Today we’d like to introduce you to AVM Hawkins.
Hi AVM, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I began painting abstract art frequently during my 1L year in law school as a means to express pent up ideas and emotions. Studying law was my world, 24/7. That intense level of focus and dedication left a huge vacancy in my soul, where I greatly desired to express myself creatively. At that time, I was living in extreme conflict within myself, knowing that I was an artist, but was only presenting myself potentially as a future attorney. The more I placed art on the back burner, delving completely into my studies, the more unhappy I became; and ironically, the worst I performed academically. It was not until one night, triggered by stress and frustration, I decided to take a break from studying, and paint.
I remember driving home from school upset, feeling like I was at my wits’ end, where I decided to release these emotions onto three brand new, 36 x 24 inch canvases. I originally saved these canvases, which were a big financial investment for me at the time, for a “great” idea or concept that never came. That night, I completed three abstract paintings. From that night on, I often painted, building a body of work. Interestingly, the more I painted as an outlet, the better I performed academically.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
No, it has not been a smooth road. It has been a very exciting, challenging and rewarding journey. Most of the struggles are normal challenges that come when one is pursuing their passion and are pushing themselves outside of their comfort zones. Challenges are invitations to overcome adversity. They are opportunities to grow in all aspects: physically, spiritually and mentally.
Some of the challenges along the way have been taking the leap to go full-time as an artist, overcoming personal fears of failure and of what others may think of me. I have pulled several all-nighters, painting, building frames and stretching canvases, significantly investing in materials and hardware in preparation for an exhibition without any guarantee that it will yield desirable results. There are a lot of things that I am not in control of, but this is just a part of the process and the journey of being an artist. I try to channel any fearful energy I may have into action and aim my focus on the gift of each day where I have the privilege to create art for a living.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a visual artist and a contemporary painter. My fine art is best described as abstract expressionism. I specialize in large scale and custom size artwork perfect for designing and styling any interior residential or commercial space. I am known for my abstract artwork, where there is usually a positive meaning, inspiring message or representation that exudes from my work. It is always my intention to create beautiful yet meaningful art that could potentially positively shift the energy of a room, of the viewer or a neighborhood.
I am very proud that I always push myself outside my comfort zone with my art. I never stick with one certain style or medium but am constantly experimenting and exploring new ideas. I am very proud that my work constantly changes and evolves as I do as a person and as an artist. What makes the work unique is that even I cannot recreate past work. It would be an attempt to not only recreate an image, but also the exact energy, thoughts and inspiration of that specific moment in time. So much of what I do is unconscious, free-flowing within the moment, that I could never recreate those moments or movements no matter how hard I try.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
I love the diversity and inclusiveness of Houston and I love how during times of adversity, Houstonians come together to help one another. I have witnessed this countless times during my 17 years here but personally first hand, when evacuating and relocating to Houston from New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina. I have met so many wonderful people here in Houston that have become so much more than friends, but family.
What I like least about Houston is that Houston is often tagged only as “Space City,” when it is so much more than that. So much more. Houston is rich in culture, cuisine, music and art and in my opinion, does not receive the credit it deserves as a major metropolis one must visit. I feel privileged to call Houston home.
Contact Info:
- Website: AVMHawkins.com
- Instagram: A.V.M.Hawkins
- Facebook: AVMH Productions
- Youtube: A.V.M. Hawkins
