We were lucky to catch up with Violet Luczak recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Violet , thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

It’s hard to pick just one project, but the mural I painted for a fundraiser at the Chicago Art Department during my residency stands out. This space was incredibly important to me, as it gave me opportunities, a supportive community, and a place to grow as an artist. Being able to create something for an organization I valued so much made the project even more meaningful.

It was also my first time working on such a large scale and creating something temporary. Knowing the mural wouldn’t last forever forced me to think differently about my process and appreciate the experience itself rather than just the final piece.

What made it even more special was working on it with my dad. We’ve always bonded over making things together, and he showed up every day to help me paint. Sometimes we’d talk, sometimes we’d just listen to music and work in silence, but we were both happy to be there. My dad has always been my biggest supporter and critic, pushing me to improve. This project wasn’t just about the mural, it was about giving back to a place I loved and sharing the experience with someone who has always been part of my creative journey. I hope to paint another one with him someday.

Violet , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’m Violet Luczak, a Chicago-based artist, designer, and professor at McHenry County College. I primarily paint but also work with design, sculpture, and interactive pieces. My paintings use bold, graphic shapes to explore gender, identity, and personal experience.

I started in graphic design while pursuing my bachelor’s at Elmhurst University and expanded into painting in graduate school at Cranbrook Academy of Art. There, I developed a process of turning digital sketches into vector images, cutting vinyl, and layering paint by hand to create clean, precise compositions.

What makes my work unique is how I merge art and design to explore identity and personal experience. I focus on precision and process by using clean, structured composition. Rather than just creating visuals, I want my paintings to invite reflection and dialogue. Art is as much about the relationships it builds as it is about the final piece.
After graduate school, I became an artist-in-residence at the Chicago Art Department, where I gained exposure and built a strong creative network. Over the three years I was there, I established myself in the art and design scene while also gaining tenure at McHenry County College.

I recently opened my own storefront studio/gallery. This space is a reflection of my evolving practice. It’s part studio and part a gathering place for artists to collaborate, share resources, and support each other. Community has been essential to my growth, and I want to create a space that offers the same opportunities I’ve been given.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

Yes and no. My goals have changed over time. At first, I just wanted people to see and understand my work. Then, I became focused on pushing my skills and proving to myself what I could achieve.
Now my focus is more personal. I create because I need to. Art helps me process life, and when I don’t make it, I feel the difference. I still love sharing my work and connecting with others through it, but I don’t feel the same pressure to prove myself. My priority is creating and building a space where I and other artists can grow.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding part of being an artist is the sense of community it brings. I’ve connected with other artists, students, and people who share similar experiences and ideas. Building those relationships and supporting each other’s growth is what it’s all about.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.violetluczak.com
• Instagram: @violet_luczak_design
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/violet-luczak