AVM Hawkins exploring New Orleans art galleries.
“The inspiration to be an artist is not merely to survive on one’s art, but to live the life of an artist — to live a life fueled by inspiration and to seek it in all things. To express freely, across all mediums and creative forms.”
Inspiration can be found in a cup of coffee or in a child’s eyes. It lives in the embrace of a loved one or the experience of live music. Art is everywhere — it lives in everything. The key is to be open to find inspiration and the willingness to receive it. An artist, merely codifies it into physical form.
To be an artist is not only to create, but to live life fully.
Pursuing the things that bring joy, enthusiasm and inspiration, while also expressing love, kindness and compassion for one another fuels art.
Living life fully, experiencing all emotions, good and bad, and deciding to channel these emotions into something creative and productive transmutes energy, however dark or difficult into something pure, truthful and beautiful. It provides us the opportunity to share it communally with one another, exposing our vulnerabilities to realize we are not alone, but are one.
Memoirs are writings and photographs by AVM Hawkins that fuel her creative endeavors.
“ My vision of living a life of an artist is fueled by living in a state of seeing constant inspiration, with a preparedness to express that inspired thought or idea on paper, or in some physical form.
When I see this vision in my mind’s eye, I feel euphoric. I want to jump to my feet and find a journal, a fantastic pen, and live that scene in real time. Reenact being an “artist” in real life.
I am like a child again. I am my original self again. My mind open with wonder and imagination. My body pulsating and radiating pure joy.
I don’t question my desire. I don’t question my feelings. I don’t question my thoughts or my actions. I instantly exude and embody the energy of a creative person, not because I want to prove anything to anyone, nor requiring permission or validation from my peers, but only because it brings my heart joy.
This is what I seek everyday. This is inspiration.
’Memoirs’ is a blog where I seek inspiration and document my reflections as I live and create.”
As an artist, I am often asked, “where do I find inspiration?”It's a huge question, that could be summed up easily as, “anything and everything.”Inspiration comes from everywhere. Inspiration changes from moment to moment, and from day to day. But, one of my pillars of inspiration, in art and in life, comes from this very special human being, and angel—Leroy "Buddy" Vignaud.
Read MoreThis year, I aim, to dive deeper into art, in and of itself, and also, of course into my own work as an artist.
I aim to share how I process ideas, my environment and influences, through as many means as possible—through written language, photography, videos, and in tangible works.
Read MoreThis blog, was meant to remind me to seek and always be open to finding inspiration wherever I am, and wherever I go.It has been a wonderful means for me to practice writing about my art and the things that inspire me.It has helped center me, on my why for creating—purely for the sake of creating without any attachment to the outcome.I am excited to continue this practice in 2026, and I am thankful for your readership.
Read MoreOne of my favorite memories during Christmas as a child, was seeing my mom rearrange the living room to fit the Christmas tree. We would play The Temptations Christmas Album on repeat as we helped her place the ornaments all throughout the tree.
I would love to wake up early in the morning, and lay on the couch, just to be near the beautifully lit Christmas tree, staring at the ornaments and playing with them when my mom wasn’t looking.
Read MoreEver since I was young, I always drew faces—particularly male profiles as subject matter.
They are completely free-styled, drawn from the subconscious without a knowing of how they will look when completed.
This year, I’ve been working a lot with acrylic paint markers, which allow me to draw directly onto the canvas.
This has triggered more muscle memory from how I doodled when I was an adolescent.
Read MoreIt’s been a long time since I’ve ordered something from CCS and I was pleasantly surprised to see the catalog pop up in my mailbox recently.
It brought me back down memory lane, reminding me of my first, earliest influences as an artist.
I loved the logos, the deck, t-shirt and hoodie designs. And the loved the fashion—the particular style of skaters.
My style of drawing is very similar to the images I admired in the magazine.
Read MorePursuing art, or any deeply desired dream or goal, indeed, requires faith—a belief that the goal is obtainable.
I realize now, I have faith that my goal is achievable; however I don’t always have faith throughout the process of achieving my goals.
I find my emotions rise and fall according to circumstances, opposed to remaining lockstep in faith that all things are working in my favor.
Read MoreThis is the process of alchemy.
Alchemy is the process artists set out to embark upon every time they step into the studio— to begin, continue, and / or finish a work of art.
Alchemy is also the process, every human being embarks upon, when they wake up in the morning, with a new day set forth before them.
We are all artists, and our greatest work is the life we create.
Read MoreAs a short, quick, post for this Friday, I wanted to share the final completed sculpture of Peacock Crossroads by Art Uniti led by Tami Moschioni.
It was such a honor and so much fun to be a part of this project.
Read MoreHouston has such a deep history of culture and music, that doesn’t always receive its proper due.
I think that’s because, Houston doesn’t brag—it just lives.
Houston walks the walk.
We take care of our neighbors; we appreciate the arts and each other.
Read MoreI pulled out a book I purchased about 12 to 15 years ago from a Half Priced Books “run” with my Dad (at The Rice Village location, but unfortunately isn’t there anymore).
This book is: “Graffiti World: Street Art from Five Continents” by Nicholas Gauz.
I purchased this book, before my law school days and way, way, way, before I had any idea of pursuing art seriously. This was a book I acquired purely for inspiration.
It’s so nice to return to this book, all these years later, and use it as a reference for a commission.
Read MoreThis past week I’ve begun a cool art commission, that will be a (small) part of Houston Blues Festival 2025. My art contribution is small, but extremely cool and I am very excited and honored to be a part of it. More details to come on my art contribution, but here is a sneak peak of what I’ve been working on. To learn more about the festival, visit: https://houstonbluesfest.com/bluesfest-2025.
Read MoreAll of my most fondest memories growing up as a child were created in this home, a home my grandpa built.
I come from a great family—not because we are perfect or better than anyone, but because the love is real—unconditional and overflowing.
I am so very lucky.
Read MoreA trip is an opportunity to seek inspiration and create art.
When it comes time to packing for a trip, I over pack—or as I like to think of it, I’m over prepared.
Here are a few inspirational items I packed for this recent trip.
Read MoreEarly this week, I delivered an original painting, “Unified” as a donation to the Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation as an auction item for this year’s Gala.
I am very proud to donate this work to help raise funds for this cause.
Our ability to read and write is how we codify and transfer knowledge—and this ability is so very powerful and vital for our success as a species.
I was very happy to learn more about this foundation and the former First Lady’s passion and commitment to this cause.
Read MoreLast Friday, I attended GloryLand—a two day art event for artists, art lovers, and art collectors in connection with Untitled Art Fair, Houston. GloryLand consisted of panel discussions, Q & A’s, film screenings and social gatherings at Hotel Saint Augustine.
I signed up for The Glory Pass which provided me full access to both panels, all social events, as well as a guided tour of Untitled Art Fair Houston.
Read MoreLife, media, the online world feels more and more isolating and negative with each day, without really any hope of seeing a shift in consciousness, leaning towards unity, kindness, respectfulness or shared values.
Interpret this blog, to give yourself permission to do what feels good—feed your soul, prioritize doing something that brings you joy.
You deserve it.
Read MoreMy studio sessions have been far and few in between—definitely not as consistent as I would like, and certainly nothing like my art practice in the past.
Yet, paradoxically, I believe its been a good thing.
Ideas need time to contemplate, resonate, so they can be adequately translated.
Read More“Resilience requires happiness,” is a quote by Jimmy Butler, I found in Architectural Digest magazine, November 2024 edition.
During a time where I often hear how balance, especially work-life balance, is not achievable, this quote resonated deeply.
I often hear entrepreneurs declare the impossibility of balance, often eliminating the word from their vocabulary. Given this popular stance, it was incredibly refreshing to read Butler’s quote, “ I can’t be serious all day, I need balance.”
Read MoreWhen I think of Hurricane Katrina, I experience and feel deep grief.
I remember those moments like it was yesterday.
I can feel that time still in my body as I write.
And that life, I once had, and knew, feels very distant.
Read More
