Spanish Moss Series

As many folks from the Northern parts of America, during his travels and adventures, Lawrence became fascinated by the Spanish moss of the South. This fascination grew stronger over the years. After studying the folk lore and history of its development, he began experimenting with its magnificent patterns knowing that the only artist involved in the intricate designs and patterns is God.

God is master artist of our world and universe that has created so many inspirational patterns, shapes and forms for our enjoyment.

After intense, passionate discussions with his friend and art professor Michael Peery, he was inspired. He started drying the hanging moss. He would meticulously paint colors on the pieces of moss themselves or use them to apply paint to the canvas like a stamp or brush. Some pieces are actually applied to the canvas as multimedia with Spanish Moss, acrylic and oil paint.

The story of how the Spanish conquistadors came to America and stole from the natives was one of the folk stories.

The moss is called white beard in some languages, but the name Spanish moss came from the indigenous people who said that the trees captured the thieving soldiers and the results are the beards hanging from the trees. It is said that the trees captured them and now they are hanging from the trees forever. This can actually be seen in one of the paintings. One particular indigenous peoples story was about one of the soldiers that captured a native woman and escaped with her, but she was able to get away because the forest saved her. As usual, Lawrence studied this medium and subject matter with vigor and experimentation resulting in this series titled “The Spanish Moss Series”