“A Day in the Life” with Canadian Painter Kirk Mechar

September 15, 2016 Joel Levy Artist Profiles, Arts

Born in Hamilton, Ontario in 1967, Kirk Mechar has always had an affinity for expression through art. He studied design at Humber College in Toronto and, following his time there, developed a keen interest and distinct talent in painting. Fast-forward to today, Kirk is a successful self-taught painter with collections and clientele around the globe.

“Burning on the Inside” is a new piece that will be featured at the Navillus Gallery - Kirk Mechar — “Burning on the Inside” is a new piece that will be featured at the Navillus Gallery

Hand carving is a process used on most of his work - Kirk Mechar — Hand carving is a process used on most of his work

Kirk divides his time between Nevis, West Indies and Lunenburg, Nova Scotia, where he draws on his local surroundings for inspiration. Kirk’s dedication is seen through the thoughtfulness and time he dedicates to his beautifully detailed work, with each layer of material carefully considered and applied. One of his most notable collections to date, flowers, showcases this meticulous approach, which sees some of his pieces take hundreds of hours to complete.

Hanging Garden is another piece from his new work, which expands on the “Flowers” motif seen in past collections - Kirk Mechar — Hanging Garden is another piece from his new work, which expands on the “Flowers” motif seen in past collections

Saying hello to a common studio visitor, his dog Aloe - Kirk Mechar — Saying hello to a common studio visitor, his dog Aloe

What is your favourite Toronto neighbourhood?

I lived in the Annex earlier on in my career, so naturally it has a special place in my heart. Kensington Market is another neighbourhood that I find incredibly vibrant. It’s just full of life.

What do you do?

I’m a self-taught painter. I use a mix of different materials in my work, including oil, acrylic, marble dust, ink, and house paint, which is most often used on wood panel.

Captured in his studio in Lunenburg, Nova Scotia - Kirk Mechar — Captured in his studio in Lunenburg, Nova Scotia

Hard at work in the studio - Kirk Mechar — Hard at work in the studio

What are you working on?

I’m currently developing a new series by cutting my flowers paintings, which were done in oil on canvas, into small 2-3 inch square pieces which I’m then reassembling on board like a mosaic or sewing back together like a textile/quilt.

I’m also developing a series of line patterns to be turned in to silk screen prints and continuing to work on carved paintings that are made using venetian plaster, marble dust and acrylics.

Where can we find your work?

My newest collection can be found at the Navillus Gallery in Toronto. It will be on display from September 15th, 2016 to October 15th, 2016. I am also currently showing work at the Yorkminster Park Church Gallery until October 10th, 2016.

Internationally, my work can be seen at Fresh Paint in Culver City, CA, USA and at the Montpelier Hotel, in Nevis, West Indies.