Each artist has been an inspiration. For some, it is the people. For others, it is the place.
Working in the studio in Miami, Haitian artist Edouard Duval-Carrié loudly pours root into his art.
"What I try in my job is to point out that Haiti is a very complex place," he explained. "It has a very complicated history, fascinating history, and it's worth looking at. It is worth learning. "
For over 30 years, Duval-Carrié has focused on the themes of Haiti: people are so civil, seen as a disease-ridden.
"I already have downloaded bacterias from your computer. And this little collage I have done, "he explained. "They've been saying that Haiti brings all kinds of disease so I played with the idea."
And then there is the religion of Voodoo-hybrid born among African slaves brought to Haiti.
The Voodoo gods are a major part of Duval-Carrié work and many Haitians live, he said, while others are negative view of religion.
"They've built that religion as something totally off the wall, but it's not," confirmed Duval-Carrié.
Last year, he even included Voodoo gods in a piece on the Haiti earthquake.
"He is under the Earth at this time and held what was left of the Cathedral," he said as he showed a work of art.
He said it shows that Haiti should utilize all available resources to power.
"Voodoo to help Catholics," the artist's joke.
Bernice Steinbaum gallery featuring some have by Duval-Carrié. He said the Haitians feel the need to conceal Voodooism, but Duval-Carrié help change that.
"She gives a face to the Voodoo gods. Prior to this, we will read about them, and we'll talk about them but we could never face them, "said Steinbaum.
And back in the studio in the heart of Miami's little Haiti neighborhood, Duval-Carrié other contributions look. He founded the Alliance of art and culture of Haiti in support of Haitian art and culture.
"Organizing cultural events, I mean I liked," he said. "And soon after we arrived here, we set up an Alliance of art and culture of Haiti and we've been there nearly as long as I've been here."
Duval-Carrié hoping people will continue to pay attention to Haiti's catastrophe that has suffered.
"It really doesn't have to take 300,000 deaths for everyone to focus their lights in Haiti," he notes.
And as long as he produces art, it would be hard not to notice.
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