When we heard that NY-based ‘coffee artist’ Michael Breach (you may remember his famous portrait of Victoria Beckham...?) was coming to the UK, ELLE was first in the queue to ask him to whip up a little something for us.

And here it is: Natalie Portman from ELLE’s November issue, immortalized in cappuccino.

Of course, we couldn’t resist probing a little further into the mind of an art-world renegade so, while Breach worked, we got stuck in with the questions…

How did you get into creating coffee art?

I was working at a hotel late at night. I really liked to practice, get a rise out of my co-workers and make them laugh. It kind of took the monotony out of work and it was a lot of fun.

What is the biggest challenge in making the artworks?

The medium itself is very temperamental. Also, it’s not something widely done; it’s something I really enjoy doing, but it’s a market I have to create myself.

Who’s been your favorite celebrity to create?

I’d say John Lennon because it’s the first one I did. I used to start with faces with a lot of shadows and light on, and there is a certain picture of him with a really heavy contrast. It was one of the first faces I got down really well.

Who would be your dream celebrity to sit for you?

Tough one. It’s kind of silly, but it’s funny because of the pun: I always thought Leonardo Di Capuccino. He was actually at the place I was working one day and I wanted to make one for him but [my co-workers] said you probably shouldn’t do that. But I gave one to Toby McGuire and he really liked it.

How do you take your coffee?

Actually, I like iced coffee. Ironically!

Michael Breach is working on the NESCAFÉ Dolce Gusto UK’s MiniMe campaign. Got a commission for him? Find his details at baristart.tumblr.com.