Meet Jason D’aquino | Artist & Miniaturist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jason D’aquino and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jason, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
This is such an incredibly enigmatic question…. I’m not sure that it was a conscious choice, but if it was, then I believe that I chose to pursue an artistic career path because ALL other choices truly paled in comparison. I could never imagine living a fulfilling life without artistic creation. I suppose for me it is what people refer to as a ‘calling’- an undeniably irresistible draw toward a particular pursuit-forsaking all others, and with total disregard for what logic, expedience, convenience or the prevailing knowledge dictates. All advice I was given as a child, was designed to steer me toward a financially secure 9 to 5 career path. But the idea of becoming a cog in a large machine was soul crushing. I could not abide the notion of selling my life , day by day, hour by hour and minute by minute, without ever really living it. I feel as if my subconscious has always had an overwhelming need to express ideas which my conscious mind cannot possibly conceive, Every new creation promises a revelation, and that is something I simply cannot miss out on.

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.
I don’t believe that any path worth taking is ever an easy one. That being said, I think I’ve always tried to be honest in my work. I take a very old-school hands-on approach to creation. My process is very minimal- using scraps of found paper, and pencils, I create highly detailed drawings, often in extreme miniature. The matchbook is one of my favorite found canvasses. Matchbook drawings are what I am most widely recognized for. My meticulous matchbook creations have landed me in museum collections Including ‘Ripley’s Believe it or Not’ museum , and the Albright Knox collection in New York. Having personally started the genre of matchbook miniature art, I have garnered a long list of admirers and quite a few imitators. What I would like people to know about my works, is that they are all 100% genuine, hand drawn creations. I never cheat or create by artificial means, and the surfaces I work on are authentic and antique-often relics in their own right.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
For food, I would recommend Sottosale at 8001 Biscayne Blvd . This hip Italian kitchen is nestled in the refurbished structure of the old China Palace Restaurant. The China Palace was featured in an original episode of Miami Vice, and my wife and I were consulted on the design and rehab of the site-we even painted the deco inspired mural on the south side of the building. For drink, I would point the way to Athens juice bar at 6942 Collins ave , Miami Beach. Family owned since 1942, Athens is friendly, unpretentious, and their juice is fresh and delicious. For refreshment of the soul, I would recommend taking a dip at Haulover beach. It is clean and pristine and clothing optional. If you’ve never been to a nude beach before, don’t knock it til you try it.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to give a shoutout to Muurswagg. Artists and entrepreneurs need to boost each other up. Muurswagg is a fashion line with a vibe that is positive, unique and above all – beautiful. They are truly talented entrepreneurs and designers with a studio in Miami, and i would recommend that anyone reading this go check them out at www.muurswagg.com

Website: www.jasondaquino.com
Instagram: @jasondaquino
Twitter: @jasondaquino
Facebook: @jasondaquinoartist
Youtube: YouTube.com/user/jasondaquino
Other: www.fawkesfineart.com