Art &
Design
Lucas Stoffel (b. 1978) Originally from small-town Iowa, Stoffel grew up as a gay Catholic schoolboy on the banks of the Mississippi—often nursing a bloody nose on the playground. The experience shaped his fascination with ritual, belief, and the human search for meaning. The first thing Jesus taught him was how to hate himself; the first thing the world taught him was how vast his possibilities were. After graduating from Iowa State University, he moved to NYC in 2001, working on Broadway before transitioning into commercial art and creative direction.
Stoffel has traveled to over 40 countries, drawing inspiration from diverse spiritual traditions to create bold, layered compositions that reimagine sacred imagery for modern audiences. He lives and works in one of the same historic warehouse lofts on Coenties Slip once inhabited by artists like Robert Indiana and Ellsworth Kelly—spaces preserved from demolition in the 1960s and still home to working artists today.
Named one of NYC’s top LGBTQ+ artists by GLAAD in 2012, Stoffel’s work has been showcased by amfAR and the Matthew Shepard Foundation, and featured in The New York Times, Huffington Post, AM New York, Hawaiian Airlines Magazine, and on Bravo’s reality shows. His artistic contributions have earned him the Starving Artist Award, a commission for Ralph Lauren’s daughter, and exhibitions at iconic New York venues including the Puck Building, The Art Directors Club, Prince George Gallery, GalleryBar, and New World Stages.
The ways in which this world has created beauty through devotion to the unknown is what inspires me the most. I am fascinated by society's interpretations of God, and how we infuse dance, song, and devotion with such profound meaning, even for something or someone intangible. My goal is to convey these ideas through visual art. Not only do I strive to interpret the cultural significance of various religions and traditions, but I also aim to challenge viewers to question the very essence of "who or what is God?"
What inspires you?
How would you describe your work?
My artwork is a vibrant and colorful reflection of contemporary aesthetics, embracing the essence of pop art with a touch of simplicity akin to Andy Warhol's style. I create large scale visually captivating pieces that command attention through a series of bold colors, dynamic compositions, and clean lines. Because I was trained as a photographer and designer, my work has a very graphic impact, it invites viewers to engage with its striking visual appeal while conveying an accessible modern sensibility.
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What is your creative process like?
Everything in my collection is deeply rooted in my photography, which has garnered recognition in esteemed publications like The New York Times and The Huffington Post. My artistic process begins with my photographs, which serve as the foundation for each piece. Through digital manipulation and reinterpretation, I transform the original image before bringing it to life on canvas with acrylic paints. With a keen focus on color theory and a penchant for working on large-scale canvases, I aim to evoke curiosity and invite viewers to explore the intricate details within each composition.
What is an artist’s role in society and how do you see that evolving?
In my perspective, my role in society is to inspire and foster beauty and unity within the world. It is about exploring our differences while embracing the shared values that bind us together. I am not concerned with whether a person believes in Christ or Buddha; what truly matters to me is whether they believe in compassion. If my artwork can bridge the gaps created by cultural and religious divides and enlighten audiences about the profound beauty that surrounds us, then I believe I have fulfilled my purpose. My aim is to interpret the world through my artistic lens and hope that others can recognize the similarities that connect us all, ultimately promoting understanding and harmony.
I was the recipient of the Starving Artist Award, and the featured artist for the amFar Rocks Benefit for AIDS research which was displayed at the Puck Building. My work was highlighted at AM New York’s Premiere Art Rocks event, and I was featured on the cover of Next Magazine, which brought me many new followers, including Dylan’s Candy Bar, who commissioned me to work on a confection-inspired collection. My work has been shown at the Art Directors Club, The Prince George Gallery, GalleryBar, and New World Stages, among other venues in New York City.