Hello, I’m Luka Tratnik—an art teacher, sculptor, and painter based in Slovenia. My journey
in the arts began with a deep-seated passion for visual expression, sparked in part by my
childhood fascination with a Salvador Dali poster titled "The Persistence of Memory" that
hung in my father’s home when I was a little kid. I would often gaze at it in wonder,
captivated by the surreal imagery and the stories it told.
I pursued my passion academically, earning degrees in art education from the Faculty of
Pedagogics in Ljubljana and the School of Applied Arts, FAMUL Stuart. My studies focused
on the morphological characteristics of psychedelic art ( link here ) and the symbolism of mandalas,
themes that continue to resonate in my work.
I draw inspiration from the beauty of nature and the depths of imaginary mindscapes,
believing in the power of art to explore and express consciousness. My creative practice
reflects that philosophy, and I enjoy working with a diverse range of materials—everything
from wood and clay to varius light sources and siporex. My artistic endeavors span various
forms, including installations, sculpture, and mixed media. Recently, I've been integrating
alcohol ink into my paintings, adding another layer of depth to my work.
As an art educator, I strive to inspire my students to discover their own voices and explore
different artistic mediums. My goal is to foster a creative environment where imagination can
flourish.
Throughout my career, I've had the privilege of collaborating with talented individuals across
various fields, from musicians to physicists and engineers. Notable achievements include
creating the sculptures awarded to the Sportsman of the Year in Slovenia and showcasing my
work in solo exhibitions at local venues like Zeleni zajec and Bikofe. One of my most
memorable installations, "Ad Nauseam" was displayed in the world’s smallest gallery at
Channel Zero in Metelkova, and I had the opportunity to create a light installation called "The
Neuron" for a Tim Hecker show at Jakopičeva Galerija.
My artistic journey has been deeply influenced by my early experiences with psychedelics,
which opened my mind to new perspectives and ideas. Now, as a father, I strive to live a
balanced and healthy lifestyle, channeling my energy into my art and teaching.
Thank you for visiting my page. I invite you to explore my work and join me on this creative
journey.