Lucas Smith shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Lucas, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What are you being called to do now, that you may have been afraid of before?
I am inspired to lean more boldly into my creative practice, allowing myself to dream bigger, take up more space, and trust the evolution of my artistic voice. This includes committing to larger scale work. In the past I typically created small and medium size pieces up to about 24×24 but in 2025 I explored pieces reaching 50×50 and 60×48, which have been well-received by galleries and collectors. For 2026, I am going to continue experimenting with even larger work and giving myself room to explore new mediums and substrates that broaden my range and inspire new creative possibilities. What once felt intimidating, like submitting to a single gallery, has grown into exhibiting confidently throughout many of the top galleries in San Diego County and completing multiple successful solo shows. I am truly thankful and deeply grateful for every opportunity, mentor, collector, and moment of growth that has shaped my journey. Now I feel energized for what comes next. I am excited to expand my presence into Palm Springs, Laguna Beach, and Los Angeles in 2026, and to enjoy the momentum and possibilities ahead.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Lucas Smith. I’m an abstract artist based in San Diego. My work is all about layers, each one carrying its own meaning and energy. I am drawn to the interplay between the natural and the abstract, the calm and the chaotic. The colors, textures, and rhythms of my surroundings constantly inspire me, and I strive to bring that organic vitality into contemporary spaces through my paintings. Each piece is an invitation to explore, to feel, and to connect with the movement and emotion within the work.
What sets my art apart is the balance between boldness and harmony. Every painting encourages viewers to engage with its textures, shapes, and energy, offering a unique experience with each viewing. I am always experimenting, evolving, and pushing myself to find new ways to express emotion and the essence of nature. One of the most exciting parts of being an artist is connecting with people who respond to my work, whether it is in a gallery, a private collection, or online.
I am currently focused on expanding my collections, preparing for upcoming exhibitions, and continuing to explore new ways of layering emotion, nature, and human experience in my art. My goal is to create work that resonates, sparks curiosity, and leaves a lasting impression. You can follow me @LucasSmithArt and explore my work on my website at www.lucassmithart.com.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
Distance, misunderstandings, fear, and the invisible walls we may build around ourselves can strain even the closest relationships. Words go unspoken, emotions go unseen, and slowly, the ties that hold us together begin to fray. Yet there is a force that can gently draw those threads taut again: awareness, empathy, and the courage to truly see one another.
This is where art plays its role. My work is not simply decoration; it is an invitation to pause, to feel, and to reflect. Through color, texture, and form, art reveals what has been left unspoken, bringing hidden emotions to the surface. When someone connects with a piece, a quiet understanding emerges, bridging gaps and restoring a sense of closeness.
Art reminds us that even when words fail, empathy endures. It transforms isolation into intimacy, silence into dialogue, and distance into shared experience. In encountering it, we are reminded that we are not alone and that the bonds we value can always be nurtured, strengthened, and celebrated.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
Keep going, no matter how hard it gets. Invest in yourself and your art—your creativity matters. Most importantly, trust your voice, believe in your dreams, and know that your journey is worth it.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? How do you differentiate between fads and real foundational shifts?
Fads are loud, flashy, and temporary. They grab attention and promise instant relevance but disappear just as quickly. Foundational shifts grow quietly from the core of culture, technology, or emotion. They last and change how we see, create, and connect.
For me the difference comes back to my own artistic voice. My work may evolve, my palette may shift, my medium may change, but my vision, the way I see the world, remains constant. Fads tempt you to chase the moment. Foundational shifts connect with your core. They feel inevitable, like they were always part of your path.
I watch, I experiment, I let things pass through my hands, but I always ask myself if this serves my voice or just the noise of the moment. My art is a conversation with time. Sometimes playful, sometimes serious, but always mine. That is how I tell the passing spark from the lasting fire.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. When do you feel most at peace?
I feel most at peace when I am creating. I am often an intuitive painter, starting with a base idea or concept but I find peace in focused time developing a composition or exploring techniques. It quiets my mind from the external allowing me to focus on just the work in front of me. Every idea, every brush stroke, every mark I make feels like a small part of me coming out. In those moments, everything else fades, and I feel calm in a way that nothing else brings. Creating is the place where I feel most myself.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.lucassmithart.com
- Instagram: @lucassmithart
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LucasSmithArt/
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