The motivation behind this social-entrepreneurship project came about after working
for a humanitarian organization after the devastating 12 January earthquake in Haiti .
We were implementing livelihood projects, including working with local artisans by
providing business development training and other programming. In a follow-up
monitoring and evaluation exercise, some of the beneficiaries indicated that
what they needed wasn't more training, but access
to international markets and people to buy their artwork ... and *ding* the idea
was born.
Haiti is a country that is in my heart and under my skin. This labour of love is my way of trying showcase something BEAUTIFUL from an
island that is often only ever portrayed negatively. There is much richness,
soulfulness, beauty and a thriving art scene.
By purchasing a beautiful piece through Ansanm*, you will be directly supporting an artists'
livelihood. *Ansanm is the Haitian creole word for "together".
This project is a collaborative effort, working with local artists and one Haitian counterpart who support logistics in Port-au-Prince.
for a humanitarian organization after the devastating 12 January earthquake in Haiti .
We were implementing livelihood projects, including working with local artisans by
providing business development training and other programming. In a follow-up
monitoring and evaluation exercise, some of the beneficiaries indicated that
what they needed wasn't more training, but access
to international markets and people to buy their artwork ... and *ding* the idea
was born.
Haiti is a country that is in my heart and under my skin. This labour of love is my way of trying showcase something BEAUTIFUL from an
island that is often only ever portrayed negatively. There is much richness,
soulfulness, beauty and a thriving art scene.
By purchasing a beautiful piece through Ansanm*, you will be directly supporting an artists'
livelihood. *Ansanm is the Haitian creole word for "together".
This project is a collaborative effort, working with local artists and one Haitian counterpart who support logistics in Port-au-Prince.
Meet the artist
Mr. Brutal Michel has been an artist in Croix-des-Bouquet, Haiti for over 15 years. His craftmanship, attention to
detail and his unique creation stand out among the artists who surround him. He first learned to be an artist from his aunt. As a young man, Brutal saw that his aunt was able to provide for her family, own a small shop and home all through the creation of her art. He saw it as a livelihood and learned the trade as a young apprentice. His natural talents and his warm spirit exude through his unique pieces, each hand cutand crafted from recylced oil barrels.
I first met Brutal in 2010 when I visited his shop in Croix-des-Bouqets. I wanted to buy gifts for family and friends at home and was drawn to his shop - something about his pieces stood out from the other shops in the neighbourhood. He was so welcoming and his energy was so positive that I took his card and promised to return. As I began to think about leaving Haiti, I thought of ways that I could stay connected to the country that had burrowed itself in my heart. It was on a trip up to the north of the country, in the coastal town of Cap Haitian, that I toasted the idea of bringing Haitian art to Canada with rum and good friends. When I returned to Croix-des-Bouqets, weeks before my depature, I proposed the idea to Brutal, making no promises, except to try. I purchased a handful of pieces, so he immediately takes his profit, and began the journey of channeling his art to Canadian homes.
With the purchase of a beautiful piece of recycled art, you are directly contributing to the livelihood of an artist in Haiti, Mr. Brutal Michel, his family and his team of apprentices.
Browse the Merchandise section for the catalogue of available pieces and go to "Contact Us" to fill in your order request. I will follow-up with payment and shipping information. Custom pieces are also available. Go to "Contact Us" to submit a message with your dimensions and idea and you will receive a follow-up message.
Meaningful art. Livelihood Development. Recycled Material.
Ansanm, together.
Mr. Brutal Michel has been an artist in Croix-des-Bouquet, Haiti for over 15 years. His craftmanship, attention to
detail and his unique creation stand out among the artists who surround him. He first learned to be an artist from his aunt. As a young man, Brutal saw that his aunt was able to provide for her family, own a small shop and home all through the creation of her art. He saw it as a livelihood and learned the trade as a young apprentice. His natural talents and his warm spirit exude through his unique pieces, each hand cutand crafted from recylced oil barrels.
I first met Brutal in 2010 when I visited his shop in Croix-des-Bouqets. I wanted to buy gifts for family and friends at home and was drawn to his shop - something about his pieces stood out from the other shops in the neighbourhood. He was so welcoming and his energy was so positive that I took his card and promised to return. As I began to think about leaving Haiti, I thought of ways that I could stay connected to the country that had burrowed itself in my heart. It was on a trip up to the north of the country, in the coastal town of Cap Haitian, that I toasted the idea of bringing Haitian art to Canada with rum and good friends. When I returned to Croix-des-Bouqets, weeks before my depature, I proposed the idea to Brutal, making no promises, except to try. I purchased a handful of pieces, so he immediately takes his profit, and began the journey of channeling his art to Canadian homes.
With the purchase of a beautiful piece of recycled art, you are directly contributing to the livelihood of an artist in Haiti, Mr. Brutal Michel, his family and his team of apprentices.
Browse the Merchandise section for the catalogue of available pieces and go to "Contact Us" to fill in your order request. I will follow-up with payment and shipping information. Custom pieces are also available. Go to "Contact Us" to submit a message with your dimensions and idea and you will receive a follow-up message.
Meaningful art. Livelihood Development. Recycled Material.
Ansanm, together.