Bernard Louis
“My boss, I told you the gangster take my house, so I need more order just for I will rent the house ok thank you for your consideration.”
Receiving messages like this is not an uncommon occurrence for me, and it is not just from one artist, but many of our artists going through this and other very similar situations. Situations in which they are separated from their families, forced to leave their homes, and trying to find ways to continue to support themselves and their families while simply striving to survive in their country filled with violence, hunger, and economic collapse. Every time we receive one of these messages, it breaks our hearts a little more. Our mission has always been to help support these artists, to help fight poverty through art. For this reason, when we received this message from Bernard Louis, we knew the first thing we needed to do was shine the spotlight on such a great artist and his story. But we didn’t want to tell his story for him, so we asked him to let us know a little bit about himself, about what he would want our customers, his supporters to know about him, and this is what he had to say.
“I am Bernard Louis
I was born in CROIX-DES-BOUQUETS, Haiti on 9th of January 1984. I grew up at Noailles the place where the metal sculpture, made of recycled oil steel drum, was born. I am father of 3 children ( 2 sons and one girl). Because of the predicament that takes place in Haiti, my family and I living in separate place. My parents died. I began to learn metal sculpture at the age of 10 years old. My inspiration comes from Jose Delpé, who was a renowned metal sculpture artist. He is no longer with us.
Jose Delpé was my metal sculpture mentor.
After spending a long time learning all the characteristics that can help achieve a work. I began to produce work of my own based on abstractivity. This art, that is: metal sculpture is a source of blessings for me, because through it I happen to take care of my family I have already taken part in many national art fairs but I haven't participated in international art festivals yet. I would like to enjoy this opportunity.”
It’s interesting to note that when asked to say a little about himself, his family comes first followed by his art. Very little is said about the predicament that is taking place in Haiti. Instead, he focuses on community members who have helped him, fellow artists and his dreams for his business. Dreams and aspirations of caring for his family and participating in art festivals showcasing his evolving skilled craft. As always, regardless of their heartbreaking situation, his quote the resiliency Haitians are known for, their desire to work hard, and just dream about a better tomorrow. Help us help Bernard Louis continue on his dream.
