Meet AVM Hawkins of AVM Living Art
Oddly enough, I began my career as an artist during my first year in law school. This was when I became an abstract expressionist, creating paintings on canvas. Art was an emotional release that did not require for me to think, analyze, rate, or judge myself. Painting became a safe space for me to express myself, to explore my inner consciousness, and to reflect.
I painted all throughout law school and as a lawyer for the combination of nine years. However, I can remember from when I was a child that I always wanted to be an artist and a creative business woman. This was a dream I pushed aside and maintained as a hobby because I could not see then, how I could make a living as an artist. I wanted to pursue my love for art but was so filled with fear–fear of what others would think of me, and the fear of failure. But, what is really interesting, is that the desire I felt so strongly from my childhood was always there, and never left me.
At a point in time, after a dear family member passed away, I made a decision to myself to pursue any art opportunity I could, regardless of how small, so that I could start moving myself more into the direction of doing what I loved. I can see now, how that “small” decision has led me to the place where I am now, a full-time artist, creating work that I love, and sharing that love with each person I (or my work) come into contact with. I feel so blessed every morning when I wake up and have the privilege to create art that I’m proud of: that radiates joy, positivity, and color, with the intention to transform and uplift the viewer’s energy.
After searching for art opportunities in Houston that day, I came upon an opportunity to exhibit my work at Art Crawl, and then another opportunity to apply to John Ross Palmer’s Escapist Mentorship Program. This juried residency program provided the selected artists free studio and gallery space to create and to show their work, as well as a solo art exhibition. I never wanted anything so much in my entire life, and was incredibly elated when I was selected as an artist for the program. I received one-on-one art business advice, as well as a first hand, mentored experience of marketing and selling my work. My experience in this program removed my mental limitations of what I thought was possible, and made me realize that I could do anything I set my mind to do, if I am willing to work hard to achieve it.
During this program, I worked as full-time as an attorney while working on my art business during the evenings and weekends. Most importantly, I witnessed how much I loved and enjoyed what I was doing and taht it did not feel like work at all. It was the best gift I could have ever received. Last year, I went “all in,” and never looked back.
It has not been smooth, yet it has not been hard either from my perspective. I attribute this to my wonderfully loving and extraordinarily supportive husband, who believes in me and my work. I have been incredibly lucky to receive his confidence and faith during the times when I fall prone to the natural ebb and flow of fear and self-doubt that affect everyone at times. Mark (my husband) is my rock, my greatest cheerleader, and a calming voice and energy that snaps me back into focus at times when I may question myself. I am so grateful and happy to wake up each day to work on a new creative project or collaboration, or to meet new people, being who I am, an artist. It is that perspective that allows me to overlook fear and to tap into my ability to see and create opportunities.
AVM Living Art is my creative business, where I primarily create contemporary fine art. I specialize in custom created and large scale abstract paintings, perfect to curate large walls and high ceilings for home decor. I am most proud of the versatility in style, expression and mediums in our fine art and our intention to create abstract art that is beautiful, awe-inspiring, and meaningful. What sets us apart from most fine artists is our passion and professionalism. We strive to make every aspect of the customer experience creative, authentic, and inspiring.
I personally define success as being able to provide and give generously to my loved ones, as an artist and a creative entrepreneur. Success for me is living an authentic life, a life where I am able to contribute value to others, with peace of mind, self-love and acceptance. Success is having the time and the mental capacity to be fully present with those I love, cherishing and living each moment fully. Success is enjoying each moment of my life.
