Life & Work with Jason DeMeo (JASE) of Franklin, TN

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jason DeMeo (JASE).

Hi Jason , so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I’ve always been a creative at heart. As a kid, I was deeply curious — making music, sketching, experimenting with photography — but I didn’t see those things as a viable path. Like many people, I gradually shifted into more “acceptable” roles. I worked in corporate America, got a marketing degree, earned a master’s in leadership, became a spiritual formation director, and co-founded a design studio helping leaders innovate through human-centered design.

But somewhere along the way, I lost touch with that inner artist. After walking through a challenging season with my mental health, I rediscovered art as a way back to myself. What started as personal therapy became a professional calling. I developed a process called Reverse Abstraction™, which uses layers and excavation to reflect the beauty, complexity, and transformation I believe exists in all of us.

Now, I create large-scale artwork, speak on Artistic Intelligence, and build experiences like my upcoming show Embassy that invite people into wonder, imagination, and connection. I believe creativity isn’t just for artists — it’s a vital force for how we lead, connect, and shape the world around us. My work — whether it’s on canvas, on stage, or in a room full of leaders — is about awakening that creative spark in others.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Definitely not smooth. But I don’t think it’s supposed to be. I’ve had a lot of pivots — from corporate to spiritual formation to design to art — and with each transition, there’s been a mix of excitement and fear. One of the biggest challenges was actually giving myself permission to be an artist. Not just as a side thing, but as a central part of who I am. That took time.

I also went through a really tough mental health season, which honestly played a big role in rediscovering my creativity. Painting became this healing space — a way of processing things that didn’t have words. But even after that, stepping into the art world professionally brought its own struggles — imposter syndrome, figuring out how to build something sustainable, balancing the creative and business sides.

But what I’ve found is that the road through those struggles is what gives the work its depth. The layers, the texture — that’s not just how I paint, it’s how I’ve lived. And it’s why I believe creativity isn’t just for artists — it’s for anyone trying to live with meaning and aliveness.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I create abstract paintings using a process I developed called Reverse Abstraction™ — it’s all about layering, excavation, and revealing what’s underneath. A lot of my work is rooted in the belief that matter is miraculous — that even the physical world is full of meaning, memory, and energy if we’re paying attention. I specialize in creating immersive experiences through texture, color, and scale, and I’ve recently started combining that with storytelling and teaching through my Artistic Intelligence keynote. What I’m most proud of is that people walk away from my work feeling more connected — to themselves, to their creativity, to something bigger. What sets me apart is the mix of fine art, spiritual depth, and design thinking I bring into everything I do. It’s not just about making something beautiful — it’s about creating space for transformation.

Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
Life is not something to be judged but to be experienced. Letting go of judgement and embracing the present moment has helped be with my life, marriage and artistic practice immensely.

Pricing:

• Small Paintings 1500-2500
• Medium – 2500-7500
• Large – 7500 – 20K

Contact Info:

• Website: https://jasondemeo.art
• Instagram: @jasondemeo