Lance Avery Morgan
Corpus Christi native-turned-Austinite Gray Hawn enjoys a celebrated and much-lauded career. She is one of the first photographers in Texas to become a celebrity in her own right. Like her camera, she “clicks” with everyone, which is one of her most charming traits. She was best friends with fellow Texas native Farrah Fawcett and grew up next to award-winning Broadway playwright Terrence McNally. Her life and talents have led her down very glamorous and winding roads that have served her well. Her extensive travels capturing the sights and spirits of many people and lands. From photographing Princess Grace of Monaco to the hallowed region of Jordan, Hawn catches up with decades-long friend and colleague, our Lance Avery Morgan, to look back…and ahead at all her hard-earned good fortune.
The best career advice I’ve received is….Ask yourself what makes you come alive and then go and do that.
Three qualities that got me where I am today as a photographer….I am courageous. At the very beginning of my career, I wanted a princess in my portfolio, and everyone laughed at me and said that it would be impossible. However, I found a way to make it happen, and I took the last formal portrait of Serene Highness Princess Grace.
I am spontaneous. I grew up painting, so when I picked up a camera, I saw the people I was photographing more like paintings. I was doing everything so differently back then from what other photographers were doing.
I am strong. I’ve overcome a lot of challenges in my lifetime, and they have made me stronger. Life has not always been easy, but it is the challenges that become the gifts that force you to grow into something new.
Easiest career decision I ever made….When I was a young mother, I picked up a camera and started photographing my children. Then, I was invited to put up a display of my photography in the middle of Highland Mall in Austin for a Mother’s Day Show. So, I created over 80 images of mothers embracing life with their children. To my surprise, over 150 people signed up on a clipboard to get a portrait session with me. That’s when I knew I had a business, and I decided to open Gray Hawn Photography.
What is influencing me creatively right now is…Photography is my voice. I’ve traveled all over the world photographing and creating fine art shows. At the moment, I’m working on my Egyptian Fine Art Collection. I rode camels for eight hours a day through the Sinai Desert traveling with the largest Bedouin Tribe capturing their world. I was sleeping under the stars and embracing their culture.
How I made my first dollar…When I was young, I was painting murals for restaurants. This is what led me to the Austin Symphony where I painted the huge backdrops—68ft x 48ft—for the Royal Court, for about nine years. It was the beginning of a long relationship with the Symphony that I loved so much.
First music I bought was…Elvis.I can still remember dancing to Jail House Rock in my striped pajamas! Years later, I went to Las Vegas and found myself on the front row mesmerized watching him perform and, to my joy, I got his scarf when he threw it to me.
Last thing I binge/marathon watched…The Crown. I spent my summers in London for many years photographing. So, I have a love affair with the Royal Family.
Book that left a lasting impression on me…The Road Less Traveled because it taught that courage paves the way, especially when you are not sure what your future looks like. In all my experiences when I travel, I never go the usual route. I’m always on a quest to see something I’ve never seen. When I’m going to visit a new place, I never want to know about the culture beforehand. I want to feel and experience it in the moment, step into the world of others, and let my camera document it. I don’t want any preconceived ideas so it can all be authentic and become a spiritual experience for me. I want to let myself be free to experience the unknown.
If I lived in a foreign city, it would be…I love the Italian Riviera, especially the Isle of Capri. I have so many memories of traveling there and working. I love the Italian people and the culture. Italy is all about love and it’s just so romantic with amazing food, wine, architecture, and music. I can still remember dancing in the streets.
What every man/woman should try in her lifetime is…Travel truly is the best muse. Through travel, you can be intrigued by the unexpected and unknown while immersing yourself in a treasure hunt. Also, learn about the country, be with the people, and let yourself experience that way of life. Take the road less traveled and see what the world has to offer.
If I competed in an Olympic sport, it would be…I would do the Equestrian Olympics. I have enjoyed riding horses all my life.
If I weren’t doing what I do I would be a…A volunteer, rescuing orphan elephants in Africa. It is something I still want to do.
A celebrity I would prank phone call and what I would ask them is…Steven Spielberg and I would ask him to meet me for coffee so I could share a heartfelt story I think he would like.
My style icon is…Zandra Rhodes. I had the pleasure of meeting her at a friend’s private July 4th party in London. I remember her pink hair and creative style.
My personal style signifier is…I love romantic and classic with lots of color.
The classic designer I wish was still designing today…Oscar de la Renta. His clothes were beautiful and romantic. This work reflected elegance and I always felt special wearing one of his formals. He was also a painter before he found fashion.
In my fridge you will always find…Chocolate.
The last meal that truly impressed me was…Not long ago I was in Jordan. I was camping in the Wadi Rum Desert and had the most delicious meal. It was a buffet, and everything was fresh and grown locally. The meat that they cooked underground was dug out in front of you, right before being served. Everything was fresh and pure; it was like nothing I’ve ever tasted before.
My perfect day would end…Climbing to the top of a mountain and watching a sunset.On my tombstone it will say…She Celebrated Life.
Knowing Gray for many years is like watching someone who never puts both feet on the ground at the same time. Her spirit doesn’t allow it. Without ceasing, Gray has kept her spirit flying through life at such a high altitude that no one could even hope to mimic her style, her enormous joy, love or talent which brings to everyone and everything she touches a sense that life is an enormous adventure to be lived to the fullest every precious moment of our lives. That is her gift to us and to the world.
We agree, Patricia – Gray has made the world look more beautiful her entire career! Thanks for sharing your insight with Curated Texan
I met Gray in San Angelo while traveling , standing waiting for a table , I was alone, so was she , we shared a table & became friends , I cherish those memories to this day . What a wonderful, talented person that I had the privilege to meet .
Thanks for sharing, John. So many wonderful folks have a Gray Hawn story!