Art & Life with Luke Engbrecht

Today we’d like to introduce you to Luke Engbrecht.

Luke, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
I’m Luke, and I’m FtM (female to male) transgender. When I was young, I was the happiest little tomboy. I participated in Karate, played PowerRangers with all of my male friends, and constantly drug my parents to the “boys” section when shopping for new clothes. However, nobody informed me that the tomboy stage is something you grow out of. Ever since the start of my teenage years I’ve struggled with my self-image. I’d look in the mirror, poke and prod at my female features, and not understand why the universe cursed me with such a terrible body. While my friends were all experiencing deepening voices and peach fuzz, I was growing a chest and receiving terrible “monthly visits.” I wanted to cover up, hide away from the world. I felt disgusting, ashamed and confused. Depression and anxiety sunk in at an early age and although I was able to find temporary relief through the arts, such as acting, drawing and photography, I’d still fall violently back into the same depressive habits, each cycle worse than the last. It wasn’t until I turned 20, that I stumbled on YouTuber, Aydian Dowling; the first Transgender man to be in the running for cover of Men’s Health Magazine. He had a series of videos about finding and creating himself. I was instantly hooked. I spent all of my free time researching what it meant to be transgender, listening to the stories of others, and ugly crying when they were all extremely similar to my own. Even with this sudden realization that this was the cause of all of my suffering, it took another three years to work up the courage to come out, knowing full well that my family and friends may hate me for the rest of my life. But on Christmas 2015, I took the lead and never looked back. And to my surprise, almost everyone in my life was incredibly supportive. I started hormone therapy January 18, 2017 and had my Top Surgery, May 23, 2018. Every day I look in the mirror and am extremely proud of the man smiling back. For the first time in my life I can honestly say I love myself. While I still get occasionally disrespected, I’ve learned one valuable lesson. Nothing matters more than your own pursuit of happiness. Whatever your passions or your goals may be in life, let nothing and no one get in the way.

Can you give our readers some background on your art?
I’m a photographer. I work in the local music industry here in Phoenix capturing photos of live shows and taking shots of bands for promotional material such as posters, websites and social media. I started this a while back when a close friend of mine asked if I could do some photos for her band’s new website. One thing led to another and soon enough I was traveling with them to take photos of their shows in different states. I practically never leave the house without my trusty Canon Rebel t1i in my car, just in case some exciting show may be happening that night. My goal with this has always been to capture not only the most exciting parts of the show itself, but all of the chaos before and after the show as well. I’ve learned that people tend to dehumanize musicians. They idolize them for their onstage performance but so easily forget that they too are people; people who need one last cigarette before a show, who spend their time backstage munching chicken, who still get anxiety when they hit a wrong note that you didn’t even notice. That’s the lesson I hope gets taken away from my photos; that we are all on this journey together. That just because someone has worked their entire life pursue their musical talents, does not make them any more immune to the daily struggles we all go through.

Artists rarely, if ever pursue art for the money. Nonetheless, we all have bills and responsibilities and many aspiring artists are discouraged from pursuing art due to financial reasons. Any advice or thoughts you’d like to share with prospective artists?
You have to be creative. There’s always a way to further yourself in your art, even if it isn’t obvious at the moment. When I reached my financial wall, I started reaching out to all the local bands I knew, asking if they’d trade a ticket for some photos of the show. It’s a scary thing having to market yourself like that, but in the end the worst that can happen is they say no. Network yourself. The more hands you shake, the more people you meet, the more you expand your circle, the better your chances are of finding someone who will help you get a step closer towards meeting your goals. It’s hard work, and you may have to find a tolerable job for the time being, but all good things come to those who never stop fighting to make their dreams reality.

What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
I post most of my work on my personal Instagram @lukeharris_photography. Although occasionally my work can be found on the websites or social media of the bands that I photograph. I work most heavily with a psychobilly band called The Limit Club. Many of my photos can be seen on their Instagram or website. If you want to support my work, go out to a local show. The more local bands that get support, the more shows I have to attend and the more photos I get to take. So instead of listening to the same Panic! At the Disco album on repeat, take the time to learn a little more about the AZ pop punk scene. You’ll be sure to find an up and coming band that you love, such as @mormonmomsband. The more attendance and support local AZ musicians have, the more my work is getting supported as well.

Contact Info:

• Phone: 6023197912
• Email: luke_engbrecht@icloud.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lukeharris_photography/
• Other: https://www.instagram.com/fangmudgestorm/

Image Credit:
Luke Harris Engbrecht

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