Meet Our Artists
Mario Guitron
“Husband, Father, Son, Butcher and Artist. It’s hard to really define that last one. Artist.
I mean, I paint, draw, sketch, sculpt, take interesting photos, craft things, repurpose things, decorate, organize, brighten up and display things, but lots of us do that. So what is it about all those things that I do that makes me so special? I’m not sure, but I do know that it’s in the way that I create, inspire, enjoy, dream and breathe Art and the amount of detail that I put into my work. It’s the hidden stuff, the faces in the rocks, the mountains that look like sleeping giants, the graffiti and lettering, the metaphors and meaning. There’s way more than what meets the eye. There are so many layers to the work …”
Why AZ Gallery is special: “It’s the collaboration. Being part of the community, any community means YOU ARE NOT ALONE IN YOUR PROCESS, THE UNIVERSE IS THERE, so am I.”
Rama, a.k.a Steve
“Steve, born on May 20th, 1980, in San Francisco, is an artist whose creative journey began at Saint Michaels Elementary, where his passion for art and creativity was nurtured. Graduating from Galileo High School of Science and Technology, located in his hometown, he continued to explore his artistic talents.
Hailing from a Mexican heritage, Steve draws inspiration from his cultural roots. Growing up in San Bruno, CA, he was introduced to the world of graffiti by his siblings, an influence that left a lasting impact on his artistic style.
Art became more than just a hobby for Steve. It became a way to cope with the challenges life threw at him, particularly using doodle art as a means to manage depression and anxiety. In 1998, Steve endured a traumatic experience as a victim of a violent crime, further underscoring the role of art as a healing outlet.
In 1999, Steve took a significant step by creating his first website, marking the beginning of his online artistic presence. This digital platform allowed him to share his evolving artistic expressions with a wider audience, showcasing his unique perspective and journey.
Today, Steve's art reflects not only his personal growth but also his ability to transform adversity into creative resilience. His work stands as a testament to the power of art to heal, inspire, and connect with others on a profound level.”
Why AZ Gallery is special: “The art to heal, and what Art Zone helped facilitate, is creating a space for artists of all kinds, and all ages to get together. Sometimes it's just as simple as showing up and being present.”