Meet APOTHEOSIS

Luke grew up in a very transient lifestyle living between Minnesota and Texas. He loved to draw and learn in grade school but struggled to sit still and stay focused. He was placed in the gifted and talented classes until seventh grade when he was expelled. After expulsion, he faced many ups and downs, including challenges that he never seemed to be able to overcome. Soon after, he found relief in drugs. This would be the start of Luke’s spiraling lifestyle that would eventually land him in prison.

While incarcerated, Luke started drawing and traded his drawings for commissary items. But his mastery of the craft wasn’t until a fellow inmate suggested that his drawings were terrible that Luke started to push himself and commit to developing himself as an artist. Before this, Luke had little desire or motivation to excel at drawing. His cellmate advised Luke to “always do your best work at everything you do” and with this mindset, he dedicated his time to studying art.

Luke treated the prison library like a classroom—studying and practicing different art forms and drawing techniques. He developed creative recipes for making “homemade” art supplies and learned how to convey light and shadows in his drawings. As he got better, Luke began drawing portraits of families with their incarcerated loved ones to connect them beyond prison walls.

Luke continues creating art today by drawing, painting, wood carving, and airbrushing. He has a passion for teaching art, which he hopes to do someday. As someone who has exceeded his expectations, he hopes to show others they can do the same.

WHAT ROLE DOES ART PLAY IN YOUR LIFE?

Art is my outlet, my therapy and one of my ways to support myself. I love to get lost in a piece, and the joy it brings to give someone the gift of art. I am just always inspired by Jehovah God, our Creator, and the best artist of all.

IDENTITY STATEMENT

I see myself as a work in progress, and that is how I hope to be seen by others. My life, like many of ours, has not been an easy one. However, when someone took time to teach me to purpose of life, God’s plan for the future, and how we can have a happy life in the meantime, a transformation occurred. Now I am peaceful and joyful and look forward to the future with excited anticipation. The bonds of prison and addiction will never hold me again.

Instagram: @apotheosisartwork

Prince

Charcoal

14 x 17

INSPIRATION

My inspiration for this piece was the before of Prince from years ago, black and white, nostalgic and from another lifetime. The “before” of his life.

Brother Prince Nelson

Acrylic paint

14 x 17

INSPIRATION

My inspiration for this piece is after Prince met Brother Larry Graham and started studying the Bible, eventually becoming one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. He finally found his purpose and happy hope for the future. His “after” life became vibrant and alive with color.

Justice?

23.5 x 17.5 / 31 x 25 framed

Medium: Mixed Media

The total lack of justice all throughout history.

Chief Wolf Robe

18 x 12 / 19.5 x 13.5 framed

Medium: Pen and ink with acrylic paint

Chief Wolf Robe pictures the people, both in history and in our day, who knew no justice. They lived and died, loved and fought, enjoyed moments of peace against the struggle that is this corrupt world. Did they have hope for a better future? Did they believe in the Creator and Great Spirit would one day bless the earth and make the ground a just and happy place where we all dwell in peace, no matter what tribe, nation, people or tongue? (Rev7:) Did they dream of a time when death, mourning, outcry and even tears would be a thing of the past? (Rev21:4) What would they tell us about how we invest our time and what things are truly most important in life? (1John 2:15-17)