Miko Beach

Miko Beach, a visionary visual artist born in the dynamic cityscape of Jersey City, embarked on a unique artistic journey when his family relocated to Atlantic City before his first birthday. Despite the early move, Miko's roots remained deeply intertwined with his birthplace. Faced with a void in artistic resonance during the initial 25 years of his life in Atlantic City, Miko found solace by frequently traveling back to Jersey City.

This constant return to his place of origin became a vital escape, allowing him to immerse himself in the vibrant cityscapes adorned with graffiti, murals, and street art that shaped his creative spirit. The dichotomy of his birthplace and upbringing in Atlantic City, juxtaposed with the artistic haven of Jersey City, profoundly influenced Miko's artistic perspective and fueled his quest for inspiration.

Miko, a talented visual artist with a diverse skill set including photography, videography, painting, design, and printmaking, has left an indelible mark in the fashion industry. Notably, his impactful experience as an assistant photographer at an adidas yoga event hosted atop the Rockefeller Center stands out. This memorable occasion featured a breathtaking aerial shot from the rooftop of the iconic Saks Fifth Avenue building, capturing the essence of the event in a unique and extraordinary way.

This pivotal moment showcased the possibilities within the industry, highlighting Miko's ability to capture extraordinary perspectives and emphasizing the importance of companies that prioritize treating their collaborators with genuine humanity.

Growing up in Atlantic City presented its unique challenges, as the prevailing art scene, dominated by watercolors and landscapes, didn't resonate with Miko's roots. However, his frequent journeys back to Jersey City, with its vibrant and diverse artistic landscape, provided the inspiration he craved. Despite the initial disparity in resources, Atlantic City has witnessed significant progress, offering increased opportunities for artists.

During the winter months, marked by reduced hours in the service and retail sectors, Miko has found refuge at the Arts Garage over the last decade, even before he opened up his own studio in there. This creative haven becomes his sanctuary, where he channels the extra time into various artistic ventures. Heart & Bone Studio emerges as a space where Miko's diverse works coalesce harmoniously, from captivating street photography to murals featuring skeletons and anatomical hearts, from the rebellious black and white Puerto Rican flag to hand-painted t-shirts, pants, and jackets.

Miko intentionally employs universal themes in his art, embracing the grief of losing his father and hardships in his life as relatable experiences. In this shared space of creativity, he explores these themes, discovering solace, peace, and the restoration of his inner light. Through Heart & Bone Studio, Miko invites others to join him on this journey of profound expression and shared human experience, bridging the gap between his birthplace and the artistic sanctuary that has shaped his identity.