Today we’d like to introduce you to Lucas Durham.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
I’ve been drawing for as long as I could hold a pencil. My parents ran a graphic design business out of the house in the North West Suburbs, and they collected limited art prints as a hobby. Being raised in such a creative environment almost predetermined that I’d end up pursuing one of the fine arts.
Both of my folks were very enthusiastic for me to attend an art school, and thankfully we lived near Chicago. I was able to commute to the city and attend the American Academy of Art, which is the Alma mater of such talents as Alex Ross, Aaron Miller, Thomas Blackshear, and Jill Thompson, just to name a few.
After graduating, I started working in speculative fiction and gaming, I’m fortunate that the artist community surrounding the subject matter is extremely friendly and were more than eager to help me establish myself. If you show up, prove that you’re hungry and willing to work hard to meet company standards, most of the artists are willing to help get you in touch with art directors.
Please tell us about your art.
I identify as an Imaginative Realist. Very broadly, I like to paint realistic depictions of imaginary settings whether that be fantasy, science fiction, or anything in between. Most of my pieces consist of allegories and tropes that resonate throughout genres, show agency, and depict hope even in dark situations. The world of speculative art allows an artist to easily engage a viewer’s curiosity. While I have their attention, I hope to give them a moment of self-reflection or empathy not only with the characters but also with humanity as a whole. I want the viewer to truly feel present in the moment of time that my pieces capture.
Most of my work is based on personal experiences in some form or another. I may not have met a dragon tamer in real life, but I know people as fierce as one.
People should know that there is more to imaginative realism than merely dragons and princesses in faraway lands. There are messages that resonate throughout the human experience present that anyone can relate to no matter when or where they come from. Speculative art is a lens that often makes it easier to examine issues present within ourselves and society.
Given everything that is going on in the world today, do you think the role of artists has changed? How do local, national or international events and issues affect your art?
We are living in such a globalized culture, even the most novice of artists can set up an online gallery and have viewers from around the world. When I’m sitting down to create a painting, I’m now considering how to speak to an audience that is diverse. In many ways, it means considering narratives more holistically and diversifying characters that historically have been depicted in a monocultural way. This connects the pieces and the viewers to core ideas that we can all relate to as humans. It is now more important than ever for artists to be teachers of empathy.
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
Currently, the best place to see my work in person is at a local comic or media convention around Chicago. I’m averaging at least one show around the city every month, so there’s a high chance you’ll see me if you attend one of those.
I’m also expanding my web presence. I’m hoping by the Holiday season to have a more centralized digital storefront where people will be able to purchase originals as well as support some personal project I have around the corner. I post some sketch challenges and warm-up drawings routinely on my Instagram page.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.lucasdurham.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/lucasdurham1000/
- Other: www.deviantart.com/lucasdurham
Image Credit:
Copyright Lucas Durham
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