gauvin (1961-2012)

gauvin made Ventura his home in the early 90’s and would perform on the street, in galleries, in coffee shops and at art walks.  He made his presence known with shows titled “Inside A Black Artist” and “Crazier Than Van Gogh.  He was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in 1961.  Poetry, music, and visual art were ways he would express himself.  His work was as diverse as the media he used, which ranged from crayon to acrylics, canvas, to cardboard.  His range went from dark to humorous.

gauvin performed at The Sylvia White Gallery in 2009. He had a first solo exhibition in 1997 at Ventura’s Upstairs Gallery. It’s a shame he passed away in the fall of 2012, before smart phones were in the hands of everyone.  So many of his powerful performances had not been documented though he mentored emerging and younger artists.  Gauvin life and art were obviously one, and all expression was a form of prayer. Many times he burst into the song “Amazing Grace”

“I lived with him for 2 years. We fought together, bled together, laughed together, made art together. He changed my life and was my mentor.” –Wayne Mellinger

Artworks