Meet Lukas Milanak | Artist & Designer

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

Hi Lukas, what role has risk played in your life or career?
In financial markets, there’s an old saying that money is made through “Time in the markets, not timing the markets”. I believe this applies in a creative profession too. There’s no right time to leave stability for your dream. You just have to make that choice, and jump the hurdles as they come. It’s never easy, but trust that you are the kind of person who can handle whatever comes your way. The sooner you can commit to building your future, the sooner you’ll get there in the end.

It’s no secret that being an artist is a difficult way to make a living. Early on in my career though, I found people who were really making it work for themselves. In knowing them, I found a destination. The path is never straightforward, but it is there for those willing to search for it.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I specialize in transformation, gathering materials from my world and combining them to create sculptures that share my curiosities. Often, my work takes the form of a relic from an imagined future where nature exists as a manmade specimen. Like a backyard alchemist or post apocalyptic science historian, I transform everyday materials into post-natural artifacts that imitate the living world. I find magic in making, joy in discovery and excitement in the opportunity to share my world with others.

My career in glassblowing has its oldest roots in my desire to learn how things are made. Unlike many other materials, the glassblowing process is still shrouded in mystery, 2000 years after its beginning. After earning a BFA from Temple University’s Tyler School of Art, I went on to apprentice at the Corning Museum of Glass. There, I studied under a handful of very talented individuals and began the lifelong process of perfecting an art and refining a style. In 2021, I moved to Brooklyn, New York, where I continue to experiment and refine my practice.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Having only moved to Brooklyn several months ago, I’m still finding out what I like! That being said, last summer, I learned that Brooklyn is actually a beach town. You can hop on my neighborhood subway stop and be at the beach in minutes. For art, I recommend getting the NYC art pulse in Chelsea or Tribeca. There’s lots of galleries in those neighborhoods and it can be a great way to spend an afternoon. Of course, we wouldn’t want to skimp on the nightlife either. I love walking through a new neighborhood and stumbling upon a great bar or restaurant.

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?
Thank you to my friends Bailey and Gray, both great creators in their own right, who have pushed and motivated me since childhood to be who I am. My mother and father for trusting my decisions even when the outcome seemed unclear. And lastly, to all the friends and creators who are a part of my community. I hope to return the support you’ve given me.

Website: www.lukaslabs.com

Instagram: @lukas_labs

Other: Etsy Shop: https://www.etsy.com/shop/lukaslabs?ref=shop_sugg

Image Credits
Personal Portrait only: Darya Golubina, www.daryagolubina.com