Today we’d like to introduce you to Luka Oleksyshyn.
Luka, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
My California story started with big dreams as a little kid. I grew up in Lviv, Ukraine. My parents met in the theater. My father was an actor and mother was a clothing designer. Watching movies and cartoons as a boy made me wanna create and tell stories. I started discovering animation probably at the age of 10. First, learning simple tools like paint and movie maker, the chain reaction started. And before I knew I woke up on top of the hill at Griffith observatory in Los Angeles, I had a camera, a car and still same dreams. So four years went by and I got involved with Cannabis culture that is booming here on the West Coast. Thats how I shot my first feature-length documentary about weed growers in the infamous Emerald Triangle.
Can you give our readers some background on your art?
One thing I noticed about my art it changes its form throughout the time. I started with animation, switched to photography, then turned to videos and filmmaking. Currently, I’m in postproduction of my first full length documentary film “Marijuana Paradise”. Even tho its a story about weed and growers, it Will also show the human nature and rebel characters that pushed this culture to where it is now.
You know its tough, tough to be an artist. Like with my film, every single day for about three years, I go to sleep and wake up with only one thought. “get it done” but then all the demons run in the door of my mind and start fucking with me, like oh my god… Im hungry, let’s watch a movie, go out, smoke a joint, etc. Its been a big learning school for me as well. Nobody can teach you how to be you, they can only point you the right way and most of the time, it’s not going to be the nice way. But its all a part of the same old thing.
Art is like life. It always changes, so it would be perfect to quote Bruce Lee “Water can flow or it can crash, be water my friend”
Do you think conditions are generally improving for artists? What more can cities and communities do to improve conditions for artists?
It’s a tough time to be an artist. Everybody is one. Especially in this city. What I can advise is: just say fuck it, do your best, hustle on the side. There is a million ways to make it, but you just gotta be possessed with an idea.
What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
There you can get the insights of what means “living the dream”
Come follow me on insta. Its @lukalive1
Contact Info:
- Website: lukalive.com
- Phone: 2139290219
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lukalive1/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/luka.oleksishin
- Other: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D-UOn7wXLoU
Image Credit:
Sover111
Suggest a story: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
