Meet Luke Forsyth: Painter

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

Hi Luke, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
When I was younger I was able to see my dad start his own business and have a home office. I’m grateful to have had that as a part of my upbringing, and it’s helped me think about starting my own studio and facing the same challenges that he had when he was creating his own business during my childhood. The self-discipline and creative time management are things I employ in my own practice. 

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I didn’t think much about the business side of the art world and for much of my 20s and 30s. I spent a lot of time painting privately and creating multi sensory experiences in alternative art spaces. Those more experimental, “art for art sake” endeavors we’re really enriching and gave me the drive to create more – both in performance and as a painter, where my art foundation lies. I began to curate more through those early opportunities and I discovered that I love to include artists, that I find captivating, into larger conversations. Remaining in conversation with artists I respect is always inspiring for creating work and also for how to build a life where making art can be central. This devotion to art appreciation both historical and contemporary has given me an advantage but I know I am very privileged in this regard and love to share my knowledge whenever possible.

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.
I love to take people to the hills around my neighborhood in Lincoln Heights. There are some surprising areas with great views and interesting wilderness. This area has some of the oldest buildings in Los Angeles, which I think is a good slice of old LA and important to present to establish a connection with the now.  There are really good old school places to recommend going to in Hollywood like Musso and Frank’s or going new school like Kismet. Presenting California’s history as part of Mexico and sharing that history through food is very important and for that reason I think Guisado’s is a fun place to take people for tacos but any Mexican food place or taco stand will do. Mostly go to what’s close to where visitors want to go see art!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I really enjoyed having a studio next to Amir Fallah for the past year. He is a cool guy and has been very encouraging over the years. He is such a dedicated painter and seeing the works in progress was a great experience. He is so thoughtful and detail oriented about his whole process. It was inspirational hanging and talking about the whole art thing. So ShoutOut to Amir! Solid dude.

Website: lukeforsyth.com
Instagram: @luke_forsyth

Image Credits
Sophie Trauberman