Over the years I’ve had the privilege of meeting many Haitian artists. One clearly stands out high above the rest – Claude Dambreville. Many years ago, while on a buying trip in Haiti, my partners and I were strolling through a well known art gallery in Petion-Ville. The gallery had an exhibit featuring Claude’s works. Though we never spoke with him, we were fortunate to catch a glimpse of the master as he looked over the exhibit. Years later we had the pleasure of visiting Claude and his lovely wife Bettyna in their home in the Dominican Republic and spent much time chatting. It was a wonderful opportunity in which we really got to know this man and I realized how much more than just an artist he is!
As a young man Claude studied accounting but that never offered him a vehicle to channel his passion as did writing or painting. And so he moved forward with his two “loves” and has become a master of both. He is internationally known for his market scenes and silhouetted women. His use of shadow, light and contrasting color are his trademarks; many times mimicked by other artists.
Claude is also the author of novels, newspaper and magazine articles. Presently he has a recurring article in an online Spanish newspaper – Puertoplatadigital. Yet there is something else that sets Claude Dambreville apart from others and that is his kind spirit and gentle soul that emanate from his being. His love for his wife their children and grandchildren is ardent and evident in conversation. In his own words, “they say that Sagitarians are generally happy and always in a good mood. That describes me perfectly. I always look on the bright side of things.”
One Comment
Dambreville is one of my favorite artists. I have a great painting of his hanging over my piano, it has four women sitting around a basket of vegetables, chatting. The shadow creates a fifth face. Since I have four daughters I couldn’t resist this painting, it’s almost haunting. Thanks for the personal info on this great artist.