In Focus | Augusto Cesar Kapronczai of Refine Art

In Focus is our gift to the community. A way for us to help show our recognition for the people, businesses and organizations that help make our city great. The team at KelownaNow.com is passionate about this community and the people that make it amazing. We want to show our friends, neighbours, family and colleagues that we notice them and the fabulous things that they do.

What is your name?
Augusto Cesar Kapronczai

Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kelowna?
Well, I'm originally from Brazil but grew up and spent my childhood in Saskatchewan. The plan was for my family to be in Vancouver when we first arrived to Canada but things changed and I remember we touched down mid-January in Saskatoon. We were all blown away with the snow. I came to Kelowna four years ago with my family for work and we haven't looked back.

Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
Not going for any brownie points here at all but...it would be my wife and best friend Virginia Kapronczai. The amount of experiences we've had together already is enough for two lifetimes but wow. What can I say? She is like me on so many levels but at the same time grounds me when my thoughts and ideas get out of control.

If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
I've always wanted to spend time in the Mediterranean area specifically Israel. There's just so much history and attention on such a small place..so much significance. I get chills.

What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
Sorry to mention a food place but I seriously have found a perfect combination for a donair at Subcity Donairs. Just love walking down Bernard and grabbing a bite.

What is your favourite activity?
My favourite activity if I had to name just one thing would be to create either by drawing or painting. I love getting lost in that pure zone. I do like martial arts, beach family time and cooking too.

If you had to choose: pizza, tacos, or burgers?
That's an extreme question kinda. If I had to choose it pushes me to an extreme answer of Cheese Burger Pizza rolled up in a taco. Yumm right?

What is a hidden gem you enjoy in the Okanagan?
I enjoy the secluded area of McKinley Landing and many more laid back spots on Kalamalka Lake.

What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
Oh, there have been plenty believe me. Besides trying to learn English as a child it would be getting caught by an elementary school teacher drawing "realistic" people doing "realistic" things. I was being pressured at the time by a group of friends and I caved, got caught, turned bright red.

What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
I would say being the first one selected to participate in a one-month painting workshop in Toronto called the Schoolism In House Workshop. It was back in 2011 in the autumn time and It helped me to believe in myself and just taught so much practical knowledge in the painting world. That and getting hired on at Disney Interactive.

Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
My favourite childhood memory is going back to Brazil when I was 13 with my family. That trip changed my life because it showed me a new perspective on so many different topics and levels. The experience has never left me and influences me to this day.

Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
I did some volunteering last year with my team from work around Christmas time at the Salvation Army. I would do it again for sure. I also want to give back to the community artistically and I'm working on that.

If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
The whole notion and boundary we face as humans and creations that TIME = MONEY. I hate that families have to spend time apart.

What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
I pretty much love BBQing in the summers on the beach and drawing outside. This place is so alive with nature just going for a walk or a hike is amazing.

Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
There's this spot near my place called Robert Lake Provincial Park. It is a saline lake and a bird sanctuary of sorts. It is peaceful and I go there to clear my head and sketch many times.

Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
It would be cool to see more art downtown especially the boardwalks by the water. I always just envision cool themed events or booths of people doing art on the fly. I dream about mixing music, food, and cool visual art.

If you were granted one wish for work or in life, what would it be?
Any work that would give me full creative license without worrying about a budget...wow! That would be a dream for any creative type I think. Financial freedom basically.

Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
Although I may come across as a jokey kind of guy a lot of the time I think it's defense mechanism to some degree. I have a pretty deep serious side that consistently analyzes everything. I've pursued philosophy, mythology, astrology, chemistry, and was a youth pastor at a point in my life. I'm always listening to quantum physics talks and I love reading about the works of Tesla. I guess that's a product of coming from such a huge family as I do. Ask me sometime you won't believe it.

What is the name of your business/organization?
Refine Art

What does your business do?
I teach digital painting classes using Photoshop and specialized equipment.

How to people connect with you through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest)
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram

Where can people find your business online?
Augustos Art

Why did you get into/start this business?
I started this business as way to reach out and contribute something with the limited knowledge I have. I believe in always learning and always being open to giving which is hard to do many times.

What is the goal of your business?
To help build a strong art community that can put on cool events and publications out of this amazing place to live. Also to take on bigger freelance gigs with a strong team.

What has been your biggest struggle either in work or life?
Right now it's definitely time for family vs. time for work. I have much to accomplish but life has to be a balance for me. I'm taking on the task of helping raise five little Kapronczai's after all.

If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
Things would be different. I would just be more confident in actions related to my goals. I would be more hungry and less afraid.

Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
I think it's important to shop locally so that we remain the healthiest we can in terms of food. My wife and I are regularly at the Farmer's Market on a Saturday morning. In terms of food and everything else so that we retain control over our choices.

Give someone that you think deserves it a shout out and explain why!
Russ Horton who works at Disney Interactive. He's always alerting his friends about the recalls on food and that's pretty cool. His LinkedIn can be found here.

My nomination for the In Focus spotlight is:
Chris Wieme. We've known each other since back in Saskatoon and worked together at Disney Interactive. He's a great animator and has a ton of experience. His LinkedIn.

Other information you would like to share:
Along with young adult's and adults I do teach kids from 12 and up especially if they show a passion and aptitude for art. Stay tuned for classes starting this fall. Visit my webpage to stay up to date.

We encourage you to leave your comments and words of support below and submit your own nomination by clicking HERE. You are also welcome to submit a form of your own by clicking HERE. Thank you, Kelowna.