Bruno Cantieni
Submitted by Roxanne Carter
Sculptor – Painter - Conceptual Artist
Living in Whitby, Bruno found city life too hectic, prompting him and his wife Julie to look for a country property. They fell in love with an old Irish settler property called Braeside outside of Fenelon Falls. The property includes a century home, ample space for their gardens and a 150-year-old barn which Bruno has converted into his studio.
Julie and Bruno named their property Braeside Estate. Excited about the prospects, they are currently developing a creativity garden and wellness centre. During three and a half years at Braeside, Julie has applied her landscape design skills to create beautiful gardens which display a variety of Bruno’s sculptures. Julie has won awards at Canada Blooms for her garden displays and has recreated The Midnight in Paris design in their backyard.
Bruno grew up in Switzerland and was always doodling. He liked drawing horses and was also interested in architectural drawings. Not long after, he pursued photography using a box camera given to him by his father. When he was 19, Bruno came to Canada on his own and became a professional photographer. For 20 years, he focused on commercial photography for a large number of brands. He became increasingly interested in digital technology and branched out into industrial design using computer modeling, rendering, and animation. Although Bruno’s career led him to e-commerce, art was always a big part of his life. Bruno taught at Centennial College. He led the web development group, creating the first website for the AGO.
Today, Bruno creates garden and indoor sculptures, objects of art and function, and colourful abstract expressionist paintings using acrylics. His sculptures reference a 3-dimensional approach to art: it’s tactile, has shape, form, and involves building and the use of reductive process. Whereas painting is 2-dimensional, Bruno finds it is often easier to express emotions and feelings. He appreciates the meditative aspects of his artistry.
He works on sculpture in the warmer weather when he can be outside, moving indoors in the winter to paint. Bruno and Julie collaborate on their online presence. Julie is the content creator and marketer, and Bruno focuses on the business and technology side. E-commerce is how he promotes his work. He participated in the Victoria County Studio Tour for two years. When things open up, he plans private studio tours and creativity workshops at their property. Julie will offer wellness workshops.
Bruno supports the KLAC’s online marketplace as a great way for local artists to showcase featuring their profiles online. You can visit Bruno’s studio by appointment or view his work at www.brunocantieni.com.
