Bayou Artist | Larry Cavalier

ARTICLE BY MEREDITH MCKINNIE
PHOTOGRAPHY BY KELLY MOORE CLARK

After a life devoted to both physical pursuits and artistic expression, Larry Cavalier found new purpose through creativity following a life-altering stroke. Blending resilience, reinvention, and deep partnership, his evolving art reflects not just his journey, but the healing power of passion shared.

For Larry Cavalier, art is more than a passion or profession; art is a refuge. Though he was raised in an artist’s haven of sorts in Gonzales, LA,  Larry loved the exhilaration of physical activities (football, baseball, hunting, and fishing), insisting he was “all boy” growing up. His artistic parents, Al and Gail Cavalier, owned Cavalier Photography, which incorporated a frame shop and art gallery and hosted art classes and workshops. Larry participated in most of the classes, mainly drawing and painting, and even won awards for some of his work, but like his father, Larry took to photography. While his father’s photography was more traditional and literal, Larry preferred working in the abstract. Think skewed images and unique vantage points. He enjoyed the medium simply because it was a convenient way to express his creativity. Always with a camera in hand, Larry captured nature pictures as he indulged in his outdoor hobbies. He played football at East Ascension High School before scoring a walk-on spot as a middle linebacker at LSU.

After college, Larry married and started a family. He became a sales rep for DeCastro Moulding out of New Orleans, selling picture frame moulding, supplies, and equipment to frame shops throughout the south. He and his father also started Cavalier Graphics, a print publishing company, adding beautiful artwork to his sales line. Over the next few decades, he was busy with work, traveling, running a business, and raising two beautiful girls, yet Larry still pursued his photography as often as life would allow. After many changes in his life, including divorce, he started to blend his artistic background with his love of nature, a merging of past and present that mirrored his life changes. When he and his father closed the publishing company, Larry began selling and installing Wizard International computerized mat cutters. Inspired by the beauty of Washington State on a trip to the Wizard International headquarters, Larry realized he longed to be behind the camera more. He was also becoming more serious in a new relationship with Lenece Laseter, a longtime friend and business associate. Lenece was the owner of Laseter’s Gallery and Frame Shop here in Monroe. Like Larry, Lenece grew up in the art world. Her parents, Sadie and Larce Holder, owned Creative Photo and Art Studio in Farmerville, LA.  In 1970, Lenece’s father was hired to start a fine arts department at the newly opened Cedar Creek School in Ruston. The Holders taught art to Cedar Creek students until their retirement. After Lenece’s own midlife divorce, she wondered what a relationship might be like with someone who shared a similar history, career, and interests.

Larry eventually made the move to Monroe to be with Lenece in 2010.  He was able to actively pursue his love of photography, engaging in the north Louisiana landscapes that were so different from his beloved south Louisiana and selling his art in Lenece’s gallery. The couple now co-own the business and rebranded the Monroe shop as Artistic Designs Inc. in 2014. Larry and Lenece married in February 2017, but everything shifted when Larry suffered a stroke 5 years ago, ultimately losing the use of his dominant right hand.  When Larry could no longer hold or balance the camera for his photography work the muscle memory from the art classes in his boyhood resurfaced, and Larry picked up a paint brush.  He started experimenting with acrylic paints on canvas, followed by pastels, and then pencil and chalk drawings. He leaned into his love of abstracts even more, particularly because he couldn’t quite steady his left hand. He prefers the fluidity of paint, how it glides across the canvas. 

Artists are curious by nature, and Larry finds inspiration wherever he can. He watched how an artist on YouTube was using oils and applied it to landscapes in his own work. He takes hints from wildlife, clouds, anything subjective. Larry says when he sits down to paint, he’s as surprised as anyone else by what develops. He sees his artistic expression as an ongoing conversation – with himself and other artists. If another person’s art speaks to him, he will often create his own version, building upon previous work, putting his interpretation on canvas. One of his favorite pieces entitled Blue Bell features a cow on a dynamic green background with intense, blue eyes. 

Larry’s talent bends toward newness, always challenging himself with fresh concepts and mediums. Just six weeks ago, Larry indulged in watercolors for the first time, producing some of Lenece’s favorite pieces. Working on paper is less expensive, and Larry loves how easily the colors meld together. He sold his first watercolor shortly after. He proudly displays his series of watercolor trees, each articulation sharpening in focus. The wildness of the medium comes with trial and error, but like everything since his stroke, Larry dives into the challenge. 

Art became Larry’s therapy, one of his reasons for thinking beyond his limitations. His wife Lenece says, “You’d think after something like that he’d want to retreat, but he just keeps moving forward.” The near-death experience made Larry appreciate life even more. Larry claims, “I now search for things that make me happy. It sounds trite, but it’s true…Lenece makes me happy.” In August of 2023, Rebecca Lawrence, owner of Neville House, hosted a one-man show of Larry’s work entitled “New Beginnings.” Then, Rebecca opened Courtyard on Cotton, and she invited Larry to become a member of the art collective which regularly shows at that space.  To be chosen for such an esteemed group and venue boosted Larry’s confidence in his craft. He now has several collectors in town and across the globe. 

Larry’s partnership with Lenece is the cornerstone of his life. He calls Lenece his “biggest fan and harshest critic.” Art is a native language they share, though they approach critique through disparate lenses. Larry has an eye for what he likes, while Lenece has a hunch about what will sell. When offering feedback, Lenece’s responses can range from an expression of distaste to, “Put the brush down; don’t change a thing.” Larry admires her knowledge for color, noting when a piece needs more contrast or more light. He appreciates her directness and honesty – “If I like it, it’s fine. If she likes it, it’s better. And if they like it, it’s great.” Likewise, Lenece insists Larry is an inspiration to her, particularly because of his determination and grit. He continues to progress long after doctors told him not to expect many more changes to his condition. He can now write his name with his right/dominant hand. His incessant curiosity about the world around him and his uncanny ability to notice what others miss reminds Lenece to pause and take it all in. Lenece attributes Larry’s keen observation skills to his time on the football field. Lenece is more laidback since coupling with Larry; their love is the exhale her life needed. Larry and Lenece complement one another, and both are thankful to find a forever partner to enjoy life with. Larry remarks, “I’m a much happier man, since Lenece came into my life and I returned to art. She lifts me up.” 

Larry’s adult daughters live in Baton Rouge and are raising their own families. Courtney and her husband Tony Prestwood have son Colin (4). Daughter Tori and Matt Laiche have daughter Lily (2). Larry is enjoying teaching both his grandchildren about art. Over the years, when Larry would call on Lenece, he would always talk about his daughters and their adventures. Seeing the girls now as young mothers engaging with their father in this new dynamic is beautiful.

Larry’s acceptance of shifting dynamics in his personal life is mirrored in his artistic appreciation and practice. On a recent trip to New Orleans, Larry directed Lenece toward an artist working on the street, noting his unique method of layering. Lenece admires Larry’s consistent state of intense observation, noting, “He doesn’t miss much. Larry sees it all and tries it all. He can learn from someone, but that doesn’t mean that’s the way he’s going to do it.” 

Larry spends his days surrounded by art. In the morning, he wakes up to a large swamp scene on canvas hanging at the foot of his bed. Larry says, “It looks like I could cast my line and catch a bass.” Larry’s sister Cathy painted and gifted him the piece 4 years ago. During the day, Larry and Lenece can be found at Artistic Designs on Forsythe Avenue. Larry creates his art in the back in a large room with an oversized desk and easel, surrounded by art supplies and in-progress work. Larry and Lenece savor the fluidity of their work arrangement, interweaving business interactions with Larry’s artistic endeavors. Most importantly, they spend their days together, marinating in the comforting companionship that enriches their lives. On the weekends, they’ll hop in the car, sometimes with no particular destination in mind. Inspiration can be found anywhere, and as Larry notes, often in the most surprising spaces. To say art is Larry’s therapy almost understates the impact of the medium on his life. The release of energy is quintessential to a life well-lived, and Larry reflects the world as he experiences it, one original work at a time.