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The Livonia Man Breaks Neck to Become Painter

LIVONIA, MICHIGAN, April, 2003 - Rebounding from a near-catastrophic fall from a ladder in the backyard of his Livonia home that left his spine shattered during the summer of 2001, nationally-known commercial photographer Jay Asquini has literally painted his way into new artistic opportunity.

Doctors were able to save Asquini's life and prevent any paralysis by reinforcing a large section of his upper spine with titanium rods and screws - a feat that was nothing short of miraculous given the high level of damage that had been done. Recovery was possible, but it would be a long, hard effort.

"I essentially had to learn to walk again; I had become that weak," Asquini recalls. "My strength, energy and stamina were very slow in returning. Just holding a camera was too much. Schlepping all my photo equipment around as I had for years was out of the question. Since I now have a large portion of my back and neck fused, even peering through a camera at anything but eye level is very challenging. It was clear that it would be almost impossible to return to my old ways of business."

Nearly a year after his accident, while still recovering, Asquini picked up a brush at the insistence of a friend and was immediately captivated by the process - a process which suited his physical limitations much better than commercial photography. He's been nothing short of prolific since, completing over 70 small studies and more than 20 finished canvases. Now, his colorful and emotive work is being sought by galleries throughout metro-Detroit. The first large public showing of his work will be May 29 through June 22 in Dearborn at the Village Picture Framing & Art Gallery, with an artist reception from 5:00 to 9:00 Thursday May 29. artist's reception from 5:00-9:00 pm May 29. The gallery is located at 1026 Monroe St., just south of Michigan Ave. Telephone 313 278-4870.

"We're really excited to have his work," states Tom Clark, owner of the Village Gallery. "There's such vitality in it. It's colorful. It's alive."

"He definitely has something to say and it shows in his work," says Amy Swiney of the Ave Maria Gallery of Ann Arbor, Michigan, which will display Asquini paintings in July.

Scott Kozaruk, art dealer in Clawson who's Progressive Art showroom will maintain a selection of Asquini's work, says "Jay Asquini is painting art, not decor. His paintings are for people who would rather look at art than watch television. His work can sustain it. There's that much feeling in it."

Asquini's paintings follow three topics: stylized female portraits and figures, wine culture, and intertwined couples. "I began painting women because, to me, there is nothing more beautiful," says Asquini. "The wine series is a natural. I'm half Italian. It's in my blood. And the couples are my reaction to the war. They show people in kinder and gentler contact; something to which we could all aspire."

Given Asquini's upbringing, his transition from photographer to painter, though unexpected and propelled by his accident, should not be surprising. His mother, Betty Asquini - also a Livonia resident - has established a national reputation for her paintings of horse and dog portraits. "I grew up with paintings all around me. I could see how they were composed and constructed," Jay asserts. "Twenty years as a working photographer refined my sense of composition and light. What I didn't realize is that I've spent a lifetime evaluating the paintings I've seen in galleries and museums around the world, and have been storing features of the styles I like. So when it came time to sit down and paint, I had a very clear idea of what I wanted a painting to be. My style is nothing like my mother's. Hers is much more representational, more realistic, very blended. I've maintained what some consider aggressive, photography-style composition, but have no intention of making my paintings photographically real. Paint applied by brush does so many magical things that photos and reality don't. I enjoy that power. I also get a kick out of the notion that I literally fell into this opportunity to paint."