James Oliver Gallery

LAUREN HAWKINS

Lauren Hawkins, Stray Thoughts: Dream Sequence III, 19 x 48 inches

I use paint to tell meaningful stories with images. When I paint these images I use color to portray feeling, such as the changing light of day and the moods it creates. Additionally, I use symbolic subjects to express common themes significant to all individuals. For example, the stray dog paintings are about more than just a dog. These paintings represent any individual that at one time struggled and then prevailed.
The dog is all of us.

- Lauren Hawkins
Artist Statement

Lauren Hawkins, Stray Thoughts: Dream Sequence II, 19 x 48 inches

Lauren Hawkins, Stray Thoughts: Dream Sequence IV, 48 x 19 inches

Lauren Hawkins, Safe, 16 x 20 inches

Lauren Hawkins, Rear Window, 18 x 24 inches

Lauren Hawkins, Liberace, 16 x 20 inches

Lauren Hawkins has immortalized Liberace's image in a painting that is signed on the back by Jonathan Adler.

Featured at the James Oliver Gallery from February 29th until Saturday, April 12th:

please click image above to enlarge

Liberace is a Norwich terrier adopted by designer Jonathan Adler in 1999. Liberace is "the light" of his life and a regular in Adler's designs.

in the Artist's Own Words....

When Jonathan Adler was visiting Philadelphia I had the opportunity to discuss my work with him. At that time, I explained to him that I do not use black in my palette because when black is mixed with colors it can become muddy-- instead I use deep purples and blues.

Jonathan replied, "I think you are onto something."

Color is very important to me in my paintings and it is also important to Jonathan in his designs. Later, I was able to discuss with him a color study I did of the iconic image of his dog, Liberace. Jonathan thought I captured "Lee" very well.

He said to me, "you are a very talented broad."

I said, "look who's talking," and he laughed.

Then he signed the back of the Liberace painting:
"J' adore. xoxo Jonathan Adler." (Translation-- "I adore, xoxo Jonathan Adler").

- Lauren Hawkins