Bio

Hi, I’m Joshua Lawyer first thing we should get clear is that I am horrible at spelling and grammar in general. so please forgive all the run on sentences, random commas and any words that spell check didn’t catch. Now that we have that out of the way, here is a little about me.

Home: I was born and live in California. parents; my mother is a truly loving Tongan woman named Vivian Lutui who’s life although tough has never hardened her and my father Charles Lawyer would spend his life battling the demons of addiction while simultaneously being a devout christian. I grew Up a very poor kid with 5 siblings we would constantly move through out my childhood. The worst place I could call home was a leaky shed my uncle built in his backyard to top it off it was in East Palo Alto in the late 90’s (wasn’t fun being the poor kid of poor kids). By the time I turned 20 I would have already lived in 14 different locations . My older brother did graffiti in the Bay Area during the early 90’s. This would introduce me to art and allow me a place to escape when the world was to chaotic.

Graffiti: This would be a huge influence on my life. My older brother would introduce me to the works of Bay Area graffiti artist Barry Mcgee (Twist), Mike Giant, Felon, Reminisce. All these artist had a central figure as the focal point to there work this would be a huge influence on my work. I fell in love graffiti but to be good at it I realized that I had to work out my skills in my sketchbook. It built a habit that I still use daily. During my late teens and through out me twenties graffiti and fine art would almost play off of each other. But at some point graffiti starts to cost to much to continue. I had to hang up my late nights wondering streets putting my mark on walls. I will forever be grateful to Graffiti and the path it has taken me down.

Fine art: This is Church! the one thing in my life I treat extremely sacred. The act of creating with the intent of connecting to others. My work uses the female figure, symbols, and other tools to develop a narratives two of those most common narrative I find myself going back to are “Finding Home” and “Getting Lost” these narratives seemed to come natural to focus on for me. Art being a world I could get lost in and would also be where I felt most at home. The thing I love about these two narratives are that they simultaneously a universal story we have all gone through while at the same time having the ability to be very intimate to the story teller. these are two details I think are really important when trying to figure out what to say in my work.

Home: I am married to the amazing artist Mj Lindo. Lucky doesn’t describe what I am! I have a house filled with laughter, love, warmth and honesty sometimes unwanted honesty when it comes to critiquing work. we have a dog (mellow) and a cat (garbage) for children and I wouldn’t have it any other way! to the .01% of readers that have maid it this far thanks you. now go get lost until you find a home worth holding on to!