This initial career move was a “trial-by-fire” period gaining on the job experience through large projects often employing a team of artists. Lawren worked alongside other skilled craftspeople in old world techniques such as gilding gaining the type of education one cannot find in a classroom. It was a unique and intense period of active learning through invaluable opportunities while learning to problem solve on the fly… not the typical route of emerging artists. Through the years Lawren gradually began to combine these "street" skills with the graphic design and drawing education to cultivate a unique personal style of art on canvas. Lawren is a professional artist with over 30 years experience and has participated in international group shows such as Ferrara, Italy in 2012 and was selected as a sponsored artist by Golden Paints of New York to represent their product as an educator in Manitoba.
Some of the success Lawren enjoyed is returned to the community, as emerging artists fill his teaching workshops. Lawren’s experience has earned respect from local artists, and he has judged several Interlake juried art shows. Lawren regularly donates pieces to many worthy fund raising causes such as the Canadian Cancer Society and Winnipeg Humane Society and other arts and cultural groups. Lawren also plays jazz guitar at venues around Winnipeg and the Interlake and the approach to music follows the same lines as his art; expressive, creative and personal with an emphasis on space, and vitality.
