Today we’d like to introduce you to Jonathan Aizenstat.
Jonathan is a professional artist and illustrator. He is the creator of Don Yoni, a children’s book series he developed after working for 10 years in the childcare industry at Baby Stars, a pre-school in Aventura, FL. Jonathan’s introduction to art started at a very young age as he was exposed to arts and crafts as a child growing up in Bolivia. His parents both come from an art/design background: Isaac (father) studied architecture and Beatriz (mother) is studied textile design and is a professional multidisciplinary artist. While they provided a source of encouragement and served as a resource, Jonathan is self-taught and developed a style entirely on his own.
He started gaining recognition as an emerging artist in 2015. It was around this time when he felt he was ready for the next phase of his life. He published his first book, No Time For Pizza in 2015. The book gained popularity in the local community and even a recognition by Governor Rick Scott. Jonathan left Baby Stars to paint and draw full-time and published his second book, Visit to the Zoo, in 2016.
In 2017, a Hollywood podiatry office commissioned Jonathan for a site-specific installation entitled “Under the Sea.” He was commissioned again to complete a baby nursery at a family’s home. Then, Jonathan completed an innovative watercolor series entitled “Outdoors” – two of these works were selected by the City of Pompano Beach’s Public Art Program. He was selected for a second Public Art program by Broward County in 2018. Jonathan then landed a prestigious commission by Prestige Imports and Lamborghini Miami, where he created the “Lamborghini Pizza.” He is currently under contract with the Victory Center for a site-specific installation (est. completion May’18).
In 2017, Jonathan completed several solo exhibitions, including a) 100 Iconic Places of the World, Broward Art Guild (Fort Lauderdale, FL) and Black and White, Silent Auction, Miami Art League (North Miami, FL). Visit to the Zoo, Miami Art League (North Miami, FL). In 2016, he exhibited at STEP Ahead Program, City of Hialeah (Hialeah, FL) and ESE Family Forum & Exposition, Miami-Dade County Public Schools (Miami, FL).
Today, Jonathan is a registered vendor with Miami-Dade County. He’s worked with Miami-Dade County Public Schools and Miami-Dade Public Library System, who inaugurated his book “No Time For Pizza” into circulation in 2018.
Has it been a smooth road?
Jonathan was diagnosed with Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC), a genetic disorder that causes tumors to form in many different organs. He has endured incredible and lengthy hardships as a result of irregularities associated with the brain including seizures, abnormal skin growths, and facial angiofibromas. Jonathan was a bullying victim during his school years and was consistently taken advantage due to his condition. He was harassed, constantly made fun of and called “Pizza Face.”
Thankfully, advancements in research and technology continue to bring new and improved therapeutic options. Today, Jonathan is living an independent, healthy, and happy life— the determination and resilience he’s demonstrated in his transformation is an inspirational story.
Jonathan has fought hard to be where he is today. All his art commissions require an overwhelming amount of work and preparation. He interviews his clients to understand their needs, criteria, budget, and expectations. For instance, his current site commission with the Victory Center required that he learn about children with autism- not only about the symptoms and treatments but what colors and textures would help them. The Victory Center’s campaign this year was “reach for the stars” so Jonathan is pursuing an “out of this world” / space theme — to prepare for his installation he conducted research at the Frost Science Museum.
Another challenge that is important to mention is that the art projects are done very efficiently and timely. Jonathan’s commission at the Hollywood doctor’s office (JAWS podiatry) took 62 days – 5 days back-to-back were spent on-site. There is a tremendous amount of pressure to deliver a museum-quality job when he’s never done anything like it before.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Don Yoni story. Tell us more about the business.
Jonathan specializes in spontaneous art, immersive installations, and art workshops. He is an expert in watercolor and color pencil. He is known for his signature Don Yoni characters. Most of his art commissions are tied to good causes, like helping raise awareness for certain medical conditions. A summary of his recent work is provided below:
*2018
-The Victory Center: A 300 square foot site-specific installation at an educational institution for autism and related disabilities to raise awareness for learning disabilities through art and to create an environment that helps students and their families reach their highest potential.
-Prestige Imports & Lamborghini Miami: Commissioned to transform a 2017 Lamborghini Huracan into a “Lamborghini Pizza,” an immersive installation that raised awareness for terminal illnesses during Ride2Revive Charity Track Event, which provides kids with life-threatening illnesses a memorable, adrenaline-filled driving experience to revitalize their senses.
-Chalk-Lit Festival, Broward County Cultural Center and Broward County Main Library: Commissioned by Broward County’s Public Art & Design Program for the inaugural Chalk-Lit festival to create a live 3D “literature” themed chalk mural as part of National Endowment for the Arts’ Big Read Community Reading Program.
*2017
-Utility Wraps, City of Pompano Beach (Public Art Program): Commissioned by the City of Pompano Beach to wrap digital versions of artwork on traffic signal boxes to add an attractive and creative touch along the City’s corridors, prevent vandalizing and enhance the experience visitors and residents.
-JAWS Podiatry: Permanent installation in healthcare facility converting an exam room into space where patients feel immersed in a new world and no longer have to be afraid of visiting the doctor. Commissioned by JAWS podiatry to raise awareness for neurological diseases through art.
*** Please visit donyoni.com for more information.
Where do you see your industry going over the next 5-10 years? Any big shifts, changes, trends, etc?
Over the next 5-10 years, the art industry will continue to evolve and grow as people seek to find meaning and happiness. Jonathan’s job is to help others achieve an improvement in their life – whether its a smile, a positive emotion, or helping someone improve their self-esteem. Jonathan is leading art workshops with children — these are immersive and collaborative experiences where the children participate in the creation of a work.
Jonathan has been contracted by Miami-Dade County to accelerate their programming. A big shift in the industry is the need for immersive art and pop-up experiences. Jonathan is pursuing only projects that have a positive contribution to the community and can improve the lives of others.
Pricing:
- The Don Yoni children’s books retail for $15-20
- Artwork by Don Yoni will range from $250 for a small print to well over $3,000 for an original.
Contact Info:
- Address: 21387 Marina Cove Circle F15
Aventura, FL 331380 - Website: donyoni.com
- Phone: 305-343-2551
- Email: jonathan@donyoni.com
- Instagram: @donyoni
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/donyonithecharacter/
Getting in touch: VoyageMIA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
