Jonathan Lawes

Jonathan Lawes is an artist and designer, experimenting predominantly with the silkscreen printing process.
Trained in surface pattern design, he creates prints with a distinctly geometric edge, reflecting his love of shape, colour, and pattern. Abstract compositions are formed organically and his genuine enthusiasm for the printing process is evident in his works.
He has exhibited widely both in the UK and internationally and has worked with an extensive list of clients including the likes of COS, The Conran Shop, Gandia Blasco, Petit-Pli, and Hamilton & Hare.
Jonathan’s artworks are available as one-off experimental screen prints, and limited edition screen prints.

Caelo asks…

What has been a stand out exhibition for inspiration?
Gunter Förg at Hauser & Wirth here in London. His use of colour really drew me in and the scale of his work is mesmerising. He was someone I wasn’t really aware of before, but this exhibition really changed that
What's the project you're most proud of?
My first collaborative collection of prints for COS, as it was my first real project with such a global brand
What's the one thing in the art industry that's not talked about, which you think should be?
I think the industry as a whole is massively under appreciated, and get disheartened when I see artists and designers taken advantage of. I’m lucky to work for myself and do something I love, but at the same time it’s also my job and that needs to be understood more
What would your alternative career be?
Something outdoors - maybe a gardener or a tree surgeon. I saw a guy up a tree the other day opposite the studio and it looked like a lot of fun!

Your go-to tea/coffee mug is…
A big painterly one I bought from a shop close to my studio
The object that holds the most sentimental value to you is…
Old art sketchbooks from school & foundation
The teenage object of your affection was…
Holly Valance poster!
The most beautiful object you possess is…
Anna Mac canvas painting
Your most treasured second-hand or thrifted find is…
Cesca dining chairs
The building that takes your breath away is…
The Guggenheim in New York
My favourite independent shop is…
Universal Works
Money is no object. The artwork you would most like to own is…
A large piece by Mark Rothko
The house is on fire. The one object you grab on the way out is..
My passport
Every home must have..
A downstairs toilet