Ahead of the curve with artist Chris Luka

You rarely see watercolors of such large format and in this style. Artist and exhibitor at MASTERS EXPO Chris Luka combines watercolor with acrylic ink, fineliners and gold leaf, which are characteristic of the Amsterdam artist's work: art with a golden edge. In Ahead of the Curve, MASTERS looks to the future together with Chris Luka. Which masterpieces will he bring to the fair in December?

Not often do you see watercolors of such a large size and in this style. Artist and exhibitor at MASTERS EXPO Chris Luka combines watercolor with acrylic ink, fineliners and gold leaf which are characteristic of the works of the Amsterdam artist; art with a golden edge. In Time Ahead, MASTERS looks to the future together with Chris Luka: for example, which masterpieces will he take with him to the fair in December?

If you could have invented something that has already been invented in the past 50 years, what would it be and why?

“I would have liked to invent something in the field of quantum mechanics. After all, it is the basis for all our communication and digital technology that I use a lot when creating and sharing my work. Among other things, it has also taken the art world to the next level. Consider, for example, NFTs and exhibitions that can be experienced digitally in 3D spaces. Social media also remains a great tool to share the creative process with a larger audience and ultimately sell the works. If you want to view/buy art you can visit a museum or gallery. But you just have to come across something that you like. You can now search very specifically online. For example, I notice that many people who visit my studio/gallery have already made a connection with a certain image online. They therefore go home 99% of the time with this specific work.”

Who was the first to tell you about your business plan?

“My muse and dear wife Ylva. And there was not really a well-considered business plan.” For years I worked as a creative in the entertainment industry, but during corona this business came to a standstill. During this period I started actively painting and sold several works in a short time. The choice to start painting full-time was therefore quick and organic. I also think that if you immediately experience traction and notice that you have a solid and unique product in your hands, it is a matter of optimizing. This choice was not difficult for me. If a passion comes from your heart, and you notice that the obsession is secretly stealing your night's sleep, you are on the right track. With the right effort, success is inevitable. First the passion, then the money…”

'A work of art often ties the entire interior together and also sets the tone and energy in a room'

What do you want to bring about in people with your art? 

Stories from visitors to the studio run the gamut. I meet many couples who are entering a new phase of their lives with a new home. They want to seal this step with something unique and lasting. Others are looking for an heirloom for their children, for example. All those stories carry emotion and I find this interaction incredibly fun and satisfying. On Valentine's Day 2021, a boy surprised his girlfriend with a visit to the studio and bought her a work. This year, on the same day, she texted a photo of them posing together before work. With the message that they are still very happy with it. I think it's great that I can be a small part of this. A work of art often ties the entire interior together and also sets the tone and energy in a room.”

If you can buy all the talents that exist in a store, which entrepreneurial talent do you think is necessary?

”Ingenuity and ability to improvise. As an artist you can come up with something beautiful once or twice, but if you cannot evolve further, you get stuck. For example, you have to keep reinventing and adapting the way you present yourself or do your marketing, without losing sight of the core business. But I also think it's important to have a good team around you that you can rely on. My father and sister now work in the studio. As long as you can keep the people close to you who you can really trust, you already have an advantage. Every day when I walk into the studio I feel happy.”

What will you take with you to the fair in December?

“MASTERS EXPO 2022 will be a preview of the creative path I will take in 2023. There will be a number of very special new works on display that are part of a limited edition. I am also working on a number of unique, large-format original paintings. These will be on display (and for sale) for the first time at the event.”

The fair focuses on craftsmanship, innovation and entrepreneurship. What do you hope the fair will bring you?

“Exactly that: inspiration, gaining knowledge and sharing it with fellow exhibitors, but certainly also with visitors! In addition, an artist's strategy is different from that of a large corporate. But it is precisely by allowing these to come together that often unorthodox ideas and solutions arise. The unique original works that I create take a lot of time due to the high detail and amount of 24k gold leaf and are therefore in a higher price range. I think the audience of MASTERS EXPO fits in nicely with this.” Curious about Chris Luka's work? Look at here his website.

Curious about Chris Luka's work? View his website here. 

MASTERS EXPO 

MASTERS EXPO is Europe's only exclusive business fair and focuses on craftsmanship, innovation and entrepreneurship. Approximately four hundred special (family) companies from almost twenty different sectors - from business to lifestyle, cars to design and watches to boats - will enter the exhibition floor from 8 to 12 December 2022 in RAI Amsterdam. Keep an eye on the website for the start of ticket sales.