Hello from beautiful, “Sweet Home Alabama.” I am Rik Lazenby, and I have been a practicing decorative artist for the past twenty-five years. As I approach eighty, I am probably one of the few seniors in the industry, still willing and able to work off of ladders and climb scaffolds. I am blessed, and you might hear a “y’all” every now and then.
How did you get into the decorative arts?
My journey into the decorative arts world began many years ago. I was raised in a very rural area, but my uncle, John Thomas, who was also raised in the same area, left and become an internationally well-known artist. He was one of my heroes. After graduation, I attended The University of Alabama, where I earned a Master’s Degree with an emphasis in art education. I became a high school art teacher. This was very gratifying, but with a family to support, not financially lucrative. Two fellow teachers and I decided to open a residential/commercial painting company. Our concept was that we would continue to teach while painting on weekends, holidays and during the summer. Our company lasted for over thirty years.
After teaching art for seven years, I was asked to become a school administrator. For the next twenty-three years, I served as the principal of numerous elementary and high schools. I ended my career in education as the Director of Student Services for the Jefferson County School System.
Planning ahead for retirement from education, I decided to leave my painting company and enter a field that I could work by myself. I had been scoping out some of the industry giants in the decorative arts arena and decided to take the leap. Thus, I studied with several well-known decorative artists around the country. The Monday after I retired in 2000, I opened Lazenby’s Decorative Arts Studio, Inc. We are still in operation today.
What influences do you think shaped your approach to decorative arts?
In my opinion, those you choose to study with always frame your perceptions. I am one who tries to learn, not only the basics from my teachers, but I always try to “pick their brains” and reach higher! Somewhere in my DNA is the need to carry the skills that I have learned to a higher level. Many of the skills that I have learned in the decorative arts industry also appear in many of my fine art works. I believe this is true for artists in general.
The most powerful influence on my decorative arts perspective came when I served as President of IDAL, (International Decorative Arts League). Being surrounded by many of our industry’s giants was so gratifying … and yes, so humbling. This was truly a gift, and I will forever be indebted to those who surrounded me with love.
Another influence on my decorative arts perspective was the week that I spent in New Berlin, New York, with Mark Golden and his wonderful staff. The IDAL Directors and I were gifted with a week of team building strategies, and observed them first-hand in the day-to-day operation of Golden Paintworks. I am forever grateful.
Are there any projects that stick out most in your mind?
It is so hard for me to narrow down those projects that stick out in my mind, but I will name several.
My daughter, Jennifer (who is also my business partner) and I spent over a year on a project in Auburn, Alabama. The owner was replicating a French farmhouse and brought us into the project to apply over ten thousand pounds of hand-mixed plaster to the walls and ceilings throughout the house. Jennifer had to complete the final three weeks of the project by herself, as I was having cancer surgery.
Another memorable project was last year, when we worked with Greg Marsters in the restoration of the historic Alabama Theater, located in Birmingham, Alabama.
Still another honor was being asked to refinish the exterior of the historic “Big Bertha” Wurlitzer organ. This beautiful art piece has been with the Alabama Theater since its inception, ninety-seven years ago.
Another project that comes to mind is a large, domed church that we applied hundreds of pounds of texture in specific areas. One of the areas was a twelve-lane bowling alley, and another was the performance stage and surrounding columns and arches.
Do you play music while you work and what kind?
I either play music (through my hearing aids, lol) or listen to audio books. Remember… I am old. My music runs the gamut:
- Bob Dylan
- Dan Fogelberg
- Sarah Brightman
- Josh Groban
- Broadway Musicals
- Alison Krauss
- Alabama
- Jimmy Buffett
- Andrea Bocelli
- Gordon Lightfoot
- Annie Moses Band
- Martin Simpson
- Marty Goetz
Audio Books… Currently… Short Stories by William Faulkner
What advice would you give aspiring decorative artists?
First, realize that being a decorative artist is hard work and can be very demanding on the body. Be prepared to work many hours to reap the rewards. Our industry has declined in numbers, and I don’t see young people lining up to become part of the industry. I hope that I am wrong.
Now here comes the good part … this creates tremendous opportunities for the future! Here, in Alabama, there is very little competition, due to so many of the finishers having left the field. Where there is little competition, opportunities prevail!! I would find a niche, study with some of the super stars in our industry and become familiar with the many available products. In addition, I would recommend joining IDAL and interacting with other decorative artists throughout the world. Forge relationships with designers, decorators, builders, vendors, and architects. Become familiar with the business side of the industry and become proficient in marketing strategies. In the end … Believe in yourself! What you think, you can become. One of my favorite sayings in life is, “Trust your cape. Go for it!!”
What is your favorite thing about the decorative industry/community?
There is a bit of magic in knowing that your little world is an important part of a much bigger world. At the end of the day, you can look back and see where you have been, how it relates to others, and how it fits in with the grand design. You just never know who you will inspire or from where your next inspiration will come.
See more of Rik’s work at lazenbydecorativeart.com.
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