About

Statement

My current work is a way for me to process what I am seeing or feeling at the time. Sometimes I have referenced pop culture and other source imagery but have become more representational and at times geometric or basic shapes that build form and connection. Sketches at times are difficult for me as I like to work through things as they arise and see where they take me. There are times when some planning is required, be it because of space or specific content that is to be included. I like to take processes that I know and see if they can be combined or pushed in different ways with other processes that I just learned to meet what is needed in the design. My creations, through mashup of form, pop culture, word prompts and various other sources, push processes and final designs in different directions, often away from original idea but into what I think of as its true intent.

For printmaking I tend to work in copper plate etching and relief woodcut techniques and have started including more color into my pieces. When creating copper plate etchings, all the processes, from getting the plate to printing it, offer predictable and unpredictable results. Relief printmaking, such as woodcut and linoleum cut, is probably my preferred printing medium as it gives me the most flexibility, and I enjoy the physical feel of carving as I am creating the image. I like how it, along with my copper plates, can be used in different ways even beyond their original design in creating interesting backgrounds which can lead to new forms or for adding color to another piece.

Metalsmithing and Jewelry is what got me into seeking more fine art approaches. I work in copper, brass and other metals in sheet and wire form as well as casting bronze and silver using lost wax casting. Other traditional techniques of cold-joint attachment, soldering, enameling and metal forming along with their finishing techniques of polishing, sand blasting and patina all have their places in my work. Lately I have been taking the traditional chime sphere which is made using forming and have making them through 3D modeling and casting.

Bio

Michael Kohler is a fine arts student at Kansas State University. He is originally from Stanford, CA and resides in Keats, KS. He retired from the Army and decided to go back to school at Kansas State University. His primary focus is on Printmaking as well as Metalsmithing and Jewely.

While at K-State Michael worked as a Studio Tech in the printmaking area, where he provided oversight during shop hours, support to students for printing techniques and processes, and maintained the print studio. During the Mid America Print Conference, he provided support for various activities including demos, panels, the print exchange and more. Michael also was awarded an undergrad research grant for testing of DC ground used in electrolytic etching processes to find ways to make it more use friendly. Michael also received the Raymond & Wilma Hoefner Scholarship.

He has participated in a Manhattan, KS artist walks, and his work has been exhibited at the Veterans Exhibition at the Emporia Art Center, Emporia, KS; the Museum of Art and Light, Manhattan, KS and the Mark A. Chapman Gallery at Kansas State University.

After graduation Michael will continue to pursue two certificates in Museum Studies and Immersive Digital Media Design at Kansas State University. After he completes those certificates, he plans to apply for an MFA to continue his growth as a printmaking artist. In the future he plans to be a professional printmaker creating art for exhibitions and sale from a home studio in Keats, KS.

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Education

Related Experience

Scholarships

Solo and Group Exhibitions

Portfolio Exchanges and Exhibitions

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Collections