Art & Life with Lucas Ochs-Messick

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lucas Ochs-Messick.

Lucas, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
I always like to tell people that when I was a kid every time I saw a movie, I would want to do what my favorite characters did. When I was 10, I watched The Social Network and wanted to be a coder, Inception an architect, Pirate Radio a radio announcer, etc. Till I hit about 16 and realized what was in common with these career choices; the influence.

I had always been surrounded by cameras because my father had worked for Canon in the earlier stages of my life. There was always some sort of point and shoot sitting around waiting to be toyed with. This all came together when I was a sophomore in high school and joined my school’s video broadcasting program; from there I was able to hone and excel my skills in writing for the screen, photography/cinematography, acting, and directing. Ever since I have graduated, I spend as much time as I can improving and working. The only goal is to be on the big screen and hopefully, in the near future, I can achieve that.

Can you give our readers some background on your art?
I’m first and foremost a screenwriter and director, I’m very character driven and I like to think that my subjects are people who suffer common struggles (insecurities, loneliness, selfishness, etc.). I aspire to give an outside perspective and touch base with those who feel as if they are alone. Second, I am a photographer (my mistress to cinema), I shoot to practice composition and journal my life for others and myself to see.

I guess I create because I have to; when I don’t that’s when anxiety comes knocking at my door. For me, working is freedom; freedom of choice, though, expression. These are simple definitions of being free, but when I’m anxious, the gateway to these opportunities becomes small. I always like to think of my art as very human. I love people, I try to embody as many relationships as I can uphold in my life and from there, I find inspiration.

In your view, what is the biggest issue artists have to deal with?
Borders. People set too many expectations and limits to their work. Don’t get me wrong, having a strong vision or goal is great to have, but art to me is about freedom and nothing should get in the way of that. Especially yourself.

What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
I have a website and an Instagram account. I guess as of right now, just keeping up to date with my work. I’m also always open to collaboration and critique, so let me know what you think! Oh! I have a film coming out this month when more details are released hopefully anyone reading this would like to see. I’m trying to host a small premiere.

Contact Info:

• Website: lucasochsmessick.com
• Phone: 813-480-7162
• Email: lucasomphotovideo@gmail.com
• Instagram: lucasochs_
• Twitter: lucasO_M

Image Credit:
BTS shots by Nik Pennington, Mariah Moneda

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