MR. LUCA VIGORELLI

What's your first thought when you wake up?

What if… I just turn my alarm off and go back to sleep… what if.

Coffee or tea?

Coffee. I'm half asleep without my morning coffee. 

Do you sing in the shower?

I always listen to music when I shower, so yes! (praying no one is listening though).

What made you become an artist and what is the most challenging aspect of it and the most rewarding thing about it?

My dad is a painter as well, we used to paint together when I was a kid. That could have something to do with it. But, when I was about 20 I felt like I needed a creative outlet. I think for me it was a way to express my emotions and thoughts in a healthy way. It is very cathartic for me — I feel like I can let go of the burdens of life when I paint. It quiets my mind from all the mental chatter and allows me to be present in the moment. Painting has helped me to express something that I can’t quite put into words, something deeper that yearns to be expressed. 

The most challenging aspect of it is having patience with creating new works and learning to accept imperfections. I always have strong feelings toward my work. There is this internal dance between loving and hating my work. Sometimes I look at a piece and want to “destroy” what I have made. But, the destruction can just be a transformation. The magic for me in painting is that the “mistakes” and “imperfections” are what can make the piece come alive. 

The most rewarding thing about painting for me is seeing my imagination and vision manifest into physical reality. It's never exactly as I want it to be, but striving to get as close to that vision as possible is a rewarding challenge.

Tell us about what you're working on now?

Right now I am working on a project for a charity organization called Stand for Education founded by supermodel and activist Mari Malek. The organization is dedicated to benefiting refugee children in South Sudan, providing children with education and access to supplies. I will be presenting an art piece for auction at this event, Purpose Gala, which is on Nov. 22nd 2019. The proceeds will go to benefit the children of South Sudan.

As an artist what’s inspiring you at the moment?

Lately I have been inspired by George Condo's work. I love his distorted figures.

What do you like to wear when your painting?

A pair of jeans that have paint all over them and no shirt, or nothing at all.

What’s the last book you read?

De Kooning — An American Master by Mark Stevens and Annalyn Swan.

A quote that speaks to you?

“Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.” —Picasso

Where do you go to switch off?

To the beach... to the ocean.

CLEAN AND CRISP. Luca lives the life in a sixties mod look paired with a modern Short Boxed Beard. Black turtleneck GIVENCHY, pink dinner jacket VERSACE, on hair Luca wears Hair Couture BALMAIN PARIS.

You live in New York, what are the things you love about this city?

How hard it is to survive. This city pushes me out of my comfort zone and I think it helps me to grow.

How do you describe your personal style?

Cool, but casual.

Boxers or briefs?

Always briefs.

Three products you can't live without?

My Virtue labs 6–1 Styler, Baxter of California deodorant and Bioderma Atoderm Intensive Baume.

What's your favorite body part? And your least favorite?

I’d say eyes, and least favorite is feet.

How would someone get your special attention?

Being kind to animals.

Are you a perfect man? In your opinion, what does it take to be The Perfect Man in 2019?

No, definitely not perfect. But everyday I'm trying to be the Best Man I can be to the people I love. I think that being The Perfect Man in 2019 takes doing what you love and inspiring others along the way. 

Luca wears white briefs EMPORIO ARMANI.

A country?

Italy. Because of the food, the wine and the beautiful landscapes.

A restaurant?

KazuNori.

A fragrance?

Vetiver 46 by Le Labo and Jazz Club by Maison Margiela 

If you had a choice, where would you choose to spend your last day on earth?

At the beach with family and our dogs.

Photography FRANK LOUIS