Lakshe's Interview
Q. To begin, tell us about your journey as a professional artist and what first drew you toward sports art.
As my mother says, I’ve been drawing since I was two years old. I can hardly remember a time before I first picked up a pencil! My father played basketball, and we often watched NBA games on TV together. Eventually, I fell in love with this beautiful sport, which reminds me of ballet in many ways and so much more. I joined a basketball school at the age of eight, and that’s how my journey in sports began, alongside my artistic one. I was constantly drawing NBA players like Michael Jordan and others in my math notebooks during class.
Q. What makes sports such a powerful subject for visual storytelling?
For me, sport is something that builds character and willpower while strengthening both the mind and the body. What could be better for a human being than that? I often compare athletes to the heroes of ancient Greece and the Greek gods of our time. Sport is full of stories about overcoming obstacles, sacrifice, ambition, and the pursuit of greatness. These are timeless themes that have inspired people throughout history.
Q. You created the visual image for Ghetto Games. How did you translate its energy and culture into your artistic language?
Eighteen years ago, I was playing basketball on the street with a guy who suggested I join a project invented by his friend. At that point, it had nothing more than a name: Ghetto. I agreed and developed the entire visual identity and direction of the tournament in my own style, including motivational slogans and typography.
I was given the opportunity to draw a picture of my dream, and that’s exactly what I did through Ghetto Games. I wanted to create something that reflected my own personality, my passion for basketball, and my vision of what street culture could become. I think I managed to do just that.
Q. How do you capture movement, emotion and intensity in a still artwork?
Since I played basketball professionally, I understand the game from the inside. I draw what I know, and I think that’s what gives my work its authenticity. My dream was always to bring these two seemingly different worlds together: sport and art.
I also have a background in 2D animation, so movement has always been something I’ve been able to convey naturally in my work, going all the way back to my childhood drawings. My grandmother used to tell me that my little characters looked as if they were alive. I guess I’ve been trying to bring my drawings to life ever since.
Q. What is one challenge of creating sports art that people who only see the finished piece might not realise?
Creating any artwork is challenging. It requires complete involvement, passion, and total dedication. It takes a tremendous amount of energy. Even though I work quite quickly, the creative process is always demanding.
There’s much more to it than what people see in the finished piece: developing the concept, creating the sketch, finding the right composition, and then bringing the whole idea to life technically. Every stage requires concentration, experience, and a great deal of work.
Q. How has working across art and sports shaped your creative identity?
As I mentioned, I combined sport and art throughout my life. My main goal has always been to bring these two worlds together and show people that sport is also an art form. Through my artwork, I want to highlight its beauty, greatness, and almost mythical qualities.
For me, athletes are more than just competitors. They are characters, symbols, and modern-day heroes. Art gives me the opportunity to tell their stories and capture something that goes beyond the game itself.
Q. What advice would you give young artists who want to turn their passion into a professional career?
Never give up and focus on becoming better than you were yesterday. Concentrate on mastering your craft and stay committed to your creative goals. That’s what matters most.
Don’t focus solely on how much you’ll get paid for a particular piece. Focus on creating something truly worthy of being called a work of art, something that might stand the test of time and become part of history.
That means putting in the work and developing patience and discipline. Although perhaps you don’t have to work quite as much as I do, sixteen hours a day might be a little excessive. But you must be prepared to work hard, stay persistent, and keep improving. Talent is important, but dedication and the pursuit of mastery are what make the difference.
Q. If you could create a portrait of any legendary sportsperson, living or iconic, who would you choose and why?
I would choose LeBron James. I’ve followed him since he was playing in high school, and even back then, as an artist, I wanted to portray him as a modern-day Odysseus or Hercules.
I’ve always been fascinated by the parallels between the heroes of ancient mythology and modern athletes. What makes a contemporary athlete a hero? What qualities must they possess to deserve that title? For me, it’s about much more than talent or winning championships. It’s about resilience, leadership, overcoming adversity, and inspiring generations of people through your example.
LeBron represents that idea of a modern hero. Through my art, I’ve always wanted to explore this connection between ancient mythology and contemporary sports, showing how today’s athletes can become legendary figures.
Bio
Lakse is a professional artist and sports artist known for his creative vision and distinctive visual storytelling. As the creator of the visual image of Ghetto Games, he brings energy, identity, and culture to life through his artwork. His work reflects a passion for art and sports, transforming ideas into powerful visuals that connect with audiences and leave a lasting impression.
Interviewed by Vanshika Gupta
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