Meet Luis Grane | Visual Artist

Image Credit: Cecila Grane

We had the good fortune of connecting with Luis Grane and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Luis, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I have always liked art and have been drawing for as long as I can remember, but I didn’t go straight into art school. I did three years of medical school, incorporating art into medicine by drawing dissections and organs for the anatomy class I was teaching, until I finally switched to fine arts to pursue my passion. I wanted to be fully dedicated to Art despite all the risks that involves, much to the chagrin of my whole family.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I see myself as a visual artist. This term encompasses all the art forms I use to express myself: Video art, painting, installations, drawing, and animation. What makes my art unique is my point of view as a Latino American 1st generation immigrant in Los Angeles with acculturation dilemmas, constantly remembering other places, nostalgic. What sets me apart is the main ingredient I use in all my art forms and that is humor. I feel all humans struggle in one way or another, and I somehow I tend to introduce breaks away from that intensity in every setting where I am, and almost inevitably I think that filters into my art. Humor means bringing in the unexpected, it requires good understanding, and it involves good timing It is also a very effective defense mechanism. I used to publish a comic strip with a friend in Argentina who became a stand-up comedy artist. Instead, I brought the spirit of that into visual arts.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
During a non-coronavirus reality, I’d propose: Walk to Elysian park to see the magnificent view of LA and maybe spot a coyote; Avocado toast brunch at Zinc; LACMA to see the Modern Art collection and Mesoamerican art from Western Mexico; El Matador beach; Jitlada thai food; Browse records at Amoeba; Beer & appetizers at Blue Star (at walking distance from my studio); Highland Park Bowl; Ramen at Jinyia; End the very long day at the Hot and Cool Cafe at Leimert Park before listening to jazz at The World Stage. And I would advise my friend to avoid Hollywood Blvd’s walk of fame at all cost.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
To all the artists that I had the fortune to work with and guided me and all the artists that I never met personally but who inspired me through their work.

Website: luisgraneart.com
Instagram: @luisgrane