Archie Chekatouski Presents His First Book, Words

Archie Chekatouski pictured with his new book

Archie Chekatouski, BFA Fine Art class of 2019, presented his first book at a meet-and-greet and book signing on October 6th.

He organized a casual and comfortable event in the Ofr Bookstore where he welcomed former classmates and others interested in his work. Since graduating, Archie has invited PCA to two of his mixed-media exhibitions and so we had to catch up with him about his latest project.

In a few sentences, tell us about your new book and what inspired you to write it?

Well, I thought it would be nice to write a book, but I didn’t have any good subjects and I can’t really write, and I’m quite bad at spelling. So I mixed up some 50.000 words and they made some very nice sentences. “Around elsewhere she say an repeated expense.” Isn’t it a nice sentence? So I didn’t really have to think when I was writing it. And one who reads it doesn’t really have to think much too. It’s nice not to think for a bit, isn’t it?

So, then I asked my friends Lili Doillon and Thomas James from Annet. Edition if they want to publish it, and they wanted to, so we published it.

What challenges did you face while writing or publishing the book?

Choosing a font wasn’t the easiest part, but apart from that, it was quite smooth. To be honest, I was surprised by how easy it is to write a book. I think everyone should do it every now and then.

What are some other projects that you are currently working on?

Well, as I am done with my book now, I guess it’s time to make a film.

Do you have any particular routines you follow when making new art?

Now as you asked, I quite often find myself smoking and drinking coffee when I work. I guess you can call it a routine.

What is something that often inspires you?

Small things are quite inspirational. The smaller the better.

How did the confinement impact your process and art?

Not much, but it was nice to spend 2 months at home.

What advice would you give to students interested in creating an exhibition or writing a book?

Well, I think they should do it. Maybe somebody should write a book about an exhibition, or exhibit a book? Both sound to me like pretty good ideas. Just make sure there are pages in a book and good lighting in the exhibition.