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Draft:Philp Lawson (artist)

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  • Comment: Please demonstrate how this individual meets the criteria set out in either this link or this link. QuicoleJR (talk) 13:39, 29 January 2025 (UTC)
  • Comment: Subject still has notability issues. No significant changes since last submission. Jamiebuba (talk) 15:01, 10 March 2023 (UTC)

Philip Lawson (b. 1967) is an American Conceptual Artist and the founder of the Weapons of Light Foundation.[1] Additionally, Lawson is the creator of the Weapons of Light resin sculptures.[2][3] In addition to his resin sculptures of AK47s, Lawson also creates paintings, photography, ceramics, music videos and other forms of art.[2] Lawson maintains a studio in the Bay Area in California, since he moved there in 2008.[2][4]

Philip Lawson
American Conceptual Artist
Born1967
Bristol, TN
Notable workWeapons of Light
Websitehttps://www.philiplawsonart.com/

Biography

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Lawson was born in Bristol, TN. In 1991, he graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Ringling School of Art and Design in Florida.  Then, in 2001, he studied art therapy, completing a Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy from Notre Dame de Namur University in California.[2]

Over 10 years ago, Lawson began creating resin sculptures of AK47 guns. The resin sculptures allow light to penetrate through. Lawson created these sculptures to reference transformation.[2] In other words, the sculptures represent the virtues that can be used to fight violence in the world with peace.[5] Lawson's concept grew from reading the bible verse Romans 13:12: The night is almost over, and the day is close, so put down your cloaks of darkness and equip yourselves with Weapons of Light.[4]

Other projects that Lawson has worked on include the following. In 2012, he spent two weeks in Panama creating upcycled art.[4] In 2014, Lawson worked to restore the Scottish Rite Freemason Temple in Oakland, CA.[6]

The Weapons Of Light Foundation

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In 2023, Lawson founded of the Weapons of Light Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit foundation registered in the state of North Carolina.[1][7]The foundation will continue to support The Bethlehem House of Bread Orphanage and Old Persons’ home in Rajahmundry, Andhra Pradesh, India. Bethlehem operates as an NGO Foundation under the religious organization of Sadhana Mahila Mandali.[3]

In 2024, "The Weapons of Light Foundation’s first annual gala was held on October 19 at Martin Lawrence Galleries in Downtown, San Francisco. Guests enjoyed a luxe spread curated by Chef Lionel Haeberle, and music."[8] "Attendees also got the chance to bid at an auction featuring works by Philip Lawson, Brian Wall, Prabin Badhia and Xie Xiaoze. Funds raised will benefit the creation of new artworks, and also help support an orphanage in India called Bethlehem House of Bread."[8]

The foundation has the following mission:

"The Weapons of Light Foundation aims to promote peace by empowering individuals to live virtuously. We believe that by cultivating inner peace and demonstrating virtuous behavior, individuals can positively influence their families, communities and ultimately the world. Our organization strives to educate and inspire individuals to live guided by virtues such as compassion, kindness, forgiveness, love and selflessness. These “Weapons of Light” illuminate the darkest of places and overcome violence and conflict. We aim to create a community where ethical values are celebrated, and where people from all walks of life can come together in the pursuit of a more harmonious and just society. By promoting mutual respect, compassion, and understanding, we seek to bridge the gap between cultures, religions and nationalities, fostering a world where peaceful coexistence is not only possible but imperative. Together we will create a brighter future for generations to come, one virtuous act at a time."[1]

Exhibition

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Lawson's photographic series were exhibited at Union Street's Descend Salon in San Francisco.[9] The Weapons of Light resin sculptures were exhibited at 111 Minna Gallery in San Francisco in the group show "Lethal Injection" in 2012.[4]

In 2013, for the 39th anniversary of the founding of the Institute Nacional de Cultura (INAC) of Panama, Philip Lawson, alongside Panama artist Dilsa Rivera, exhibited 30 photographs and 1 video. The exhibition titled, “Darién Trocha Fotográfica” reflected on life in the Darién province in Panama. The exhibition took place on the 6th of June at the Galería de Artes Visuales Juan Manuel Cedeño de INAC in Panama.[10]

In 2024, the Weapons of Light were displayed at the 1st annual gala for the Weapons of Light Foundation.[11]

References

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  1. ^ a b c "weaponsoflight". Retrieved 2023-06-01.
  2. ^ a b c d e Artist Interview Series | Philip Lawson | Matt Pierson Art, retrieved 2023-02-28
  3. ^ a b Insights, Stories & (2023-06-01). "Meet Philip Lawson". CanvasRebel Magazine. Retrieved 2023-06-01.
  4. ^ a b c d "Alamedan converts weapons into peace art". East Bay Times. 2012-07-19. Retrieved 2023-02-23.
  5. ^ "Meet Philip Lawson". Bold Journey Magazine. 2024-03-05. Retrieved 2025-01-27.
  6. ^ "Oakland: Freemasons lodge turning back the clock". East Bay Times. 2014-07-09. Retrieved 2023-02-23.
  7. ^ "North Carolina Secretary of State Business Registration Search". www.sosnc.gov. Retrieved 2023-06-01.
  8. ^ a b Altizer, Drew (2024-11-03). "Weapons of Light Foundation Spreads Peace Through Art". LibertePress. Retrieved 2025-01-27.
  9. ^ "Arts & Entertainment - Philip Lawson photographic display opens at Descend Salon". www.northsidesf.com. Retrieved 2023-02-23.
  10. ^ "INAC REALIZA EXPOSICIÓN FOTOGRÁFICA EN HOMENAJE A LA PROVINCIA DE DARIÉN". Fragata Cultural. Retrieved 2023-03-06.
  11. ^ Altizer, Drew (2024-11-01). "Downtown SF Welcomes First Annual Weapons of Light Foundation Gala". Haute Living San Francisco. Retrieved 2025-01-27.