Founder of JJ ACUNA / BESPOKE STUDIO
10 QUESTIONS
JJ Acuna
1) An artist whose work I would love to hang in my living room is…
Every artist I want hanging in my living room, is now hanging in my living room. If I can have more wall space, I’d gladly have more works. One of my most prized works hanging is a watercolour from Filipino artist, Roberto Chabet. I’m trying to find out how to get a Cody Hudson piece. Hudson’s work is an ode to Brutalism but painterly.
2) My favourite museum in the world is…
It’s a toss up between the Neue Galerie in New York City and the Musée d’Orsay in Paris, which is far away from what I’m usually into, but I just love the buildings, the spaces, and the way the art communicates with the spaces within. My third favourite is the Kimbell Art Museum, designed by Louis Khan in Forth Worth, Texas.
3) The best exhibition I’ve seen in recent years was…
I don’t know if it was the best, but I appreciated checking out the Maurice and Paul Marciano Art Foundation in Los Angeles for the brief time it was open. The art was popular but tasteful, but I loved how it was embedded in a mid-century modern masonic lodge. It was creepy but effective.
4) I am inspired when…
An existing client sends me photos of art or design that are in extremely good taste. Or whenever I got to an art show or gallery – any art show or gallery that’s not a PDF or Instagram feed – although there’s nothing wrong with that.
5) An object I would never part with is…
I think I can pretty much let go of everything. As long as I have my memories, I’m good.
6) My style icon is…
Both my grandfathers. They were very stylish men. Classic and very revered.
7) The favourite thing about my career is…
Being allowed to be creative. Being allowed to always make new things. We love this.
8) If I weren’t doing what I do now, I would be…
Maybe a comic book artist. Maybe a fashion designer. Maybe run a nice little art gallery with a café next to the beach. That sounds great actually.
9) The best gift or experience that I was given was…
I appreciate all my gifts, but recently my partner got me a huge 2-3 kg quartz crystal cluster and a nice marble tray slab to place my crystal collections on it. I meditate every day with my crystals and rocks – they help ground and centre me.
10) If I could invite any 5 guests to dinner, I would invite…
It’s so corny, but I’d like to have my mom and dad – who have since passed, and my 4 siblings. That’s 6, but you know, I haven’t seen them in person since 2019 for many reasons. I can be most myself when I’m around them. This separation makes me miss them more. And it’s my dream so I can do anything I want.
May 2021