Thank you to the people, the organizations, the fundraisers, dear friends and families, and the kindness of strangers - we would not manage a journey of this magnitude without your support.
In 2012, the instant it was known that Lawson had been critically injured, people rallied. We will always be grateful for the heartfelt support and prayers for his recovery during the most terrifying time of our lives. Thank you to the families and friends who braved the hospital for months even though it was extremely difficult to see Lawson in that condition. Thank you to the friends and their supporters who fundraised as Lawson fought to stay with us. Lawson's friends from UWA who organized the Varsity Bar auction - Jordan Lomax, Cam Cody and the Dalkeith housemates, the Cody family for creating the Capel Golf Club event, Jack Symonds and friends for the Indiegogo and Australia Day campaigns, Fuzz and Rachel Anderson, Hannah and Georgia Metternick-Jones for their Losing Locks for Lawson fundraisers, the supportive CBH Cranbrook crew, the Darkan community, and John Holland Group coworkers who passed the hat around, Sheri Metternick-Jones and family who prepared meals twice a week for two years, Bell Kennedy for the Rottnest Island donations, the Macnish family for a Thermomix to make peg-feeds, Bunbury Cathedral Grammar School teachers and families for their 'above and beyond' assistance, and the Alex Smith family for their Lycra Brothers' Giant Crusade. There have been many acts of kindness along the way, too many to mention individually, from friends & family to folk we've yet to meet - you are all magnificent, and we love you. The outpouring of community support provided Lawson with neuro-physiotherapy for an entire year, the equipment he needed to return home, including a high-tech hospital bed, gantry and hoist, an accessible vehicle, and a 4x4 wheelchair. Thank you!
We would also like to express our gratitude to the wonderful people who have significantly contributed to Lawson's art journey - Marie Wilkinson, who introduced Lawson to sea sponge painting. Not only did he acquire new skills under her tuition, his paintings sparked the Marine Stories collection and the guiding ethos of his website.
There wouldn’t be a website today if not for the generosity of Jordan Lomax from The Social Lab. As a longtime friend of Lawson’s, Jordan shared her design and marketing skills in collaboration with her equally talented sister, Caitlin Lomax from Intr Studio. Together, they created Lawson Smith Art from humble beginnings to successfully launching the project and original website in 2020.
Local artist, Deanna (Dee) Mosca, joined the team soon after, bringing her background in visual art and education. Passionate about community and hands-on learning, Dee has been an ongoing collaborator with Lawson in the studio. Her mentorship has expanded Lawson's creative and learning capacities with the addition of new mediums like loom weaving and clay work. Furthermore, Dee has integrated art tasks with skills-based learning activities such as combined drawing with writing sessions, providing a more holistic experience. The studio time with Dee has immeasurably enriched Lawson's creative expression and quality of life.
Jo Hitchcock has played a pivotal role in Lawson's artistic journey from its inception. She meticulously photographs his paintings to create digital files that provide the foundation for Lawson's products. Jo is also generous with sharing her colour, design, and organizational skills, along with her knowledge of all things print related. Thanks to her expertise, Lawson's printed artworks from Bunbury's Fred Snow Print Shop stand out for their unparalleled quality.
When the time came to relaunch Lawson Smith Art in 2024, we turned to Martin Frazer for his business, design, and technical support. Martin has the patience of a saint, and has proven to be reliable, knowledgeable, and incredibly helpful. We look forward to seeing what comes next as we continue Lawson’s story with Blank Slate Creative – watch this space!
With infinite love and gratitude,
💛 Lawson + family x
