Skip to Main Content

profile avatar

Lawrence Williams

Whangarei, Northland, New Zealand

"Artist Lawrence Williams, defies boundaries as the world's most prolific blind artist. Born in Aber...

About the artist

Lawrence Williams

Joined In 2014

link - Artist featured in a collection

(21 Followers)

About the artist

Lawrence Williams

Joined In 2014

link - Artist featured in a collection

(21 Followers)

ABOUT
EDUCATION
RECOGNITION

"Artist Lawrence Williams, defies boundaries as the world's most prolific blind artist. Born in Aberdeen, Scotland in 1951, his creative journey began amidst the rhythms of his jazz musician father. Descended from a pioneering photographer, art pulsed through his veins.

Despite a tumultuous childhood, marked by abandonment, abuse, and isolation in Brighton, Sussex, Lawrence found solace in art at the local museum. His early talents flourished, but life's challenges led to substance abuse and alcoholism. Yet, he persevered, gradually losing his sight over three decades.

Now, reclusive in New Zealand's Far North and Exmoor, Devon, Lawrence channels his experiences into an astonishing 16-20 works daily. His art is a testament to resilience, a symphony of color and emotion that transcends sight. Join us in celebrating this extraordinary artist's triumph over adversity."

"Lawrence's artistic journey was significantly influenced by two esteemed mentors. Ian Potts, a family friend and renowned painter, educator, and former Head of Painting at Brighton College of Art, taught Lawrence in his teens. Potts' landscape watercolors and leadership at the college left a lasting impact on the art world.

Additionally, Lawrence was privileged to learn from Norman Clark, R.W.S., a prominent British watercolourist and Royal Watercolour Society member. Clark's tutelage was instrumental in shaping Lawrence's style, which was also influenced by Clark's own mentors, including Walter Sickert, Bernard Meninsky, and William Roberts.

These formative experiences under the guidance of Potts and Clark laid the foundation for Lawrence's remarkable artistic talent, which continues to flourish despite his blindness."

link - Artist featured in a collection

Artist featured in a collection