Art has the power to capture the beauty, vulnerability, and essence of the human experience. French artist Luc Joss, born in 1964 in Firminy, has dedicated his life to doing just that. His journey into the world of art was not a straightforward one, but it was shaped by a deep appreciation for the arts instilled in him from a young age.
Luc Joss’s artistic journey began in his childhood, where he was surrounded by art and music. His father was a painter, and his mother was a musician, creating an environment where artistic sensibility was nurtured. At school, it became clear that Luc possessed a unique talent, evident in the distinct quality of his pencil line.
Growing up in a household filled with art books, Luc was exposed to a wide array of artistic influences. As a pre-adolescent, he tried his hand at gouache painting, often reproducing works depicting women, including those by the renowned artist Alphonse Mucha. The paintings of Paul Delvaux also left a lasting impact on his young mind, igniting his fascination with the portrayal of feminine beauty and the female form.
However, art was not initially the career path Luc envisioned for himself. As a teenager, he dreamt of becoming a fighter pilot in military aviation. It wasn’t until later that he pursued higher education in the sciences, earning a master’s degree in physico-chemistry and an engineering degree. Despite this scientific focus, he never abandoned his passion for painting, always keeping it alive through his own work and creating pieces for friends. Throughout it all, the central theme of his art remained the woman.
Luc’s artistic journey took a significant turn in 2002 when he participated in the Salon d’Automne in Paris, earning second prize in painting in the “Young Painters” category. This achievement marked a pivotal moment in his career. However, at the time, he was a father to a young boy, with his wife expecting their daughter. As a result, he decided to temporarily postpone his artistic career in order to prioritize his family.
In the years that followed, Luc continued to paint and refine his technique. Painting evolved from a hobby into an addiction and a necessity of life. His pursuit of perfection was relentless, often leading him to destroy numerous paintings before disposing of them. As his family grew, his commitment to painting remained unwavering.
In 2014, Luc faced a new challenge when he moved to a smaller apartment west of Paris. The limited space made traditional painting increasingly difficult. To adapt, he turned to digital painting, a transition that required more than three years to master. Initially, he viewed digital art as a tool to aid in the creation of future oil paintings.
However, as time passed, his digital works began to gain depth and technicality. This evolution led him to question whether they could stand on their own as unique works of art. Luc’s fascination with market finance naturally led him to explore blockchain technology, cryptocurrencies, and NFTs (non-fungible tokens). Through these innovations, he found solutions to the issues that had previously troubled him regarding digital art, such as uniqueness and sales tracking.
As a result, Luc’s digital paintings took on a new significance in his eyes. He believes that blockchain technology and NFTs have the potential to disrupt the art market, offering unprecedented opportunities for artists and collectors alike. Some of his recent works even reference cryptocurrency and NFTs, reflecting his keen interest in these emerging technologies.
Despite his exploration of digital art, Luc Joss has not abandoned traditional oil painting. He continues to practice and exhibit both mediums. During artistic events, his oils and digital prints coexist, demonstrating his willingness to embrace new technologies while respecting traditional art forms. Luc remains open to the possibilities presented by new technologies and new creative universes.
In Luc’s own words, “There are women whose beauty fascinates me: their gaze, their smile, their pose, their outfit. My inspiration. One thing intrigues me. The women in my paintings are imaginary. I try to paint them as I would like them to be. I try! I see that they always end up escaping me and becoming alive. Watch them carefully! They have their own personality and their story, and I have nothing to do with it.”
Through his art, Luc Joss captures the ethereal beauty of the female form, celebrating its unique essence and vulnerability. His journey from a young boy with a talent for drawing to an artist who explores the frontiers of digital art and blockchain technology showcases his unwavering dedication to his craft. Luc’s work reminds us that art has the power to transcend time and space, evoking emotions and telling stories that resonate with the human spirit.
