Luke Vallar

Work Teaching About Contact

BIO

Born outside of Detroit, Michigan, Luke Vallar investigates the intersection of queer identity and digital culture through the ceramic medium, coding practices, and new media based work. By reinterpreting mundane objects and iconic narratives through a queer lens, Luke alters the viewers' relationship and experience while driving the importance to transient objects. In 2026, Luke will be awarded his BFA in Craft and Material Studies with a dual major in Art Education at the College for Creative Studies. His work has been featured in CCS Charach Family Galleries, 333 Midland, and the Birmingham Bloomfield Art Center.

ARTIST STATEMENT

My artistic practice investigates the intersection of queer identity and digital culture. I examine moments in my personal history that are shared by others as a means to connect myself and my work with the queer community. I create permanent encoded reflections of shared queer experiences with ceramics. By using code throughout my work I am able to reflect on queer history as well as connect the work to the digital space. My interest in digital culture comes from its endless amounts of information, niche subcultures, and unique references. A major inspiration in my work is MLM (men loving men) culture, which can include anything from slang, grindr, and coming out videos. Drawing attention to niche parts of MLM culture allows me to bring the viewer into this space and deepen their own understanding of specific queer experiences. By reinterpreting mundane objects and iconic narratives through a queer lens, I alter the viewers' relationship with them and provide an entry point into the work.

I am drawn to ceramics as a material for its ability to transition from malleable to permanent. The adaptability of clay allows me to experiment with form, surface treatment, and concept, while its fired state preserves those explorations as tangible objects. Through the permanence of ceramic objects I am able to give importance to transient objects and experiences. The domestic nature of the medium allows the work to connect itself to daily life. My ceramic objects act as analog computers for storing and translating modern shared queer experiences.

Link to my BFA thesis book