Duns Sylvaince

(1969 - )
Anse-a-Galets, LaGonave, Haiti

 

Duns Sylvaince was born in Anse-a-Galets on the island of LaGonave, 10 miles off the coast of Haiti in 1969. When we asked this talented young man for a biography this what we received (written in the third person)...

"Once upon a time there lived on the remote, poverty stricken island of LaGonave, Haiti , a 14 year old boy named Duns. In the village of Anse-a-Galets where there were so few things for young people to do, Duns loved going each afternoon to an American missionary home where he did pencil sketching under the watchful eye of the artistically talented missionary woman. Seeing a sketch pad and some markers for the first time, Duns willingly cleaned leaves out of her flower bed and watered the flowers in return for owning these coveted items.

Later, while a high school student in Port-au-Prince, he lived with his artist uncle and had the treat of sleeping in his studio. There he was introduced to the medium of oil paints, and the rest is history.

Duns speaks French, Creole, Spanish, and English and enjoys teaching English when he gets the chance. He also enjoys translating for Americans who come to teach or preach on the island. Musically talented as well, he plays drums, guitar, and enjoys singing.

He lives in his mother's stick-and-mud house with a younger brother and sister and whom he helps to support as he is able."

To return to his work click here