Art enthusiasts in Hammond were treated to a lunch lecture in the Hammond Regional Arts Center to speak with artist Drake Fuller on his light-emitting diode glasswork. HRAC often hosts lunch lectures open to the public when presenting an artist.

“A lot of people see art, but they don’t always get to know about it,” said Daphne Hebert, operational manager of HRAC. “Lunch lectures are a great opportunity to interact with the artist and discuss their process.”

Originally from Austin, Texas, Fuller fell in love with New Orleans when he first arrived in the ‘80s. Its gothic and Spanish-styled buildings became a common feature in Fuller’s work. 

“The architecture, I was completely enamored by it,” said Fuller. 

When he first arrived in New Orleans he did public art, making sculptures from trash along the streets. However, these pieces were quickly destroyed, and police officers would often prove to be an obstacle since street art is illegal. Now, Fuller works as a teacher for intercity children. He joked that he just throws trash at them, and they make something out of it. 

One of Fuller’s early gigs was decorating the Audubon Hotel before Hurricane Katrina. The owner gave Fuller artistic freedom and responsibility. He lived at the hotel for two years free of charge, decorating it and bartending on Sundays. Fuller relished the experience, as he met several interesting people.

Fuller’s artwork took off when he met “Sparky,” another artist that he began to work with using LED, light-emitting diodes, and focusing on “green energy.”  The process begins when he takes the picture of what he would like to capture and ends when he begins a process of “wrapping mass,” which takes up to six hours to accomplish per photo. Fuller then makes a frame and puts the lights in it so they illuminate the photo itself. 

Fuller is now beginning to do layers with his artwork. After he has one image placed and lit up, he places another behind it to give off a more 3-D effect in hopes that his art may capture attention faster than other artists’ work.  

“LED isn’t big in New Orleans yet, which is great for me. If I’d gone to New York, I’d have competition,” said Fuller.

Fuller explained how art saved his life. Had it not been for art, he might still be an addict.

“I’m 13 years clean, and I can attest to the fact that art, or any concentration, can save your life,” said Fuller “Without it, I wouldn’t be where I am today.” 

For centuries artistic practices have aided in reformation, inspiring people to invent and create. Janie Cassens, who attended the lunch lecture, suggested lighted art could be used as a tool to help deaf people.

“When a doorbell, phone or alarm rings they would be notified and have a pleasant sight, yet it would still be functional for their needs,” said Cassens.

The HRAC will be hosting the Brews Art Festival on Sept. 26. The festival is free and includes arts and crafts, food and music. There will be 40 different crafted beers from around the world at the festival for sampling. The cost is $20 before and $25 the day of the festival.