Interview with Salvatore of Lucan: “My day to day life is also a mix between realism and imagination. I depict it in my art the same way I experience them in real life.”
Salvatore of Lucan is a Dublin-based, half-Irish and half-Bangladeshi painter. He talks to us about the connection between his work and real-life experiences, what motivates him to continue his art practice and the meaning of his name.
Tell us about yourself!
What would you like to know?
Can you tell us about your art?
I make paintings. Mainly scenes where some sort of situation is happening.
What inspired you to become an artist, and how did you start your career?
I really loved painting and I wasn’t very academic so it was an easy choice to go to art college. I started my career by going on the dole and renting a studio that I rarely left. After about one or two years, I started getting into some group shows. Eventually I was given a show in Pallas Projects as part of their program there.
How do you stay inspired and motivated in your artistic practice?
Fear of failure is one motivator. Also, love, loving things and being sentimental. Maybe also being a bit competitive. I just always want to push myself to make the best paintings I can. It’s a nice feeling when it happens that you are proud of something.
Could you tell us more about how you developed into the unique artistic style that we see today?
I suppose it’s a combination of knowing what aspects of your painting you don’t like. So trying to not do those things, knowing what you like and what you are affected by, then trying to take elements of that.
Can you tell us more about your artistic process when creating your artworks?
It’s all about the composition for me. I can spend weeks just on graph paper before I start a large-scale work. My painting process changes around a lot but with large works, drawing and redrawing to scale before committing to canvas is the closest thing to a constant process.
Your artwork often features scenes from your own life. What draws you to these subjects?
Well, it’s my life, I live it. The artworks I create is unique to me, but I know a lot of the stuff that happens to us individually can also be a shared experience with others. I’ve been told I don’t represent myself accurately, I used to think I did, but most people don’t see it. I honestly don’t know. My day to day life is also a mix between realism and imagination. So, I depict it the same way I experience them in real life.
Why did you decide to rename yourself as Salvatore of Lucan, and what does this new name mean to you?
People often asking where I’m from basically. My Ma’s Irish and my Dad’s Bangladeshi and because I didn’t know my Dad growing up. It’s kind of annoying. And also, I’m not Italian at all, I just have an Italian name. I used to have to tell my whole life story when people asked me where I was from. Also, I love Lucan. And I’m from there.
Lastly, what future projects or goals are you excited about in your artistic journey?
I have a new show called Fancy Situations opening in Kevin Kavanagh on June 6th and after that the next show which I’ve already started is all about my dad.
To contact or learn more about Salvatore of Lucan’s work, follow him on social media:
Instagram: @salvatoreoflucan
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