A Jack of all Trades: The work of Michael Kachanis

Probably one of the more intriguing artists I’ve interviewed thus far, the artwork of Michael Kachanis will leave you perplexed, but in awe of skill. He’s a recent Rhode Island College Graduate from the printmaking program and we’re getting an exclusive look into some of his new work.

During his undergrad days, much of his work consisted of black and white self-portraiture, but he’s beginning to focus on color and an entirely new entourage of subject matter. When asked what challenges he found in his work, mike said “consistency…I’m a jack of all trades but a master of none. Sometimes I will mesh 2 different styles that I have worked in, & at times the mixture can become quite confusing. I think of it in terms of a battle between the styles I want to work in opposed to the style I need to be working in. I am my own worst enemy & critic & find @ times it is difficult to give myself a break.”

When looking at Mike’s images you may come to one of two conclusions: You may think his work is a one man group show with no sense of theme or you think his work is unique. However, I will tell you what I know. What connects all of his work is his is gorgeous sense of line. Does it truly matter if there is a theme that connects the work as a whole? This is some traditional malarkey that art schools want you to believe. I think if you can pull it off then why not? I like to look at mike’s work on an individual basis, how unique they are, because at the end of the day that is what sets Mike apart from the rest. “If what you do is widely viewed & accepted, then the patrons will find a way to get your product, @ any cost. By the way what is the measure of success? I believe  it’s pretty relative; I am living for the moment, & being self content w/ the level of success I reach that day’s self fulfilling prophecy.”

Mike has plans to go to graduate school where he’ll be looking to get his MFA in printmaking. He currently has work at the 5 traverse gallery in Providence, RI and also at As220 where he is currently an artist in residence. To purchase his work, go to the As220.org website, and then click on shop.