Harold Riegger | Also Known As: Hal Riegger

Les Lawrence is most well-known for sculptural series based on functional forms utilizing topical themed decals and transfer surface techniques on thin-walled unglazed porcelain. The US dollar bill is a common motif.

Lawrence was an early innovator creating a number of silkscreen techniques necessary to create the work he visualized. He developed a water-based ink that he could silkscreen, paint and draw onto a plaster bat and a way to pour a thin slab of casting slip onto the bat.This process resulted in thin porcelain slabs that picked up the images from the surface of the plaster bat. Lawrence used these slabs to produce an ongoing series of work, the New Vision Series. All the sculptures in this series are named New Vision followed by the object?s generic name, i.e. teapot, cup, vessel. Lawrence also developed the use of magnetic toner laser prints as ceramic decals.

Lawrence began his career as a department store illustrator. He returned to school to study sculpture, ceramics, and watercolor painting. After graduate school, Lawrence began a career as a ceramic sculptor and teacher. During his career, he created dinnerware before moving away from truly functional work to sculptural forms based on the functional form. Lawrence used surface techniques and decorations to comment on social and political issues. He added imagery using transfer techniques and decals he created himself. Lawrence?s images often reflect his commitment to social and political ideals.

In addition to his studio practice, Lawrence maintained an active academic career that began in 1966 when he was invited to establish the ceramics and sculpture program at Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene, Texas. In 1970 he became Professor then Ceramics Head at Grossmont College of Art in El Cajon, California where he remained until his retirement in 2005.