Luke Solby is a multidisciplinary visual artist based in Rochester, NY, working primarily in photography, graphic design, and alternative photographic processes. He is earning his BFA in Visual Media Photography from the Rochester Institute of Technology in May of 2026. Luke’s practice explores the emotional and visual language of light, merging digital and analog techniques to reflect on identity, memory, and perception. His work has been exhibited in the DRAFT19 Exhibition at The Yards in Rochester, and he is currently developing a body of work that reflects on family and home as foundations that shape personal identity. Alongside his studio practice, Luke is passionate about arts education and hopes to foster curiosity and creative confidence in future students.
"My work explores the intersections of identity, memory, and place. I combine digital photography with hands-on techniques such as chemigrams and other alternative processes to investigate how light and shadow shape emotional perception. I am fascinated by the tension between control and spontaneity in image-making, and how visual contrasts can echo emotional complexities. I often merge photography and graphic design to create layered, expressive pieces that reflect my own journey. These works invite others to reflect on their own experiences. Whether working digitally or in the darkroom, I see each project as an experiment in materiality and meaning. It also offers an opportunity to connect with others through shared visual storytelling. I hope to carry this spirit of experimentation into the classroom, encouraging others to see image-making as a tool for self-discovery and connection." - Luke Solby
