Today we’d like to introduce you to Mher Khachatryan.
Mher, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
“A painter should begin every canvas with a wash of black because all things in nature are dark except where exposed by the light.” ― Leonardo da Vinci
Smoke, created from the extinguished flame, carries remnants of light, of life. Smoke is the lingering connection between the living and the dead, between the past and the present, between the tangible and the elusive. Smoke is ethereal- delicate and other worldly. Watching smoke, studying smoke, I am mesmerized. It pulls me into its fragile yet compelling grasp and guides me away from convention, from our limiting reality, into space where everything is possible.
Leonardo’s comments on darkness and light reflect my artistic transition to exclusively study and create images in smoke. In an academic setting, I teach different styles and encourage exploration. I want artists to develop the skills that enable them to present and share how they see the world, how they feel. Personally, about six years ago, I began to concentrate on the beauty of the image and the hidden fragility of a concrete shape, rather than the colors of an object. Starting with a black canvas, I honor nature’s darkness and light’s significance in exposing the truth. Painting smoke images build a connection from the artist and the viewer to another world, another life.
Some people close to me say they have seen the soul leave a loved one’s body, through the mouth, at the time of passing. Mimicking smoke, the delicate, yet strong and powerful, soul drifts through the air toward the heavens. Like this soul floating toward eternity, we do not know when a smoke trail will end. I hope that my art helps the viewer to connect with the delicate, yet strong and powerful, the world we cannot see.
Using oil, I work on black canvases of varying sizes. I find that an intimate image can be conveyed on large and small canvases. Some of my larger works are 8 ft. x 26 ft., like 9/11 and The Last Supper. 9/11 is dedicated to the victims of one of America’s darkest chapters. I painted 2,977 candles to represent each innocent soul lost on that tragic day. Amongst the smoke is the light of hope and remembrance for the victims of 9/11 and the great city of New York. The Last Supper was a personal project in which I referenced numerous iconic paintings within one depiction. Honoring past artists and artworks relates to my use of smoke because I am acknowledging a connection to the past while also interpreting it. I rearranged the order of the apostles, for example, to physically tie Judas Iscariot with the image of Christ’s crucifixion.
Smoke is a reminder of how fragile life is. In this fragility, there is a gift. Remembering that life is precious, delicate, and elusive will help us appreciate loved ones, new acquaintances, and experiences. I hope that my paintings allow you, the audience, to stay connected to this world and the one beyond, even if just through a grey trail of light, of life.
Has it been a smooth road?
No journey is smooth, but in every bump and rough roads help us to grow. We need to appreciate our failures just as much as our achievements. Achievements are blessings and failures are lessons.
What makes me continue is that I love what I do, and I was fortunate and blessed to find my calling in early age. Art is part of me and I’m part of it.
We’d love to hear more about your work.
Cre8sArt School was founded by Mher (Max) and Syuzanna Khachatryan in 2012. Our school’s success is the result of the determination of Mher Khachatryan, a talented artist, and Syuzanna Khachatryan, a specialist in Digital Marketing. Unimpressed by the traditional approach to teaching art, Mher and Syuzanna opened Cre8sArt School in Fort Lee, New Jersey.
Now, with our talented teachers, we have opened our second location in Hoboken NJ. Art connects people. Our mission is to educate and inspire students through art to reach their fullest potential as creators and artists. We want our students to gain knowledge of how art brings people together, and how it connects us with our nature.
Learning to create and appreciate visual art may be more important than ever to the development of the next generation of children as they grow up. So, we try to make the most of the critical early learning years by inspiring a lifelong love of creating a safe and caring environment.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
I believe you should start your business in your heart first, if it is loved by you, it will be loved by others and geographic location has nothing to do with that.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.mherkhachatryan.com cre8sart.com
- Phone: 2012037010
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mher_khachatryan_art/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MherKhachatryanArt
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