Lukas Cooper

Experimentation Inspired by Nature

My art is inspired by nature and its ability to adapt. I am drawn to the strange, elegant, and sometimes bizarre ways plants and animals evolve to survive in harsh environments, and I aim to capture their resilience in my work.

Much of my recent inspiration comes from deep sea creatures. I study their forms and recreate their unusual features, highlighting how these animals reshape themselves to endure extreme conditions. My sculptures often incorporate mixed media, including clay, wire, and plastic bags, which reflect the delicate yet complex nature of these underwater organisms.

In contrast, my ceramic vases are grounded in flowers and trees, transforming natural elements into abstract interpretations. I experiment with slump molds, allowing the clay to settle organically into unpredictable shapes. As the clay dries, I rip, reshape, and bend it, embracing the lack of control in the early stages. This process allows the final piece to feel fluid and spontaneous, much like the way nature constructs itself.

My two dimensional work also reflects my love for loose, flowing forms. I primarily use oil pastels to create delicate and occasionally abstract pieces, focusing on vibrant color, texture, and movement rather than precise details or strong lines. This approach gives my drawings a soft, painterly quality.

Looking ahead, I plan to pursue architecture. I want my designs to continue reflecting nature’s beauty and strangeness, creating spaces that encourage people to pause and observe the natural world more closely. Through both art and architecture, I hope to create structures that celebrate resilience, adaptation, and the unexpected forms found in nature.