Chillin’ With Concetta Antico 

By Chilled Magazine

Concetta Antico, venerated worldwide as “The Color Queen,” is a gifted visionary artist, color consultant, teacher and Tetrachromat. 

Backed by science, Concetta’s super vision allows her to see 100 million colors, which is 100 times the amount that people with normal vision can see. Concetta possesses rare genetics which provide a fourth color receptor in her eyes. Her gift combined with her lifetime immersion in fine art, illuminates the truth of the world’s beauty through her hyper-colored oil on canvas masterpieces. Her paintings are windows to colors only her eyes can perceive.

Concetta consistently garners avid media attention making her work highly collectible. More than 1000 original works are held in public and private collections worldwide. She has been featured in Reader’s Digest, Esquire, Vogue, NY Mag, Huffington Post and much more. The Australian native recently opened the new Concetta Antico gallery in the famed arts district of Paddington, Australia. Her blue-chip art is internationally acclaimed for its mastery of color and strokes in oil painting.

Concetta Antico 

Concetta Antico

Photo by Concetta Antico

Tell us a bit about the projects you are working on.

Being a fine artist means that the creativity is always flowing! On the art side, I have two shows in the next four months that I am producing new work for, and on the science side, there are two new scientific papers being published soon from UC Irvine and Dr. Kimberly Jameson, which is very exciting.

There are also two documentaries being produced about my art and my Super Vision Gift this fall by VOA and CBC. And as if that isn’t enough, I have new construction projects starting on my farm in Byron Bay, Australia! I also run the bookings at my Tooraloo Farmstay there.

Being a huge traveler, I have four trips between now and the holidays to NYC, London, Sydney and Australia, and everything is just very exciting to me.

America's Finest City's Lights San Diego painting

America’s Finest City’s Lights San Diego

Photo by Concetta Antico

With your busy schedule, what do you like to do with your downtime?

Honestly, my favorite thing is having no plans. I love waking up in the morning when I have nothing on my schedule and wandering around my garden, reading a book, meditating or simply sitting. I love sitting in cafes with my friends where we play cards, backgammon or talking story. I also love seeing the theater, museums or simply walking in any historic neighborhoods in San Diego or Australia. I also enjoy riding my bike!

When you go out to eat, where do you like to dine?

I am a pescatarian and follow the Keto lifestyle, so my choices are limited. However, I love farm-to-table or simple and organic fare. Some of my favorites in San Diego are Queenstown, Born & Raised, Herb Eatery, Polite Provisions, Saigon, Ironside, Craft & Commerce, Miguel’s in Coronado, Harney Sushi, Lion’s Share, and Kindred.

Luxembourg Gardens Paris Ode to the Dragon

Luxembourg Gardens Paris Ode to the Dragon

Photo by Concetta Antico

What types of dishes do you usually order?

Usually fish-based, and I love salads and sushi. I like it when the chef mixes ingredients that you normally wouldn’t put together—I love a surprise dish. But I do prefer simple because the less fuss and the more natural the food, the more I love it!

Do you cook? 

I do! I’m told I’m a creative chef. I conjure anything from the contents of a pantry. I’m a great impressive cook, but the fact is I try not to. What I really love to make are reservations.

What types of drinks do you order when out? 

Definitely sweet and fruitier craft cocktails or champagne. I love a Kir Royale, which is champagne and Chambord.  I also love a Pimm’s Cup, the drink of Wimbledon.  If in a huge party mood, it is top drawer white tequila for me.

Do you prepare drinks at home?

Not really. I’m quite a health nut, really, so it is iced tea, coconut water or smoothies. Nothing beats water though.

Galaxy painting

Galaxy

Photo by Concetta Antico

Do you own a home bar?

I do! It’s an 80s retro chrome and glass one in an amoeba shape.  I found it in an opp shop. I have it stocked and I love to entertain.  I regularly throw parties. My house is an entertainment mecca. It’s fun to play bartender.

What is your home bar stocked with?

Tequila, Chambord, absinthe, vodka, sherry, scotch, Fireball, champagne and wine, of course.

What is your favorite cocktail?

I love super sweet ones. There is a drink at a local bar called “Beautiful Stranger” that has passionfruit in it, and I’m addicted! I also LOVE two very old fashioned cocktails, the Grasshopper and Golden Dream. Both are made with cream and are delicious.

Have you ever been a bartender?  

Oh yes. Bartending gave me my education. I’m Australian and I was working bars from age 18. I was fast and loved mixing drinks and pulling beers—those were some of the most memorable years of my life. I worked in all manner of bars from underground membership only clubs, to discos and good old Aussie pubs. You learn so much being a bartender. You become very intuitive of people and their ways. Everything you ever wanted to know about the human psyche is all wrapped up in any cocktail lounge. It is a life experience and taught me how to sum people up very quickly.

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