Michael Breach: Man of the froth

No palm leaves or hearts will be found in a cuppa created by Breach. What started out as boredom during his hours in a hotel kitchen has become a massively successful business for the young New Yorker.

Using nothing but a bamboo skewer, he travels the world drawing intricate pictures on the froth atop steaming cups of coffee.

Michael Breach works on one of his creations.

Breach has partnered with Nescafé Dolce Gusto and was recently in South Africa courtesy of the brand to show off his talents. An awed silence fell over the crowd at Urban Tree in Kramerville as Breach performed milky miracles before their eyes. Working from photos taken on an iPhone with a cracked screen, Breach drew pictures of audience members, Charlize Theron, and even made an impromptu rhinochino in honour of South Africa’s endangered wildlife – all while answering questions about his work.

The most fascinating thing about Breach’s art is the amount of detail that he is able to include. He uses lighter and darker shades to give his portraits a “sketched with lead” look, and even manages to pour in more foam to add depth without destroying his delicate work.

Latte art by Michael Breach. Pictures: Supplied

You might be asking yourself what the point is. Coffee ultimately gets chucked down the hatch with as much thought as any other beverage, so why spend so much time on making it look artistic? To Breach, the fleeting nature of his work is what makes it so appealing – each portrait is unique.

For more information visit baristart.com to see more of Michael Breach’s creations