Meet Bernie Kaminski

Bernie Kaminski makes lovely sculptures of everyday objects that are guaranteed to charm you to pieces. Through their work, they elevate things we constantly take for granted in everyday life to a higher status.

In our latest interview, we chat with the artist about their process, influences, and things to microwave. It’s all down below so have a look.

Two truths and a lie with Bernie Kaminski

(Answer at bottom of interview)

I worked as a lifeguard.

I worked as a telemarketer.

I worked as a caddy.

Would You Rather

be transported permanently 500 years into the future or 500 years into the past? What would you do?

I do daydream about living in New York 30 or 40 years ago. But if I had to choose between 1520 and 2520, I’d have to pick the future and hope earth is still habitable.

Some questions with Bernie Kaminski

Do you think COVID 19 is going to have lasting effects on the NYC art scene? What do you think will come out of it?

I don’t know a lot about the art scene but I’m really worried about the impact of the virus on culture in the city. I can’t believe I haven’t been to a museum or a movie in months. It’s been nice to see some bookstores and galleries opening recently. But so many people are leaving town and who knows how many places won’t re-open. I guess I’ve seen some good graffiti lately.

What is the most dangerous thing to microwave? Why?

I’m not sure but I recently read you shouldn’t microwave left over potatoes.

What is the most positive thing that has come out of making your art?

It’s been a good quarantine activity. I do it in our apartment and listen to music. And it’s relaxing to work on something by myself. If I don’t like how something turns out, I can throw it in the garbage.

If the price was no option what would be the perfect bagel?

I’ve been trying to do without meat, but for a while last year I went to Black Seed every Friday and ordered a sesame bagel with cream cheese, red onion, tomato and capers. Those were really good. I’d look forward to it all week. And a couple times I’ve splurged one of the fancy bagels on the menu at Russ and Daughters, which were excellent. Overall though, I think New York has been coasting on its bagel reputation for a while.

How do you come to choose the subjects of your sculptures?

Most of the things are somehow related to a subject I’m interested in but sometimes I’m just curious to see how something will turn out. And I work within my limited abilities. I’m not so great at drawing or painting and that rules out a lot.

What was the most difficult sculpture you have ever made to date? What was tricky about it?

I made a pair of Stan Smith tennis shoes and it was tricky making the laces. It took a few tries.

Do other forms of media inform your work? What do you find yourself gravitating towards?

I was really inspired by a woodburning artist named Joe Ben Plummer. He made a series of bongs with the faces of all the NBA coaches on them. I wouldn’t do that, but I thought if I had any kind of skill, I’d like to do my own version of something like that.

Any final comments? (This is your electronic soapbox for one last answer.)

Thanks a lot for asking me to do this.

Two truths and a lie answer key:

Lie: I worked as a lifeguard.

Truth: I worked as a telemarketer.

Truth: I worked as a caddy.

Bernie Kaminski