Meet AVM Hawkins: Contemporary Abstract Visual Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with AVM Hawkins and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi AVM, let’s start by talking about what inspires you?
I am inspired by the infinite amount of impulses and desires driving me to create. I feel like there are so many ideas, techniques, mediums and designs that I want to explore through my art. All of these thoughts, images and ideas excite me. They fill me with so much energy and enthusiasm which keeps me always wanting to create more, explore new ideas, and grow as much as possible as an visual artist. I strongly believe that all of this joyful and passionate energy radiates from my fine art and in turn is received by the viewer. I love every second of being a full-time artist. Living my dream inspires me to create.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My work consists of abstract expressionist paintings. I specialize in custom and large scale canvas abstract paintings. My work range from contemporary abstract art all the way to colorful creative abstract designs. I am known for my vibrant use of color and also for my use of negative space. I think what sets me apart from other artists is the trust and freedom, within my creative process. Because of this openness to explore, experiment and evolve, my work is constantly pushing me into new territories. I may sometimes use inspiration photos, colors and ideas, but I always surrender myself to that unconscious creative flow where there are infinite possibilities, where literally anything can happen. I trust my natural impulses, intuition and ideas, even though I do not know where they will lead me. I place my confidence in my ability to sense the right move, to explore, and to not stop until I am absolutely proud of the final painting. I release my preconceived ideas and my need to control the final result, which provides more opportunities to always create something new and truly innovative. One of the things that I am most excited about is my new art series, “Alchemy,” which uses an extraordinary amount of layers of mixed media to create a 3D gold leaf topography onto canvas. The series will be released early this year.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
There are so many wonderful things to do, places, and restaurants to check out in Houston, where there is literally something for everyone, specifically to each person’s interests and preferences. But I would venture to see some of my favorite places in the historic Third Ward Houston, such as Emancipation Park, Project Road Houses, Tatiana Escallon’s Art Studio & Gallery, as well as The Gite Gallery. Grab a bite to eat from the vegan restaurant Green Seed on Almeda, or from Phil & Derek’s on Webster St., and then enjoy the beautiful Centennial Gardens at Hermann Park.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
First, I must give an incredible thank you to my amazing and incredibly supportive husband, Chef Mark Anthony Hawkins. Mark is my rock, my greatest cheerleader, believer in me and the necessity of sharing my art with the world. I would not be where I am today, if it was not for his unshakable confidence in me and his passionate exuberance for my fine art. I would love to send a special shout out to Houston based artist and mentor, John Ross Palmer and his Escapist Mentorship Program, which was monumental in placing me on my path to becoming a full-time visual artist. John’s friendship, the personal relationships developed, the business mentorship, and the art residency has been instrumental in my personal and creative growth. And finally, a tremendous shout out to the many, many incredible and inspiring families and individuals whom have acquired my artwork and have become very dear friends and collectors. Their personal encouragement, support, and love for me and my work is what drives me to be the best person and artist possible. I am deeply grateful for every single person I’ve met on this wonderful journey.

Website: AVMHawkins.com
Instagram: A.V.M. Hawkins
Twitter: AVignaudM
Facebook: Ashley Vignaud Marshall Hawkins
Youtube: A.V.M. Hawkins

Image Credits
AVM Hawkins