Nesti Tona is an artist whose paintings were included in this year’s Art After Dark.For two decades, he enjoyed artistic success in Europe with his work receiving recognition in various galleries in Germany, Macedonia, Romania and his home country of Albania.
WHERE CAN HIS WORK BE
FOUND NOW?
His creations are on display in Turkey, Greece, Scotland, Germany, Macedonia, Albania and in the United States. In Jacksonville, he is represented by European Art Garage in San Marco.
HOW DID HE GET PICKED FOR ART AFTER DARK?
Tona was introduced to the show’s organizers through the sale of one of his pieces at the European Art Garage. In the spring, Tona will be showing his art at the P.A.S.T.A. Gallery in St. Augustine.
FAME IN THE EMPIRE STATE
After arriving in America, Tona and his family settled in New York state. He befriended his English teacher, the director of English As a Second Language, who helped him break into the arts scene there. In 2001, he was part of an exhibition at the Fulton Street Gallery in Troy, N.Y. Soon after, Tona relocated to Jacksonville because of his son’s arthritic condition.
HOMETOWN
Pogradec, Albania.
EDUCATION
Academy of Fine Arts in Tirana, Albania.
GO WEST
In 2000, Tona moved his family to America to escape war, poverty and political strife.“Someone told me that this country would be good for the children. I was told that in America I can find everything. But I have found nothing. When I came here, I worked at a car wash, then as a dishwasher and at a frame shop. For me, these were different jobs. In my country, I was an art teacher for 22 years. I’m still working maintenance at an apartment complex and waiting to find a job in my profession.”
HOME IN AMERICA
The Southside is home to Tona, his wife Silvana, son Milian, daughter Nina, seven birds and a huge tank full of fish. He is in the country on a green card and must wait five years before he can apply for citizenship.
HIS ASPIRATION?
“My objective is to be given the opportunity to share my memories, hopes and dreams with the world as an accomplished artist, capturing the past, present and future on my canvas along with each bit of emotion and detail.”
WHAT SUBJECT DOES
HE PAINT?
“I am homesick, so all of my paintings are of my homeland. Always, I will miss my friends.”
WHO INFLUENCED
HIS WORK?
“When I was a student, I liked the impressionists like Van Gogh and Matisse but I didn’t like to copy them. I like to be original.”
WHAT MEDIUMS DOES
HE USE?
Pastel, oil and watercolors are what his brush paints the most. “In Pogradec, my studio faced the sunrise. The city has four seasons; it is beautiful. Where is the sun for me here?”
HIS INTERESTS?
“Life is very different here from my city [Pogradec]. It is difficult to find my place. I take care of my garden and my children, but painting is really my spirit.”
— by Monica Chamness