Carte Blanche with Céleur Jean HERARD | LOVE AND SHARING
Offering the younger generation of artists an opportunity to familiarize themselves with another technique — in this case, wood sculpture — is the promise behind the new work sessions to be held at the Centre d’Art from May 5 to 29, 2021.
Under the direction of Céleur Jean HÉRARD, a group of visual artists will gather on Wednesdays and Fridays to work on two joint creative projects, using sculpture as their medium. Although the duration of the workshop will not allow them to fully master the technique of wood carving, the experience promises to be a valuable addition to their skill set. Céleur, an artist known for his sincere commitment to denouncing inequality and other forms of social hardship, shares his expectations and motivations for leading the workshop.
ENGAGEMENT
The situation in Haiti is stifling both the so-called normal activities of citizens and the inspiration of artists. How can this workshop rise above the prevailing fear and discouragement?
“If they’re motivated, it will be a beautiful and powerful workshop — one that, I hope, will have a positive impact on their artistic careers.There’s no such thing as luck in this field; it’s all about sacrifice. Depiw bon, ou gen disiplin, wap toujou jwenn moun ede w! (If you are good and disciplined, you’ll always find someone to support you.)
What I’ve observed throughout my journey is that an artist is carried forward by two waves: the love of their art and their dreams. I still hold on to that passion, that fire that drives me to create and to constantly seek improvement. At the same time, I have the dream of leaving a mark that will honor my country. Pa gen kado nan mond sa. Se disiplin ki pou bay talan m genyen an jarèt! (There are no gifts in this world. Only discipline can sustain the talent I have.)
This workshop isn’t a space for experts — it’s a seedbed for sharing. And I’ll never stop saying it.”
THE METHODOLOGY
Even if participants have genuine professional projects in mind, they each come from complex and diverse backgrounds. How do you plan to strike the right balance between their world and yours?
“We will guide the sessions so that participants’ proposals reflect their own artistic realities in the production of the two works.
My advice to young artists is to find their own path without envying the achievements of others. The key is to find good ideas and work hard to bring them to life, step by step, through to completion.
It won’t be easy to create with a group that has no experience in sculpture. However, if there is a real willingness and openness, I believe we can achieve beautiful things. I emphasize openness because the creative process will involve several stages. A participant might struggle to handle a mallet, yet come up with a breathtaking arrangement using salvaged materials. For that to happen, you need to recognize your own limits, have the desire to learn, and know how to make space for others — which is essential for any kind of group growth.”
THE PURPOSE
Beyond learning how to create in a group, how will your workshop impact participants’ careers?
“You can have all the talent in the world, but if you’re not open to others, nothing meaningful will come of it.This idea of sharing reminds me of an artist who deeply marked me: Sébastien JEAN. M site non l’ m pa detounen l’. I still feel that all of Haiti’s great geniuses blessed his path. Yes, he had extraordinary talent, but above all, he was willing to make tremendous sacrifices to give value to his art. He moved through life on a wave of generosity that you only find in the purest hearts, like those of children. I create for others. We artists create for others. Maybe I won’t fulfill all of my dreams, but one thing is certain: I will always be carried by the love of doing more, and doing better. To love and to share — that’s the only thing I ask of the participants.”