The Creative Journey of Lawrence Chappe: From Architecture to Graphic Design, to Art.

Early Life

Born in 1987 in Havana, Lawrence Chappe’s early life was one of change and adaptation. When he was just six years old, his father left Cuba to seek a better life in the United States. For five years, Lawrence only knew his father through phone calls and pictures—something that would mark his childhood as one of separation and longing.

At 14, in 2001, Lawrence was finally reunited with his father in Miami. He, along with his mother and siblings, left Cuba to start a new chapter in Florida. The move to the U.S. opened Lawrence’s eyes to new possibilities, especially in terms of education and creative expression.

As a teenager, Lawrence was already curious about the world. He dabbled in a wide range of creative pursuits. He had a passion for sports, specifically running track, playing volleyball, and baseball. But it didn’t stop there. He was also drawn to music and visual arts -- and though no one pushed him into any specific direction, Lawrence had a drive to explore all of it.

His early memories were filled with experimentation and curiosity. Whether it was creating makeshift toys out of found electrical wire or challenging himself with athletic pursuits, Lawrence was always finding ways to express himself. He recalls how his mom, being the youngest by a significant gap, didn't push him into any particular mold—his older siblings had been encouraged in their own ways, but Lawrence’s mom let him find his own path. And that’s exactly what he did.

Military Service

After graduating high school in 2005, Lawrence joined the military and in 2007 the unexpected happened: while serving in the Navy, Lawrence received devastating news. His mom passed away.  Lawrence powered through his time in the Navy, but when he returned home in 2009, his path took a new turn.

Education

He entered architecture school but in his last semester of his associates degree he realized that it wasn’t the right fit for him. The discipline, while practical, felt limiting in a way. The creative side of Lawrence felt constrained by the budget constraints and extremely long timelines -- also he realized most architects work their whole life to get a shot at designing a great project. Architecture, to him, was too fixed—it didn’t allow the room for fast experimentation and evolution that he craved. He stepped away from it and began to explore other creative avenues. In 2012 and 2013, after finishing his formal studies, Lawrence took a year off from school, worked as a volleyball coach, while researching what jobs he could do as a creative that were still "real" and could grant him a decent life and career. This is when he decided to apply at FAU to go to graphic design school. Lawrence’s journey as an artist didn’t happen overnight. He took a variety of creative jobs, climbing up the ladder until he became a creative director.

Lawrence's art was born out of his deep curiosity for all mediums—drawing, painting, digital art, photography, sculpture—if it could be created, he wanted to try it. There was no boundary to what he could explore. His artistic practice wasn’t confined to a single medium; instead, it was a broad exploration, always shifting, always evolving.

Art Life

In his art, Lawrence has become an expert across many disciplines. His work doesn’t look like it comes from a single source or idea—it comes from a wealth of experiences, a thirst for experimentation, and the simple joy of creating. He isn’t afraid to push boundaries. Whether it’s incorporating materials like canvas leather from vintage Louis Vuitton bags or using recycled materials, Lawrence’s art is about celebrating transformation, life, and experience.

His subjects have evolved just as much as his technique. Where once he was creating works influenced by his earlier life and the struggles he faced, now, his focus has shifted toward themes that resonate on a deeper, more spiritual level. His work isn’t just a reflection of his past; it’s a projection of his present understanding of the world.

When Lawrence looks back on his early works, he sees a shift—his previous work felt darker, almost forced at times, as if trying too hard to tap into an energy that never quite resonated with him. Now, his art feels more in tune with his true self. It feels abundant, vibrant, and alive. It’s not about trying to prove anything; it’s about being in alignment with who he is, his goals, and the energy he wants to project.

Lawrence has had his share of wake-up calls throughout his life. From the painful loss of his mother to the realization that architecture wasn’t the right path for him, these moments have shaped his artistic identity. They’ve pushed him to ask deeper questions about life, meaning, and purpose. But it’s those very challenges that have fueled his drive to create—no matter what.

Mission

Looking forward, Lawrence is on a mission to bring more art and culture to his community in Lighthouse Point, FL. His goal is to create a space where people can experience art in ways that connect to their own lives, emotions, and aspirations. For Lawrence, art is not just about creating something beautiful; it’s about making something meaningful.

As an artist, Lawrence Chappe has come into his own. From making toys as a kid to becoming a master of many artistic mediums, he’s built a career based on curiosity, experimentation, and a desire to leave an impact. And now, with a mission to bring his work to the world, he’s focused on creating an artistic legacy that speaks to the richness of life, the depth of human experience, and the boundless potential of the creative spirit.