Luke Vest's painting process occurs slowly in stages. You will notice the textural quality of his work, owing to the gradual build-up as he considers and dreams about the concept. Patterns, materials, and shapes pitted against each other create a radiant or hypnotic fascination. "I prefer my work to be slightly off, giving the painting a lively character and a sense of a hand constructing it."

Absent Gravity uses forms and figures in undefined space to explore and reveal the underlying structures and remnants that build up over time. Vest experiments with space and reaches out beyond the frames, He seeks to turn feelings of rejection or discomfort into something that can be understood and appreciated, offering a sense of hope, potential and new understanding.

"Absent Gravity" will be on view at St. Pete ArtWorks during the month of July. A reception will be held during St. Pete's Second Saturday Art Walk, featuring live music by folk-rock troubadour, Evan French starting at 6 pm. Stop by to visit with the artist, enjoy refreshments, listen to music, and experience the artwork of more than 30 additional artists in the gallery.