Michael Krajewski in my kitchen in Columbia, SC - Feb 4, 2015

Photos by South Carolina photographer Sean RayfordMichael Krajewski in my kitchen in Columbia, SC - Feb 4, 2015

Photos by South Carolina photographer Sean Rayford

If you were 18 and lived in Columbia at the time of The Civil War, what would your role be in the war?

Michael Krajewski: What side would I be on?

You could be a spy.

I think I'd probably be a farmer... tobacco. Everyone would have to be part of the war. It's not like you could just sit back at 18. I'd have to have a gun or shoot a cannon. I could be the drummer and get shot with a fucking musket.

I'd have no defense – there I go. Good luck guys. Or the flag guy and just... carry a flag. I'd want a gun or a pistol and I think I'm on the Union side.

So did you burn and loot? And this is reincarnation playing out here – in your previous life – as an eyewitness to the burning, what happened? Did the Union troops get out of hand and “accidentally” burn the city down?

That's right, they got fucked up. They ended up drinking and they were feeding 'em alcohol. They were wildin' out.

What was the last song that you sang in the shower?

“Danke Schoen”

What deceased musician would you like to have a drink with and where would you go? Assemble a team if you wish. (which leads to uneccesary chatter about TLC's Lisa Left Eye Lopez burning down Andre Rison's crib)

Beethoven or Mozart. I'd have to take one of them without a doubt. Those are the first ones that pop into my head, but to have them play a compisition in front of me after we've been drinking... my head would probably fucking implode. Take em to the Chilly Willy joint in the Vista and get em those alcohol slushies. Probably be something they'd never had before. Dizzy Gillespie – I think he'd like to go to Speakeasy. I'd want him to feel comfortable and get some drinks there and then Mozart and Beethoven could put on a concert. In the park. You could assassinate me right afterwards. I'd want that bullet to come through my head in the midst of this.

If Reno Gooch were a superhero what would his powers be?

Not ever getting knocked out.

What would be his kryptonite?

Puppy Dogs.

Michael Krajewski is a visual artist in Columbia, SC and one of eleven chosen to participate in "Art From the Ashes" - a project by Jasper Magazine located at the Tapp's Art Center and in coordination with the 150th anniversary of the burning of Columbia by General Sherman. Tonight the city Commemorates the Anniversary at 5 p.m. at Boyd Plaza outside of the Columbia Museum of Art. Just down the street, Tapp's will hold a literary reading and you'll have a chance to check out the "Art From Ashes" project that will occupy the space until the end of the month.

Michael KrajewskiCongaree Swamp - Let Me Take You There - Columbia, SC - May 2014 - Photos by South Carolina photographer Sean Rayford