Today we introduce you to Steven Burke, better known as Lucky Left Hand, an artist with whom we had the chance to collaborate on the design of our Cœur de France chocolate bar. He is a visual designer, who lives and works in Hossegor. He alternates between personal projects and commissions in various fields such as the press, textiles, advertising, and visual identity.
If you want to know more about this artist, just scroll down a little!
THE PORTRAIT
How did you start? Self-taught / art studies? Tell us!
I've been drawing since I was a kid and I studied visual communication in Bordeaux. I graduated in 2004, and at the same time, I was doing personal productions of canvases, drawings, and paintings. I've specialized in illustration since leaving school, when I joined the independent illustrators agency Lezilus.
It seems you cut your teeth in Takashi Murakami's studio?!
Yes! I had the chance to paint in his Brooklyn studio for a few months in 2003. Very tedious, but all the more enriching!
Where does "Lucky Left Hand" come from?
I'm left-handed, and I consider myself quite lucky. Originally, it was just to give myself a nickname, and it ultimately fits well with my graphic work based on hand compositions.
How did your love story with calligraphy begin?
Through graffiti, I think, initially, then through a passion for early 20th-century lettering. I also set myself a personal challenge, given that I'm left-handed. Lettering is an interesting mix for me between mathematics and letting go.
The most unusual places you've drawn? (and the craziest places you'd like to draw?)
I love the atmosphere of drawing at a big table for hours. In a vacation home surrounded by nature or with a sea view, alone, without music, but knowing there's an aperitif with friends that same evening.
Your most proud collaborations/achievements?
There are many, but I'd say Marc by Marc Jacobs and Lacoste L!ve when I was drawing silly stuff with my friends Sébastien Paquereau and David Zazurca for our blog Edrem. There's also the Bidonvilla restaurant run by a friend in Hossegor and the "Wonderlandes" mural in Hossegor created with the city hall and Stepart, who are good friends of mine.
How did the Le chocolat des Français x Lucky Left Hand adventure begin?
I was seduced by the graphics of this chocolate bar, and I simply sent an email to see if I could participate. And bang!
Any exciting projects/collaborations coming up?
Drawings for a collaboration with Steel and Le Coq Sportif Japan, several murals for private individuals, and quitting smoking.
STEVEN'S QUICK-FIRE QUESTIONS
The worst thing you ever made your daughter believe?
I think it's still Santa Claus.
When you were little, what did you want to be...?
A clown, a test pilot, or a professional basketball player.
If we invited ourselves over tonight, what would you cook for us?
Tonight it's zucchini risotto from the garden!
Will Smith, Aerosmith, or Stan Smith?
Joker! I used to have a passion for Stan Smiths, I liked Will Smith in The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, and Aerosmith's Crazy brings back good memories...
Who wouldn't you even give a small square of your chocolate bar to?
A president whose name starts with T and ends with P.
Surfer party, eating Petit Beurre biscuits or dancing to Justin Bieber?
Oh, all three together would be so perfect! With Britney as a guest.
What chocolate treat always makes you cave in?
Melted chocolate over vanilla ice cream sprinkled with meringue!
Eat 5 fruits and vegetables or eat pizzas and drink beers?
Ah, fruits and vegetables first, of course, but the rest in moderation is allowed!
If you could spend 24 hours in a woman's body, what would you do first?
I often ask myself that question; I think I would simply savor being divine.
Pippa Middleton or a shisha pipe?
Two seconds, I need to feed my cat.
Why is the South West Coast paradise?
It's beautiful, wild, and permissible.
PNL, RTL, or Jackie et Michel?
Alright, PNL!
The most ridiculous thing on Instagram?
The muscular before/afters?
Your favorite photo on your Instagram account?
The one with my daughter's Post-its.
The video you've watched too many times?
Jean Claude Van Damme when he says he loves water.
King Kong, Ping Pong, or a pair of flip-flops?
Ping Pong!
STEVEN'S MULTIPLE-CHOICE QUESTIONS
In your youth?
☒ You sneaked out at night
☒ You did graffiti on walls
☒ You wrote ridiculous statuses on your wall (fb)
Are you more of a?
☒Flower necklace
☒ Pearl necklace
☒ Pasta necklace
In your opinion, how can growth be boosted?
☒ By winning Euromillions many times
☒ By replacing the euro with chocolate
☒ By kissing each other
You only have one day left to live, what would you prefer?
☒ Spending time with your loved ones, because nothing is more important than family
☐ Eating a good Big Mac, because who knows if there will be McDonald's up there
☐ Watching the new season of Game of Thrones, because even in heaven you're afraid of spoilers.
The best TV show?
☐ Question pour un champion
☒ Top Chef: Clash of Champions
☐ The Champions League
What would you prefer to have instead of your left hand?
☐ A foot to run faster
☐ A pen to draw faster
☐ A Swiss Army knife to turn into Inspector Gadget
☒ A right hand because it's funny
The "No-talk, just a crayola" interview
Find all the chocolates illustrated by Steven Burke on our online store :)
