Artist Profile: Simone Lawrence
(Photo credit: Empire Photography)
Simone Lawrence is a black, queer womyn and artist hailing from the Bay Area, California. Since residing in Madison, WI, Simone has worked at cultivating her lifelong passion and self-taught talents in acrylic painting, drawing, mural art and performance art. Her work most commonly centers the lens of art activism and revolution in an effort to educate and create conversation around the history of various art movements and social justice movements. Lately, this is most easily done by way of surrealist art. However, She does also highly enjoy doing pet portrait commissions.
1) How do you continue to grow as an artist? Is it more of an organic or intentional process...or both?
My craft is fueled by dedication. Over the course of my artistic journey, I have intentionally made a commitment to lean on dedication, which has helped me grow in ways I’ve never imagined. For me, this means agreeing and following through on opportunities that are new, big—and sometimes scary. It means attempting artistic techniques or styles that feel foreign to me and allowing the project to come to completion. It means creating spaces, attending art shows and giving talks which allow me to expose my work and it’s meaning, as well as expand my platform and target audience—no matter how uncomfortable. Dedication to growth and to making art a significant part of my life has ultimately provided me strength plus an unwavering desire to spread my message of fighting injustice while showcasing black beauty—a message woven through my work and now throughout my life. Art activism has provided a way to feel firm in my convictions and challenge others in their ideals.
2) Do any of the following words accurately reflect past (or present) themes explored in your artwork: 'repurpose,' 'representation' or 'revolt'?
If I were to define ‘revolt’ I would say it means to take rise; to fight; to rebel. My work aims to challenge current systemic systems and white supremacist ways of thinking. My art provides an avenue to question the status quo and generate difficult conversations, which I hope ultimately promotes change. I aim to produce work that is Black-centric which may represent “revolt” to many who aren’t used to seeing black and brown folx at the forefront.
(Photo credit: Empire Photography)
3) Any details you're willing to share about your current work(s) in progress?
My most recent mural on the side of Neuhauser Pharmacy on Monroe St. in Madison, WI features a vending machine full of systemic inequalities and a line of children of color waiting to choose from these options. A white woman is handing them money while also (in)directly blocking the pathway for new shipment boxes of justice to refill the machine. For white people, performative allyship is something I wanted to call attention to. Many folks fail to consider how they may give money to charities without doing the proper research to understand organizations’ core beliefs or contributions to injustice. They fail to consider how they go to protests or wear BLM gear, but still vote in favor of legislators who support the inequities featured in the machine. For black or brown people, I wanted us to reflect on our options in this world: 1) accept the inequalities in the vending machine; 2) create a path to change or rework the system from within and the options society hands to us; or 3) unplug/destroy the system all together. These are the systemic issues I want my work to call attention to. If I can stir reflection in any viewer, then my artistic purpose is accomplished.
4) Fave installation, exhibition, writing &/or performance by another artist that you've recently encountered?
Big shout out to Melana Bass, a black artist also based in Madison, WI. She was one of the first artists I looked up to here. Her talent featuring black beauty—along with her dedication, production value and overall humility is something to be sought after. Check out her marvelous work!