About Us
Agustin Bravo, Owner and Contributing Artist
Where does art come from? Who is the artist? Where does he or she come from?
Are they born, are they trained, are they evolving?
In the case of Agustin almost all of the above is true - raised in Mexico in a small rural town with little or no exposure to the arts. Lil' Agustin made his own toys out of the clay from the banks of the river. The beginning? Yes! The need to create was in him and the need to live a life of art was not just born into his cells, but ignited by his own creativity. Perhaps the lack of "Toys R' Us" is the gift to this child.
Agustin, the man, has spent his life in persute of the arts. One of his ambitions was to have a gallery which he started with a group of friends. From there he spun off (always creating) to create yet another gallery in Oxnard. The uniqueness of Agustin is his ability to include all artist in his vision. His own personal style is unique in that it speaks of preserving the traditional Mexican style. Just one look at his work and you are there looking down at your feet in a stream or smelling the freshly cut tropical flowers at the street market. He brings you to a place you might never see. Letting you walk away with the experience of having been there. Agustin wanted his gallery to be a mixture of all the arts. Here one can enjoy sculpting, paintings (all mediums), music, photography and during his Bohemian Nights you can even enjoy the art of good food, drink and conversation.
Agnieszka Kai, Gallery Director of the Artist Cantine
Ms. Kai is a great example of what the Cantine is about. She was born in Rome, raised in Poland, now living as a citizen of the United States. Her background in the arts started eight years ago in LA. Having never dreamed of being in the art world Agnieszka was, as some would say, "led". Finding herself in the middle of the International Art Camp in Angel Gates Cultural Center, San Pedro as a visitor - something clicked. With no past exposure to the arts she found herself fascinated with this world. From Angel Gates she started participating in the artist organizations and again she found herself led to local Los Angeles Galleries and Museums. One thing she noticed as she studied the art world and that was the need to make a stronger connection between the artist and the public. To expose and educate the public to the amazing quantum amount of good world art out there that is very collectable for both beginners and consummate collectors. Since then Ms. Kai has worked with the Polish Artist group Krak, she has lead an exchange with artist between Los Angeles and Paris, created several multi artist shows, helped organize and managed an on line gallery LarkGallery Online. Eight years ago Agnieszka met Agustin, neither of them knew their friendship would develop into a working relationship, today they do just that in the Artist Cantine. They both have a similar focus - to bring artist and viewer together for the best possible experience.
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