Elina Lukas creates abstract art that is impacted by her surroundings, shapes, light and shadows, emotions, and the need to feel peace and tranquility. She works with discipline and consistency, being in her studio daily.
How did you find yourself on an artist’s path?
One of the earliest childhood memories I have are of me painting (or, let’s be honest, trying to paint) a big tree with watercolours. I was enthralled with suddenly having the ability to transpose what I see in the real world onto paper. I was lucky enough to be constantly encouraged by my mother to create and express myself artistically.
What inspires your work?
My work is heavily impacted by my surroundings, shapes, light and shadows, emotions and the need to feel peace and tranquility. It’s funny how, looking back at my work from just a year ago, I can now see what it was trying to tell me and which feelings have been poured into it.
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Are you a planner or an improviser?
I used to be the type of person who creates only on a whim. I would wait for inspiration to come, and was adamant that you cannot plan creativity. But it wasn’t until I had a lightbulb moment that I realised in order to improve and progress, what I need more than anything is discipline and consistency. I shared some thoughts on this in my latest video: https://youtu.be/eaXys8iC-8w?si=Jjplmdbf3F03rbmX
Which part of the design process is your favourite?
I love starting a new piece and feeling the anticipation of finishing it. While I don’t plan what I’m going to paint or how it’s going to look when I’m done, I always think of a feeling that I want the finished artwork to evoke, or specific elements I want to incorporate. Seeing the painting change as I add more and more to it is such an exciting process, too.
How often do you start a new project?
I paint daily, but sometimes I go through stretches of a few days where I need to step away from creating to have a fresh look on my art.
I tend to work on one piece at a time, but sometimes, if I can’t resolve a painting, I let it sit and move onto the next until it’s ready to be finished.
What traits do creative people have that others don’t?
I think the biggest difference is opening up your heart to the world.
When you truly make art from the depths of your being, you’re inevitably digging into different corners of your soul. Some of those corners are full of beautiful memories, others are raw and deep.
Everything you find ends up finding its way into the art you produce and present to the world, and I find that a lot of the time you’re presenting things that you might not have even had the time or the courage to express verbally.
How has your creativity evolved over the years?
My artwork, how I create, how I talk about my work and most importantly, how I feel about it, has done a full 180 spin that I was not anticipating. When I finally started leaning into creating art that I love and feel proud of, I feel like I have finally stepped into my power as a creative.
What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
Give it two years. Patience is not something that comes naturally to me when it involves my own progress and development. True progress requires time, and sometimes you just need to keep pushing and trying. So whatever you’re trying to do now that isn’t quite working out as you want it to, give it two years until you make a decision to abandon ship or pivot to something else.
Where can people see your work?
https://elinalukas.com and https://www.instagram.com/elinalukas/
Interview posted January 2025
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