“Life is Rich and Full” just about sums up the worldview of one of Raleigh’s favorite local artists, Luke Miller Buchanan. It was also the title of an art show he had on display simultaneously at Stitch and Rebus Works in Raleigh in 2010 that featured whimsical and stylized hand drawings of many familiar Raleigh locations. A long time NC resident and notorious fun-maker, Luke is known for his sense of humor, warmth and fabulous style – the embodiment of “geek chic.” His typical artistic medium is an interesting combination of collage, photography, and painting (in both 2D and 3D) and often expresses emotion and story telling about a certain place that he has personally experienced from his life and travels.
You may also recognize Buchanan from his expert cocktailing as bartender at the award-wining Poole’s Diner in downtown Raleigh—where he has been working the crowds and crafting drinks since it opened in 2007. Or you may know him from Kings/Neptunes in Raleigh where he and his brother (Sean) host monthly Trivia Nights on the first Monday of every month. Not just your ordinary trivia night, the brothers take it to the next level by researching and writing all of their own questions, making up the themes for all of the rounds, editing a custom music round, and Luke makes amazing hand drawn promo posters each month that often feature scenes from his favorite movies (hint: at that night’s trivia theme). They are also the creative force behind popular game show nights at Kings with local (throw-back style) versions of the Dating Game and Family Feud. Yet one more way that Buchanan leaves his own unique mark on local Raleigh culture.
Next up for Luke is a show of his paintings at Rebus Works in October as well as a lobby show at Artspace in that same month – both will be a must see for your First Friday list. You can also catch some of his work at the Frank Gallery in Chapel Hill and he always has a rotating piece of art on display at Raleigh Denim’s Curatory downtown. He often takes part in group shows through his studio space at Bonded Llama in Raleigh as well. Follow him on Twitter at @LukeBuch for photos of his ongoing art works and information on projects/events he is involved with.
And if all of this doesn’t quite yet paint the “rich and full” picture of Luke Buchanan. I coerced him into answering some of my probing questions as a way for us all to get a peak inside his innovative mind. Enjoy!
Creative spotlight with Luke Miller Buchanan
Describe your art in one sentence.
Memories of time and space.
How does your work as an artist intertwine with your other jobs/hobbies?
I have had a job since I was 16. In fact I have almost always had more than one job. So of course the people I have met through work and the things I have learned at any given job have had a tremendous effect on my personality and interests.
But in a more visceral way, everything I do can basically be called “making things.” It might be a painting or a drawing, it might be a cocktail, it might be cookout or a Christmas party. The point is I am always thinking “here’s what we’ve got to work with, what can I make out of this?” in every job, and to be honest in almost every facet of my life.
What is one of your favorite things about living/working/creating in the Raleigh area?
I’ve always appreciated that Raleigh has everything you could really need. It might not have a lot of variety in some areas, but the trade off is knowing your neighbors.
What is your favorite creative resource to learn about innovative ideas and other artist’s work?
I’d have to say travel. I try to go to new places as often as possible and I ALWAYS hit up the museums. There is no substitute for the real thing! I have two magazine subscriptions; Cabinet (the best magazine ever, and I worked in a magazine store for two years) and The Week.
When you start a new piece of art on a blank canvas, where do you begin? What is the catalyst to get an idea rolling?
The idea comes from the space first. I visit a place and take photographs of it. That gets the ball rolling so to speak. Then I will usually play around with the photos until I get a composition that I like. After that I attach the photos to the panel, and add more collage material. This is the beginning of the painting really because this is where I start to choose colors to balance out the photos. When I actually start to paint on it, it is hardly a blank canvas.
If money and historical time were not factors, what artist’s work would you love to own?
I mean, I would love to get up in the morning and brush my teeth looking at a Diebenkorn Ocean Park series painting, or have Wyeths in the study and Hoppers in the dining room, but I would rather they be in a museum where everyone can enjoy them.
What is your idea of a perfect day?
Get up early, have some coffee, read a bit, go to the studio, meet a friend for lunch, back to the studio, maybe hit up the farmers market and make some dinner, have a beer on the porch. That’s a good day.
I have been very lucky to have a few perfect days in my life. However, like supernovae, they are only really noticed when they are gone. So I try to be open to new experiences, visit new places, and appreciate the great moments in life while they are happening.
If you could throw a dinner party with only famous people as guests, what four people would you invite?
Marie Curie, Daniel Day Lewis, William Eggleston, and Leonard Cohen.
What is one of your favorite movies from a visual/creative perspective?
“Stranger Than Paradise” jumps to mind, for a million different reasons. “Stray Dog” by Kurosawa is in the same vein. Both movies were made with what was at hand, and the results are far greater than the sum of their parts. Like I said earlier, it’s a matter of “here’s what I have, what can I make from this?” And they both LOOK amazing!
Name an album or musical artist that you could listen to on repeat while working on your art.
I don’t like to listen to music on repeat. I have a once a day rule. I might listen to a song or an album every day for 6 months, but never more than once a day. I am constantly actively seeking out new music. The list of my favorites would have to be the subject of a different article. I have listened to the Final Fantasy music on repeat a lot though!
What city (domestic or foreign) have you traveled to that has most inspired you creatively and why?
So basically visiting cities and responding to them creatively is kind of my thing. Most recently Berlin really impressed me. The paintings I have done from Berlin are a step in a new direction for sure. Anywhere that has a lot of history, and really a lot of places do!
What quality do you most admire in others?
Good manners.
What is always in your kitchen?
Peanut butter and bananas.
Do you have a guilty pleasure?
I will cop to anything that I genuinely like. Do I love the OC and Friday Night Lights? Hell yes I do. I don’t feel guilty about it, but I think that’s what you’re getting at. I love ice cream. Come to karaoke with me if you want to know what terrible songs I know all the words to…
Describe yourself in 3-5 words.
Poetry in motion, coconut lotion.