Meet Luke Morgan
Have you always been creative or did you develop into an artist?
Since a young child, I have always enjoyed being creative. Art has always been my go-to activity and something that I feel an inherent need to do. Of course, I am always developing as an artist, there are so many studio areas, mediums and techniques that I would like to try, so I always look forward to learning new things. The meditative process of being ‘in the zone’ or a ‘flow state’ while creating is the main attraction of being an artist for me.
Who and what inspires you?
My artwork is inspired by the desire to tell stories, the human figure is almost always present in my art, and I find that being able to form some level of narrative in my work is a major driving factor. My recent work is inspired by forms of social control, investigating the way in which small forms of control such as street signs and road signals shape the way we interact with society. I then aim to link these external forms of social control with an internal dialogue that controls the way we act. This exploration of mental health and wellbeing forms my current body of work.
In terms of inspiration from other artists, Gustav Klimt’s combination of decorative patterns along with realistically painted figures, has always captured my interest. He manages to create convincing depictions of form while also ignoring pictorial planes, often presenting his figures in flat two-dimensional patterned spaces. Seeing his artwork ‘The Three Ages of Woman’ in person while in Rome, was a great experience; ‘Death and Life’ is another of my favourites. The combined use of pattern and figure/portraits can also be seen, to some extent, in the work of contemporary painters, Andrew Salgado and Kehinde Wiley, both provide inspiration for my work. Portrait painters such as Chuck Close, Lucian Freud and Jenny Saville have also been an inspiration for their depiction of flesh and colour. I am also greatly inspired by a number of Western Australian artists, particularly sculptural artists including Amanda Shelsher, Fleur Schell and Simon Gilby.
What is your medium of choice? Do you explore other mediums?
Oil painting is my main choice of medium, I find that the feel of oil paint and the extended drying time work best for my style of painting. I also love to work with clay, as creating sculpture is a much more immersive hands-on experience. In painting, the brush is a small separation between the artist's hand and the work being created, however with sculpture, I find that there is a greater tactile connection which deepens the making experience. Printmaking is another studio area that I enjoy and hope to explore further in the coming year.
What has been your greatest challenge when it comes to your art?
I would say that the greatest challenge in creating my art would be myself; the pressure I place on myself to always be productive, can sometimes be overwhelming.
What do you do when you are not in the studio?
When I'm not in the studio, my time is mostly taken up by teaching. Art education is a passion that is equal to my love of art. I find that sharing the joy I find in creating with students is a great way to engage in being an artist, as through teaching I have developed a greater understanding of a variety of styles, techniques and materials. It has also helped me to question why we make art and the inherent need to express ourselves creatively. Seeing students learn new techniques, experience a new medium or express an idea creatively, is very rewarding.
How would you describe your experience of Melville Open Studios?
Being involved in the Melville Open Studios has been a wonderful experience; it's a great way to connect with an audience. Having people come into the studio is a great opportunity that allows a one-on-one discussion about the artwork. This allows visitors to gain a greater understanding of my process and the ideas behind the work, whilst also giving me immediate feedback, helping me to gauge how well my intentions are being communicated. I like that people can spend a weekend visiting a number of artist's studios and experience engaging with the art community in their local area.
What would be your dream commission?
Any large-scale figurative work where I am given freedom to communicate ideas would be a dream commission.
Other than Melville Open Studios, where can we find your work?
At my studio at Goolugatup Heathcote, Instagram and my website, I also have plans to show my work at Ellis House Community Arts Centre, Atwell Arts Centre and Gallery and Kent Street Gallery throughout the year. I also have an artist in residency at Midland Junction Arts Centre starting in February 2022.
Discover Luke Morgan in our Artist Directory here
