Ask Luke Cavagnac about the history of his artwork and he’ll quote a line from “Rock ‘n’ Roll High School” by the Ramones: “I don’t care about history … cuz that’s not where I wanna be.”
Instead, Cavagnac, 44, a painter who works in Easthampton and lives in Amherst, has a basic goal with his work: “I just want to connect with people on a significant level.”
He’s a well-known presence in Easthampton, where his colorful, pop-art style can be seen on a big mural at 123 Cottage Street, on the side of the building that faces the entryway into Easthampton’s Cottage Street Cultural District. The title? “What starts with an E, has a stamp in the middle, & ends with a ton?”
Working out of his “Invisible Fountain” studio in Eastworks, Cavagnac has concentrated on producing affordable and accessible works that also have a sense of humor. As he says, “I hope that in my paintings one will see honest expression from a person [who] tries not to take himself too seriously all the time.”
Hamshire Life: What is your creative process like?
Luke Cavagnac: I try to let the ideas flow freely from myself to the paint and express them the best way I know how. Lately I’ve been thinking about trying to paint lying down looking up at the canvas … but gravity doesn’t really cooperate with this method.
H.L.: Does is start with a “Eureka!” moment?
L.C.: Usually the “eureka” arrives at some point … but not usually at the start.
H.L.: How do you know you’re on the right track?
L.C.: I never know. Better the wrong track than no track at all … if there even is a wrong track. Will I know the right track when I see it? Will I answer when opportunity knocks?
H.L.: What do you do when you get stuck?
L.C.: Sit there and stare at the floor until something has to happen.
H.L.: How do you know when the work is done?
L.C.: Good question … going too far with a piece is never ever a good thing.
H.L.: What did you do today, or most recently, that relates to your art?
L.C.: Rearranged my psychic and actual furniture.
H.L.: What do you say to people who say “I don’t get it”?
L.C.: I don’t mind if you don’t get it. There’s nothing to get.
Luke Cavagnac will unveil his newest paintings on Saturday at his “Brushes Loaded” show from 6 to 9 p.m. at his studio, THE INVISIBLE FOUNTAIN, at suite 206 in Eastworks, 116 Pleasant Street in Easthampton. More information is available at invisiblefountain.com or by calling (413) 896-8073.