Art Tone with Lucas David

Artwork by Lucas David

Haunting, wicked, amazing, detailed, lovely. Lucas David’s art speaks for itself. He is clearly in a lane of his own when it comes to creating pieces ranging from his favorite artists: Alice Glass, Sky Ferreira, Amy Winehouse, to original creations of characters that look as though they have the most interesting story to tell. I’ve admired his work ever since I was introduced to it by Sky, and I have been tethered to him ever since. I was lucky enough to speak with Lucas about his work, inspirations, and style approach to art. Enjoy!

When did you realize that you had this talent for creating images in the style you do?

• Maybe it happened when I realized I enjoy doing portraits, people inspire me, and I like what I do. I think we all have different perspectives in general.

People would describe your work as darker in tone and even a tad scary looking. What attracted you to this sort of style?

• The music I listen to depends on the mood I am in for sure, and people I admire, even my mom; I had a wonderful cat named Church who all taught me a lot about darkness. Teenage angst paid off well my friend.

I imagine you listen to a lot of artists due to the images you create of some of them. How do you determine who gets an image created?

• When I was a kid, I thought I was gonna be a rockstar someday, because music was the first “escape from reality” kind of thing. Then I discovered watercolors and artists like Egon Schiele, Greer Lankton, Andy Warhol, Mark Ryden, Alexander McQueen, and even Kurt Cobain and Courtney Love. Both of their artwork pieces are amazing. I started sketching in school then sold my first painting at age 12 to some lady at church on a Sunday.

What interests you in seeing an artist such as David Bowie in the style of your art?

• I’m attracted to a song when I love the lyrics and feel identified or it speaks to me. The first time I heard “Rock n Roll Suicide,” I knew it was the soundtrack to my life but really that’s one of my favorite albums.

Who are some of your inspirations as far as creating your art goes?

• A ton of people inspire me but I try to be myself with my art.

In a world that constantly tests your might when it comes to pursuing your goals, how do you push forward?

• I try to do something productive each day and simply contribute to keep moving forward. It’s all about patience.

Why do you believe there’s an audience for this style of art?

• There’s an audience that bullies celebrities on TV and online because they’re having a breakdown or because they’re in a toxic relationship. There’s also a lot of creeps and people who draw or whatever else. There’s room for everybody. I know I have an audience and I know I am honest with what I do and I work hard.

As an artist creating, do you believe someone should create art based on what demand is or based on what they like?

• Balance is key.

Anything to look forward to?

• I am actually working on a stop motion video for a song. It’s been a long process and we both, me and the video, have gone through so much, I just can’t wait to show everyone. I’m also illustrating a book! I have work to do.

Thanks for the conversation Lucas David.