Meet Podi Lawrence | Artist – 2D

We had the good fortune of connecting with Podi Lawrence and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Podi, what’s something about your industry that outsiders are probably unaware of?
The amount of time that it takes to produce artwork. I have found this consistent throughout the creative world.
Customers/commissioners do not realise that there is a long thinking process before pencil touches paper even and then the actual process of painting can take an unknown amount of time.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Taking one question at a time.. No it wasn’t easy. I overcame my challenges, and there were lots, because I stubbornly believed I could be successful.
The first lesson you learn once you have achieved the level you are happy at, is to learn how to accept rejection! Because you will be rejected many, many times. You have to believe in yourself. I know because it still happens to me 60 years on.
I think my job is to tell people that the world and its occupants is fascinating, intriguing, exciting, complex and a joy.
I start a painting when I have been inspired by a particular view, occasion, person. I look for the light, its light that gives interest into the shadows! Then I have to translate that within the limitations of the material I chose to use.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I live in one of the most interesting places on the south coast of England. It is historically intriguing right back to pre-historic times. But most of all it is breathtaking for its surrounding views, in all sorts of weather. I live on the tied island of Portland, part of the Jurassic coast..
So a walk around the island will take us at least half a day. Starting from where I live we will walk the coastal path on the West side with views across the West Bay where you can see down to Devon on a clear day. Tout Quarry now a preserved area for wildlife and sculpture, where you can learn to work with the famous Portland Stone. Later passing by the older church St.Georges. and then down to the Portland Bill lighthouse – stop for lunch (crab salad is the best). The path then turns to the East and North passing the best beach at the bottom of several hundred steps. On to the Verne – a prison built in the 19th century literally cut out of the high angle rocks. In one of the many finished quarries there is evidence of the history of the island. The cafe, which is run by the inmates who are about to return home. Then down to the Port where many of the latest cruise ships stop. And the British Sailing Academy headquarters is located in the adjacent harbour.
That’s day one! Then on to the mainland where there are many other historical places to visit and the rolling hills of Dorset.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Having spent most of my adult life in the art-scene, that is a difficult question to answer as I would come up with a multiple number. But in particular….

In the ’80s – being accepted by several Societies exhibiting at the Mall Galleries in London. And by being involved there, met several well known artists and in particular Ken Payne, Tom Coates and Moira Huntly, all gave me great encouragement.

When my local theatre, the Wycombe Swan, first opened (c1987), I and others were asked to illustrate the opening celebration. This introduction led eventually to a residency with the English National Ballet (1993).

But these would not have come about if I hadn’t pushed myself and been convinced I was doing the right thing

Website: https://www.podilawrenceartist.com

Instagram: Podi.law

Linkedin: Podi (Clack)Lawrence

Twitter: Podi Lawrence

Facebook: PodiStudio

Youtube: @podilawrence339.1

Other: FB: Chesil Fine Arts + Studio of Podi Lawrence

Image Credits
the artist