GET FAMILIAR
Chad M. Lawson is a true creative soul living and working in downtown St. Louis! Chad is best known for his beautiful abstracts done on salvaged wood doors and his mixing of oils and acrylics to create unique textures and movement. Painting on a hard wood surface can pose quite a challenge but he has mastered the skills to do so. Each piece of art is striking, layered, and begs the viewer to take a closer look!
BE INSPIRED
Chad finds inspiration in literature and music. Part of his process is to work on a few pieces at a time while listening to a specific musical artist or genre. The type of music influences the intensity of each stroke. One day he might add strong graffiti-like elements while listening to hip-hop and the next day add precise, delicate lines while listening to his favorite cellist.
The sankofa symbol is another important element of his work. Based on a mythical bird with its feet firmly planted forward and its head turned backwards, sankofa signifies the wisdom in learning from the past to ensure a strong future. You can see elements of this symbol in several of his works (see below)!
SHOW ME MORE
Want to see more?! Chad currently has pieces on display at the Cortex as well as Whitebox Eatery! Be sure to visit his website to see more of his amazing creations.
Chad is currently working on a collection investigating the journey and challenges within the adoption and adoptee narrative. The collection features the adding and subtracting of layers, movement, and color in the search for identity, be it past or present. This work will be revealed at his February 2017 show.
Chad is also writing a book on growth for both ones art and building lasting relationships with clients. He draws on his over twenty years of curating his own work and others, with what would these days be called “pop-up” shows. Chad started doing this in the mid 1990’s in Miami, then St. Louis, and San Francisco. The book will also contain advice and questions for both new and established artists to help them better structure their time, finances, and resources. Be on the lookout for it early next year!
Photos from my studio visit with Chad!
Viewings by appointment only.
chadmlawson@gmail.com | www.chadmlawson.com | @chadmlawson
White and light walls make a space feel fresh and crisp. Benjamin Moore Decorator’s White, Chantilly Lace and Simply White are some of our go-to paints to consider. Adding a plank treatment to the walls is a great way to add interest and texture while maintaining a neutral base. Flooring and large furniture pieces are also best when lighter in color.
Ground your space with a sisal rug. This natural textile will provide warmth, texture and durability to your space. Other elements such as a driftwood sculpture, rattan chair, or natural wood dresser will remind you of the beach and provide the layered look you’re after.
Have fun with sea-inspired artwork and decor. Blue is an obvious reference to the sea and sky and can be found in most Florida inspired rooms. Displaying a collection of sea glass, a fun piece of art that pops, or a pillow with an organic pattern will all help to enhance your space with color. Lighting is another great way to have fun with the theme, whether it be a coral shaped chandelier or capiz shell fixture, it will certainly make a statement. We love this print featured above for the color and reference to water!
Plants are so important to design. Not only do they bring a touch of nature indoors, but they also better the air quality of your home. Adding plants to every room will infuse so much color and softness into your home. In last week’s 
I don’t know about you but I am currently loving the resurgence of this tropical trend in decor and accessories. And its a good thing because I can’t open a magazine or my Instagram feed without being overwhelmed with designs or accessories embracing this element.
