Lawrence Armando Hodge
- Big Whiz
- Jul 4
- 5 min read
Updated: 1 day ago
Artist - 1) a person who produces paintings or drawings as a profession or hobby.
a person who practices any of the various creative arts, such as a sculptor, novelist, poet, or filmmaker.
a person skilled at a particular task or occupation. "a surgeon who is an artist with the scalpel"
Webster's Dictionary
An artist, much like an author bares a sampling of their souls through their creativity and passion. In fact, writers are considered artists who work in the medium of literature. Just as authors seek to articulate their thoughts and views into words, artists must convey their vision from their minds onto canvas. If this were an easy task, everyone would be a master artisan. A Zen-like symbiosis must exist between the mental, physical and spiritual realms to convey the vision properly. The eight elements of composition are line, shape, color, value, texture, form and space. Art exists in as many forms as there are human experiences and emotions. For me, it is technique and method which are the cornerstones of adapting a style that is unique. While there are sometimes noticeable similarities between certain artists’ styles, there are also subtle nuances that distinguish between these styles. Categorizing art stretches as far back as to Egypt and Nubia. Later, the Greeks expanded upon these categories. Art is often categorized by period, movement, type, medium, form, style and more. When the artist comes into balance, he or she begins to transform basics into processes. Over time these processes are honed into a signature style. This separates the individual artist from the herd.
“Imagine walking into a museum or gallery and a diverse group exhibition is on view. It spans many spectrums of styles and mediums. From several feet away, as your eyes scan the space, you can immediately identify the names of the artists, based on the unique characteristics of their art. You are able to discern an iconic Monet painting from one by O’Keeffe or Kandinsky. This power of observation is possible because each of the artists has developed their instantly recognizable signature style."
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- Rennee Phillips
The artist I would like to introduce you to now embodies one of the most unique and recognizable styles I have ever had the pleasure of viewing. We were coworkers at a large company some years back. There were bold personalities and an energetic air inherent to that workplace. The weak don’t work in I.T. The talent pool there was extraordinary. Almost
everyone was multifaceted and many in some form of art or craft. We were indeed an innovative, motely crew. Two huge breakrooms there were our social epicenters. There we exchanged our creations and entertained each other throughout the lunch period. I was showing some of my works to another coworker, when he replied, “You should check out Larry’s work, you both have unique styles.” Though I had known Larry, I had no idea that he was a guru. When I finally spoke with him again, he revealed some of his masterpieces to me. I was completely floored! Mastery is evident in the fluency of his lines, the attention-to-detail, and the abstract vision he wields. Savants are usually stand-offish and hesitant to allow people into their world. You have to earn your time with them. In their minds they are constantly planning the next project. Keeping distractions to a minimum is key to the successful completion of the job at hand. Soon I recognized this trait in him and we became fast friends. His dedication to his craft speaks for itself. The following is our interview.
Where are you from and how did you get into art?
I’m originally from San Leandro, California. I fell into art early on as a way to express my fascination with history, culture, and personal identity, blending traditional motifs with contemporary styles.
How long have you been an artist?
I’ve been creating art for over 30 years, starting seriously in my teens and continuously evolving ever since.
Do you remember when you actually realized that you were good enough to be a professional artist?
That moment came gradually, but publishing CarboN: The Primitvision was a major milestone confirming my professional path.
Who are some of your inspirations?
I draw inspiration from Art Nouveau, Art Deco, Vorticism, psychedelic and Pop Art of the ‘60s and ‘70s, and a rich tapestry of cultural arts including Pacific Islander tattoos, ancient Hindu and Egyptian art, Japanese woodcuts, and African tribal patterns.
What mediums do you work in? Of these which is your favorite?
I primarily work in black-and-white ink drawings, often with Sharpie markers. The precision and contrast in this medium allow me to fully express my vision.
What themes drive the visions of your art?
My work explores identity, spirituality, cultural fusion, and the interplay between historical legacy and contemporary life.
What are the proudest moments in your career as an artist?
Publishing CarboN: The Primitvision and receiving positive recognition for the emotional depth and intricacy of my art are career highlights.
Have you ever found yourself “creatively blocked” as an artist? If so what methods did you use to overcome it?
Creative blocks happen. I overcome them by immersing myself in different cultural art forms, experimenting with new techniques, or stepping away to recharge mentally.
What was the biggest disappointment in your art and how did you deal with it?
Early on, I struggled with self-doubt and missed opportunities. I learned to embrace imperfection as part of growth and to keep pushing forward.
What are your future visions for your work and what do you believe will be the future direction of art in general?
I plan to deepen the integration of multimedia storytelling, blending visual art with narrative forms like film and animation. Art’s future is increasingly interdisciplinary, embracing diverse voices and technologies.
What is something that most people do not know about you?
I’m equally passionate about storytelling and screenwriting as I am about visual art — my creative world spans multiple mediums.
What advice would you give to a new or struggling artist?
Stay true to your vision, keep learning, and don’t be afraid to blend influences to create something uniquely yours. Persistence beats perfection. KEEP EVERYTHING!
Where can we view and purchase your work?
You can view my latest work on Instagram (@carbonlah2024),
DeviantArt (LawrenceArmandoHodge),
My published art books (Paper Back) 150 pg. CarboN: The Primitvision through Newman Springs Publishing and major retailers like Amazon.
CarboN: The Primitvision: Hodge, Lawrence Armando: 9798893083538: Amazon.com: Books (Hard Cover) expanded 190 pg. CarboN: The Primitvision Palmetto Amazon.com: CarboN: 9798885908498: Lawrence Armando Hodge: Books
LARRY'S GALLERY
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