Today we’d like to introduce you to Lourans Mikhail
Hi Lourans, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My journey into art started once I separated from the Marines after 13 years of honorable service. I knew I wanted to do something creative, I just didn’t know what. I had designed some T-shirts while in the military, and thought about fashion first, but then I went with graphic design. Growing up they took art out of the public schools in Chicago, so I saw all the graffiti and fell in love with it. Graphic design in college introduced me to typography. But I also realized there isn’t much of an emphasis put on drawing in graphic design. I also did not want to be stuck at some company making designs that were never owned by me even though I created it. Or making ads for something that is against my morals. I had already been in the Marines for 13 years, I was done with that.
I started learning to draw and then sculpt after doing a 3-D design class. I loved bringing things to physical form and being able to draw something that looks like it should. It also helped with my mental health, which was the most freeing and rewarding, and I am thankful I am still able to do that.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
There are always struggles along the way, each moment of your career and life has different ones (hopefully) that allow you to see how far you made it. I felt like I started a lot older and in a place I really had no “normal friends” (which I mean civilian friends) and having been raised in Chicago. I didn’t really know anything about the art scene, or art period. You fall for your occasional art scams, not selling art at times, and just questioning if you should keep going this certain way.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I have A.D.H.D. so I am a sculptor (wood, ceramic, metal and stone), painter, muralist, and graphic designer. I just finished my second solo show “Different Strokes TOO!” based on my series “Different Strokes”. With my series I use the actual paint brush as the art piece. I replace the bristles of the brush with other objects such as : bullets, cigarettes, needles, and lightbulbs for example. All the brush handles are made by me in different exotic woods, ceramics or concrete for example. I create a change in perspective about the message that these pieces signify.
2025 will see my third solo show and, first one on my “Anamorphic Alphabet” series. Anamorphic Alphabet is a typeface I created that takes both upper and lower case letters, and puts them in a single letter-form, using only one line that never intersects. This is based on a 3-D perspective to give you that illusion of a letter appearing. These will be paintings and sculptures as well, and I am also trying to make some other new things hopefully happen for the show.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
Probably watching cartoons, drawing when I did as a kid, playing basketball, or playing video games.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://LouransMikhail.com
- Instagram: LouransMikhail
- Facebook: LouransMikhail
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCa6XM3F6fTub0H6Ef9ADSWA/
