L E S  L A W R E N C E    

(1963) Les Lawrence received his B.A. Degree in Commercial Art from Southwestern Oklahoma State University.  His first employment was as an illustrator for a large department store, but he was wanting more three dimensional experiences. He had little knowledge of sculptural techniques in clay and metals.

(1964) He enrolled at Texas Tech University where he found ceramics, sculpture, art history as well as watercolor painting, courses he had not studied.

It was an adventuresome group of mature students and they explored kiln construction, pug-mill building, welding techniques and designed and constructed kilns as well as a bronze and aluminum foundry. Ceramic classes taught the basics of the potters wheel as well as other clay construction techniques. Sculpture classes stressed welded steel and cast sculpture techniques.

(1966) While attending an art conference in Houston, Texas he interviewed for a university teaching position. He was hired to start the sculpture and ceramics programs at Hardin - Simmons University, Abilene, Texas. He built kilns and a foundry. He taught not only those classes but drawing, commercial art, and art history.

(1968) Lawrence entered the Graduate Ceramic Program at Arizona State University where he built more kilns and found freedom to develop his interest in clay. His works from this time emphasized the plasticity of clay and crystalized his love of experimentation in art techniques.

(1970) He graduated with a MFA Degree In Art Ceramics from Arizona State University. He was appointed Head of Ceramics at Grossmont College in the San Diego area. A short time later in that first semester the ceramic building burned down. Classes were held in the art gallery and later in a large portable building. By some luck the burned building was 100% insured and one year later a beautiful replacement building and facility was ready for classes.

Kiln Building At Hardin-Simmons University 1966

Graduate Work Bisque ready for Glazing 1969

Throwing Pots In His Studio at ASU

©  LawrenceArts all rights reserved 2014

1960 - 1970

Arizona Kiln Built At ASU