Lawrence William, passionate artist in Brittany: from life journey to sensitive creation

Can you introduce yourself?

I am Lawrence William, an artist and author based in Brittany. I work in Pont-Aven… in a shared studio. The history of the town, known as the “city of painters,” is very inspiring, and the spirit of Paul Gauguin is still very much present there. Today, I am fully developing my artistic activity.

What has been your journey?

My journey has been quite unusual, but one thing is certain: I have always been passionate about art. I had a cousin who was an amateur painter and illustrator, and a father who passed on his love of comic books to me through Gaston Lagaffe, Asterix, L’Écho des Savanes… and Métal Hurlant too. I fell into the cauldron very early on, like Obélix! As a child, I drew everywhere, sometimes secretly in my notebooks, even if it meant getting told off. Art has always attracted me, without me really knowing why or how, it seemed natural and so enjoyable. Having artistic figures in my circle played an important role. I also had this sensitivity for music, photography, and all forms of creative art in general.

When it came time to study, I couldn’t attend art school or a private school, mainly for financial reasons. So I turned to university studies in marketing and communication. I worked for about fifteen years in very different fields: management, marketing, tax exemption consulting…

Then I had a profound crisis of confidence, particularly during the financial crisis in 2008… I left everything behind to go back to school and study humanitarian project management. I went to Cameroon to work for an organization fighting HIV and malaria. Then I moved to Marseille, where I worked for Médecins du Monde, then in the social sector. I worked with migrants, women who were victims of violence, and children in the context of child protection. All of these human experiences were extremely powerful. And then one day, after another period of soul-searching, I sat down at home and reopened Pandora’s box… a box full of notebooks, pencils, and projects that had been left aside. I started drawing seriously again, even though I had practiced a little from time to time… I had to go beyond the technical basics of drawing.

At the age of 47, I decided to enroll in art school and then really get started. I returned to Brittany, “home” as they say, and was lucky enough to find a shared studio in Pont-Aven. Since then, I have devoted myself fully to my artistic activity: illustration, comic book projects, exhibitions… My first album is currently being printed and will be released in a few days. I will be presenting it in Angoulême during the cultural event “Le Grand Off,” where I will also be offering workshops for children and adults in addition to book signings.

What materials do you use in your work?

I work with many different techniques. When painting on canvas, I mainly use oil and acrylic, but also mixed media with charcoal, black chalk, etc.

On paper, I often use watercolors, India ink, colored inks, black chalk, etc. I love exploring materials, because each one brings a different atmosphere, texture, and emotion.

My work is very focused on human expression: gazes, faces, emotions. I think my background in social and humanitarian work greatly influences what I create. My work is marked by very powerful human encounters. I like to tell stories through images. They can be inspired by everyday life, an encounter, a film, current events. Everything becomes material for creation. My goal is to convey emotions, stories, and feelings through drawing and illustration and to provoke reflection that I share with those I meet along the way.

Do you have a favorite work or artist?

My great master is Enki Bilal. There’s actually an anecdote about this that I recount in my album. One day in Rennes, I came across a huge poster of him, with a very powerful portrait of a woman and a phrase that had a profound effect on me. This image resonated with my commitments, my sensibilities, my relationship with people, and the status of women. I am very attached to humanist values, equality, and the uniqueness of each individual. And for me, Bilal also embodies a very accurate view of the world, history, and geopolitics. He is an artist who observes society deeply and transcribes it with intelligence, sensitivity, and beauty. I had the chance to meet him, and he was encouraging and very attentive.

I also have other major influences, such as Gustav Klimt, Egon Schiele, Modigliani, and John Singer Sargent. I am passionate about the period from the Renaissance to Impressionism, but I am also very sensitive to contemporary art, African art, and Asian art. In general, images in all their forms immediately strike a chord with me.

Has drawing always been a part of you?

Yes, absolutely. Even when I was working in business or social services, drawing was always there, somewhere. I even used it as a communication tool, especially with young migrants when language was a barrier. Drawing allows you to create a connection beyond words. In art therapy, too, I saw how much it could help to tell life stories and express profound things. I find that images have something universal and timeless about them. We all held a pencil and drew before we even knew how to write. For me, drawing is an extremely powerful tool, almost magical.

What do you offer on Nohô?

On Nohô, I offer workshops on drawing and illustration. These are suitable for beginners as well as people who already draw, those who want to regain confidence, start creating again, or simply discover something new.

I love teaching. I’ve taught classes to children and adults, and it’s always a real pleasure. If I can help people progress in their practice, dare to express themselves through drawing, I do so with great pleasure.

Can you tell us about the Angoulême festival?

This year is quite unusual. The official comic book festival has been canceled, but instead there will be a huge “Grand Off” event. Around 500 authors will be present throughout the city. There will be workshops, book signings, drawing concerts, exhibitions, conferences, performances, round tables… The whole city of Angoulême will be alive with creativity and drawing.

I will be at the Espace Franklin, in the Corto Maltese room, with around forty other artists from the association “Les Dauphins de la BD”. Above all, it will be a wonderful opportunity to meet and share with comic book, illustration and art enthusiasts, an event that I would describe as historic and exceptional!