWRU, along with a mentorship in studio art from Gerald Vandevier, Professor Emeritus, Cleveland Institute of Art. She has exhibited throughout the United States including solo shows and gallery representation in NYC, Atlanta, and Cleveland, and her work has been acquired by private and public collections.
Lawrence recently moved to Hudson, NY and lives and works in the heart of the historic art and antique district in an expansive art-collected loft she calls her “Art Dwelling.” In addition to creating paintings, wall sculptures, and other innovative works, she hosts intimate gatherings with art collectors, curators, art enthusiasts, and design professionals in order to share her work, collaborate, and grow in today’s interconnected art world.
She is currently represented by Carrie Haddad Gallery in Hudson, NY; Michael Costello Gallery in Scottsdale, AZ; and Sareen Hathaway Gallery in Villanova, PA
Artist Statement
Deb Lawrence is a contemporary abstract artist known for her distinctive work combining drawing, painting, and collage in fresh authentic ways, attracting a significant following.
In a fitting nod to sustainability, she paints, manipulates, and collages previously loved materials including antique linen sheets, marred canvas, recycled brown paper lawn bags, and old textiles that come to her bearing a story and soul. Linen, handwoven by women long ago, is layered with oil paint, oil stick, marble dust, recycled paper, and leftover cutouts from the studio floor, creating striking dimensionality.
“My work is far from precious. It’s a happy day when a bundle of linen, wrapped in brown paper and tied with string, arrives on my doorstep, each sheet unique in its texture, heft and floppy hand, yet so familiar, like I’ve known her my whole life.”
Layered, pieced and creased, Lawrence’s work deals with the “beauty of blemishes” and our struggle to feel comfortable in our own skin.
“It’s the creases and imperfections that create the patina and soulfulness I strive for in my paintings and in life.”