Meet Errikos Kasari | Caricature and portrait artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Errikos Kasari and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Errikos, how do you think about risk?
Without risk I would not be the person I am today, I would still be in Greece working as a waiter or baker on minimum wage in the village I grew up in. Risks are a chance to improve your life and grow as a person so I believe that given the opportunity you should take the risk, failing or succeeding doesn’t matter the experience is the most important part. My life has been full of necessary risks all of which have worked out for the best. I come from a poor immigrant Albanian family, who moved to a small village in Greece beginning of 2002, so personally I am always striving for a better life. After finishing my schooling I decided to move to London, which was a huge risk especially because I had no English education or any idea of how big a city could actually be. This risk changed my life for ever, excelling at the job and learning a whole different lifestyle in the UK. I lost my position in Jubilee Market in Covert Garden, so i decided to return to Greece to finish my army duty, then attempt to work on the Greek island of Rhodes. In Rhodes there where many mature skilled artists who bullied me for not being educated enough, instead of this getting me down it pushed me to improve further. I applied for Fine Arts University which I failed 3 times before being accepted. Having a university education improved my artistic skills, giving me the courage to attempt other artistic ventures, which is my own personal work. With Covid-19, the tourism was down 90% in Greece, so I had to find another way to make an income, using my social media I was able to work online, and after many learning curves about working with people online rather then in person i realised it could expand my reach world wide while relaxing in my home. So I believe risks are always good, even when you fail you still grow as a person.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
By profession I am a street artist, doing portraits and caricatures from photos and live. But I also extend myself to wall paintings, canvass and abstract artworks. I personally love love caricatures, it gives me the opportunity to really get to know the customer I am dealing with. As I draw them, it’s as if we are having a small interview, learning all about them. Using this information I am able to create an artwork that suits their personality and really reflects them as people. I love this social aspect of my job as I feel like I travel all around the world, learning about different cultures, languages and the living conditions of all different countries. It wasn’t easy to get to the point I am today. I had many struggles through my journey. For example when I first started as I street artist in London, I had no previous training and no knowledge of English. So I was winging it until I learned, and watching how the other artists drew and communicated with customers. After a year in working in Jubilee Market, Covent Garden I lost my position in the market, forcing me to move my business elsewhere. I decided to finish my army commitments and start working in the Greek Island of Rhodes. There were many mature artists there, who bullied me and questioned my skills. However I kept pushing through and doing my best as an artist. They convinced me that I needed an art education, so I pursued that,(after failing 3 times) being accepted into a Masters of Fine Arts in Florina. There I continued my journey learning new skills and techniques that I utilize through all my artworks. During Covid-19, the lockdown and lack of tourism effected my business negatively, forcing me to find other new ways of marketing my products. Using social media and the internet I was able to connect world wide with people, which was a fantastic feat that I never believed was possible. This allowed me the freedom to work from anywhere, and continue to work during this hard time. I only overcame these challenges with discipline and persistence. I never gave up on any of my goals, and that’s the reason I am who I am today. Failing, and then succeeding. Growing with experience. I’ve learnt that comfort is one thing people seem to love, as did I. But when the opportunity comes to change, I grab the chance because with uncomfortable situations we grow, and become stronger, and more resilient. Sometimes the situations that we deem impossible are the greatest opportunities in disguise. I guess, when I was young I felt helpless, the insecurities that coming from a family without money was difficult. But in the end we all have opportunities and the ability to chose the life we want for ourselves. I’ve struggled through most of my life, but the point is now I am content, and live a happy simple life. This is the most sacred thing, family, friends and love. I work everyday with the intention to bring only joy and happiness to my customers. The reactions, the laughs and the memories that a drawing can incur is impressive. I am surprised how beautiful happy people can be no matter where they are from, what they do or how they look. This is what I have experienced, happiness and kindness through my business, and I hope to continue it for a long time.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Well this depends, I lived in London almost 8 years ago. So I’d no longer know much about it since it’s ever changing. I have working in Herakleion for the last four years however Rhodes was my home for a for the longest. To me the Old Town of Rhodes is magnificent getting lost within the walls of the castle. The best place to hang out is any of the beautiful bars within, one of my favourites was Sissiti owned by a good friend of mine to have a drink and mezes. There are beaches such as Anthony Quinn, which are spectacular for swimming and relaxing at the beach bars. Relaxing and enjoying the sun, or the wonderful night life is what I’d recommend. Lindos is also another interesting historical site full of liveliness.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d like to thank everyone on my journey on becoming an artist. The cristisim, and the compliments shaped me into the artist I am today.

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