036: Luke Scott
Born and raised on the island of Guåhan, Luke Scott, also known as "Lost with Lukes,” is a graphic designer and photographer with a deep appreciation for the natural world and the teeming life it sustains.
“Abyss”
Description: An abyss of darkness, cold and lonely only to be illuminated by specs of light shining through cracks on the surface.
Luke Scott
Luke’s art is a blend of nostalgia and soulfulness, driven by his belief that true artistry comes from the heart and the soul. He feels that art should evoke deep emotions and connect with people on a meaningful level. His distinctive style often features a play between light and dark as well as contrasting colors, capturing the essence of both land and sea. This duality of opposites creates compelling and vivid visual narratives that define his work and showcase his unique perspective on the world.
Surprisingly, Luke’s path to photography wasn’t planned. Instead, it started with a GoPro he bought years ago and gradually evolved into what it is today. When he began his artistic journey, he never imagined his work would gain recognition. However, driven by a passion for creation, he eventually discovered his calling in photography.
“Searching for a Friend”
Description: The lonely swimmer looks down gazing upon life below; crowded yet empty. Swimming along in search of a friend, the lonely swimmer descends down to his nest only to return to the surface again.
Luke Scott
While pursuing Visual Communications in college, Luke had the opportunity to explore photography through an academic and technical lens. Although he learned its foundations in this manner, he suggests that much of his photography skills were developed through trial and error. Capturing photos in the depths of the ocean, for instance, is a matter of experience rather than education. Due to this, his creative process became almost intuitive and spontaneous. He claims that taking photos is a simple matter of pointing and shooting, involving minimal editing to preserve the authenticity of his shots. However, it seems that his connection to his craft mixed with his natural talent helped birth his artistic vision, training his eye to observe and dictate elements such as composition and lighting beyond the viewfinder.
“Sweet Mother"
Description: Embracing the past memories of the life he knew before, he is nestled in sweet Mother Earth.
Luke Scott
Despite this, Luke still has a tough time calling himself a “photographer.” He simply views his artistic pursuit as a child living a dream, having fun, and expressing his creativity freely. However, his work clearly reflects his dedication and passion, drawing inspiration from the natural world of Guam. The tranquil and solitary environments of beaches, deep waters, and jungles serve as the fuel for bringing his imagination to life. Considering he claims that his true home is being alone on the beach, in the jungle, or even 40 feet deep in the ocean rather than in cities or crowds, it is easy to see the artist behind the art.
“Answer the Call”
Description: He hears the ocean calling him. He makes his way to the water just to see the sun kiss the sea goodnight. He feels the warmth of the ocean caressing his skin, the whispers of wind, and the smell of sweet ocean mist. In that instance, he remembers he is home.
Luke Scott
Over the years, Luke’s work has evolved from simple snapshots to lifestyle to now a conscious focus on ocean and documentary photography. This evolution reflects his deepening connection to his niche and his commitment to capturing the timeless beauty and cultural significance of island life. His journey is a testament to the idea that sometimes the best things in life happen by accident.
As for his goals, Luke dreams of traveling through Micronesia to document the unique bond Micronesians share with the ocean and to showcase the rich beauty of their collective culture.
“1. Look at what others are doing outside of your area or surroundings.
2. Create everyday even if it’s for 30 minutes. Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery so copy others but add your own style and flair.
3. Keep creating until you find your signature style.
4. Do it for the passion and love not for the money or social gain.
5. Have fun and trust the process. ”
To read Luke Scott’s full interview, continue reading below. Also, follow him on Instagram (@lostwithlukes) and check out his portfolio on his website (www.lostwithlukes.com). Thanks again!
“The Mermaid”
Description: The ocean is her playground. Unafraid of the unknown, she swims the seas in search of adventure. Finding little creatures amongst the corals, collecting sea shells that lay on the seafloor, and spending her days by the sea; she is the little mermaid.
Luke Scott
Please introduce yourself and describe what you do.
Hafa adai! My name is Luke Scott Fernandez better known as “Lost with Luke” on Instagram. I am a “photographer” and graphic designer born and raised on the island of Guåhan. My inspiration to create comes from the ocean and life surrounding it (something I’ve always been fascinated with since I was a child). My goal is to one day travel through Micronesia in order to document the relationship we as Micronesians have with the ocean as well as shine light on how beautiful we are as a collective culture. (Note: I put ‘photographer’ in quotes cause I hate being called that, it sounds too official or serious)
How would you define art?
My art and/or art style is a bit of nostalgia mixed in with soulfulness. I’m a firm believer in letting one's art speak through passion. Many times people can see/feel what you create if it’s done with a lot of heart and soul. My work also plays a lot on light and dark which is how I typically like to capture below water and on land.
Why did you choose your art form?
It kind of fell into my hands by accident… It all started with a GoPro that I bought years ago and it eventually grew into what it is now. I didn’t think my art would ever be known or taken seriously which is why I don’t even consider myself a photographer. I still think I’m just a kid with a camera living on a dream and having fun.
How does your background (education, culture, etc.) affect the work you make today?
Well… I’m a graphic designer by trade, I got my associates degree in Visual Communications from Guam Community College. I did take a few photography classes and learned the foundations of photography such as lighting, composition, etc. I will say this, no one really teaches you how to shoot underwater, how to capture waves, or how to create art; it’s all about trial and error, seeing what works and what doesn’t. Most of all it’s about the vision~
Who do you idolize?
I look up to a lot of creatives, most of them Hawai’i based but these are my top picks:
Gonzalo Pasquier (@gonzalopasquier)
Emmett Sparling (@emmett_sparling)
Brooke Berry (@brooklynhawaii)
John Barton (@johnnyjungle)
Where do you get your inspiration?
I draw my inspiration from nature mostly, capturing island living and life is my main source of fuel to create. I don't like the city and crowds always feel foreign to me but being alone on a beach, in 40 feet of water, or in the jungle feels right at home.
What do you do when you're stuck on an artwork or lacking motivation or inspiration?
When I feel complacent or lack creativity, I find something new to capture. If I’m tired of capturing sea life, I capture people instead but still stay true to myself by connecting it to the ocean or island somehow.
What do you like incorporating most into your art?
I like to incorporate a lot of light and shadow into my work. I feel that one cannot live without the other and creates balance within a subject.
What is something that you add to your art as your signature?
I’m best known for my blue and orange photos but a good mix is light, shadow, color and some grain-
Take us through your process for making art.
There really is no process I feel… I just point the camera and click the button. I do some editing in Adobe Lightroom but it’s not that drastic.
What do you struggle with the most when making art?
I struggle with finding new things to capture or finding new ways to capture the same subject over and over again.
What role do artists have in society?
I feel that an artist's role in society is to capture the times in which we are living and provide emotion by turning the intangible tangible through art.
What characteristics do you think all artists share?
I think that all artists live in a space of delusion or imagination as a means of escaping the real world. We’re all insane in some capacity and everyone has a different way of showing it.
What’s your favorite place in Guam?
Never reveal your spots… keep it local and lowkey.
How has your artwork evolved over time?
My work has evolved over the years many times; from gopro,lifestyle, and now ocean/documentary photography. I feel that ocean and documentary photography are very much my niche and is the style I’ve chosen for the long term.
Why did you choose to become an artist?
I didn’t mean to, it was really an accident but I always knew I wanted to create. I just didn’t know what form and capacity I would be creating.
Is your art geared towards a specific audience?
Not really… if you like it, you like it. If you don’t, I’ll still be creating.
Do you have any tips for aspiring artists?
Look at what others are doing outside of your area or surroundings.
Create everyday even if it’s for 30 minutes.
Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery so copy others but add your own style and flair.
Keep creating until you find your signature style.
Do it for the passion and love not for the money or social gain.
Have fun and trust the process.
