Artwork copyright Toni Lawson Norris. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission.

The Journey, 1991

Toni Lawson Norris
(American, born 1959)

Location: Department of Enterprise Services, Olympia

ABOUT THE ARTWORK

Artist Toni Lawson Norris created The Journey after visiting Haulover Beach in Miami, Florida. There she watched a family sitting and gazing at the ocean and sky. She notes, "It was as though I was looking upon life's stage, the endless blue skies, the fathomless waters and countless grains of sand seemed to lay a backdrop to the woman and child. The woman and child seemed to be a part of a continuum. Each, representative of countless generations who preceded them. Like the sky, ocean and sand which existed since the beginning of time so have we (humankind), perhaps not as the individual that we know ourselves to be presently, but representationally through our ancestors. At that moment, on the beach with my husband and our friend, I photographed the scene. It was not until I was home with the developed picture that I was able to better comprehend and develop the impression I had received."

This artwork was acquired for the State Art Collection in partnership with Lake Stevens School District.

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Artist Toni Lawson Norris creates figurative paintings and prints. She often paints from photographs and is interested in "capturing the feeling of the moment and transferring it onto paper."

Toni Lawson Norris was born in New York City and attended the NYC High School of Music & Art (now the LaGuardia High School of Music & the Arts). She studied art history and studio art at Columbia University in New York City. She also