Visual artist Kervin Andre has been drawing his whole life, but it wasn’t until about four years ago that he officially launched his career as a painter. Judging from the works that he’s been able to create, it’s obvious that the father of two and New Jersey resident has been a painter from birth. From his Akomics Art studio in The Garden State, he paints everything from still life portraits, to musical figures and historical scenes.

Kreyolicious: How do you deal with creative blocks?
I have yet to experience creative blocks. There are moments where it is hard to concentrate on just one canvas, so I am working on multiple ones because the ideas in my head are going much faster then my fingers can create them—but never a time where I cannot think of what to create. There are times where I cannot reproduce what I am seeing in my head to my standard…but no problems with inspiration at all.

Kreyolicious: Have you been to Haiti?
I was born and raised in Haiti. Since immigrating to the United States, I have gone back a few times, and hopefully more in the future. Lakay se lakay. [Home sweet home]

Kreyolicious: Do you think kids’ creativity can be hindered by technology as some experts claim?
There are many ways to be creative as long the child’s mind and imagination is constantly being challenged and stimulated. Rather than a hindrance, technology can actually enhance one’s imagination. So, no, with the right support, I do not see technology as an obstacle to a child’s creativity.

Kreyolicious: When you think back to your childhood, do you think teachers and peers contributed to the artist you are today?
My teachers, not at all. My uncle was the first person I noticed that was able to draw. I used to watch him draw in Haiti. I guess even though it was not anything like I am doing, I must have picked it up from him. He used to buy me Marvel comic books, and I used to try and recreate the characters. He was the person who exposed me to drawing.

Kreyolicious: How do you usually prepare for an art show?
It really depends on the theme or audience, but for the most part, I just bring my best work at the moment because I want to make sure I stand out and am remembered by the person viewing my art.

Kreyolicious: Out of all the pieces you’ve created, which one has been the most difficult?
I don’t know if difficulty is the word I would use per se, but perhaps challenging—as far as time-consuming and detail oriented. There are quite a few pieces, but two that definitely stand out to me right now are “Fall Of An Empire” and “The Battle Of Savannah.”

Kreyolicious: What’s your ideal work space?
I can honestly work anywhere. But I need no outside interruption. I just need my thoughts, canvas and paint, and my music.

Kreyolicious: What inspires your work?
Everything inspires me, from good to bad, happy to sad, negative to positive—the world inspires me. For me, art is a reflection of life. It is life, so everywhere I turn, I can find inspiration.

Kreyolicious: Five years from now, where do you see yourself?
Alive, and still enjoying my kids.

CLICK HERE to view Kervin Andre and his work, and to purchase! | CLICK HERE to see the works of the artist, and to keep up with his journey.

Andre Berto is going to be boxing against Floyd Mayweather on September 12. Yesterday, the boxer did a boxing workout for members of the media in Los Angeles.

Ooh! That boy, Andre Berto. Here he is answering questions from reporters.

Charming the reporters on the scene with a serious look.

Andre Berto jumping rope, as members of the media took photos.

A bare-chested Andre Berto displays the results of months of preparation to onlookers. And look at that fist! It looks menacing, no?

Look at that look on Andre Berto’s face! Do you know what it’s saying? It’s saying, “Yo, Flo. September 12, at the MGM Grand in Vegas, bro.”

Photo Credit: Kevork Djansezian

Kreyolicious Celebrity Sightings…in which I chronicle Haitian/Haitian-American celebrities’ moves.

Singer-songwriter Wanito was in California. He’s been working on a follow-up to his album, and his fans hope that he’s going to drop it soon. It’s a rather interesting top that he’s wearing, no? Is that design hand-painted? How original!

Pascale Rowe, better known as MsBlingMiami looked fabulous as she waited for a train in Harlem. In spite of all her success, she’s keeping humble and unpretentious.

Andre Berto made an appearance at ESPN Sports Center. He was all smiles. He sure doesn’t look like he’s too concerned about his showdown with Floyd Mayweather on September 12. The rumble is going to be broadcast on Showtime.

Garcelle Beauvais spoke to Billy Bush on “Access Hollywood Live” on NBC regarding her TVOne film Girlfriend Getaway 2, as well as the release of her children’s book.

Prajje Jean-Baptiste, who made a splash at Carifesta XII, took the time to explore the city of Jacmel. Wonder if he’ll find some inspiration there for his next season’s collection.

Vicky Jeudy took some time out of her busy schedule to spend some time with her father. In a past interview with Kreyolicious, the SAG-AFTRA award-winning, “Orange Is The New Black” actress talked about how grateful she was for her parents.

Kreyolicious singer Saskya Sky and LavieMusic were spotted posting together prior to the latter’s performance at Piano Bar in South Florida. Women supporting women! Saskya recently premiered her video for her song “Pretty Girl Whip”. Saskya has such a bold style. Look at that Mohawk-braid.

This concludes my Haitian celebrities sightings report for this Week. Stay tuned for the next edition.

Born in Haiti in the early 1970s, Andre Fouad is one of the most respected poets and spoken word artists in the Haitian community. A one-time accounting student, Fouad also dabbled with the fields of communications and journalism and was a frequent contributor to Le Nouvelliste.

Fouad’s most recent opus is the spoken-word/poetry disc Vwayaj [Voyage]. The poet says that the CD includes guest appearances by fellow poets Durna Thelisma, Jacques Adler Jean-Pierre, Edouard Baptiste and three singers Amy Generius, Mario Chandel, Morose, Yves Mardice.

Q & A

You grew up in Haiti. When you think of your years there, what is the first thing that comes to mind?
Yes, I grew up in Haiti. I spent my early childhood in Delmas with my grandmother Marie-Renée Henriette Duverne until I was ten years old. Then I went to live in Nazon, in Carrefour Feuilles, and then Petionville. There’s a beautiful thing that I remember of Haiti as a country—like the respect young children had for adults. I remember when I used to play soccer, play hide-and-go-seek with my little friends, roll hoops, flying paper kites on Good Friday. I miss Haiti so very much. Haiti remains in my heart. It remains in all my being.

When was the last time you went to Haiti?
I’m truly overjoyed when I’m in Haiti, because I’m at arm’s reach of my family. The last time I went to Haiti was at the beginning of 2013. I went to record my second disc—my second disc entitled Vwayaj—at the studio Centre Culturel Kreyolololo in Delmas that Chantal Drice and Pierre-Rigaud Chery operate.

How did you discover poetry?
I always had poetry in me, ever since I was little. I loved music and poetry. For one reason or another, it’s poetry that won out. It’s the medium I use to channel what hurts me, what makes me happy. Poetry is my all.

Do you think that text messages can be considered poetry?
A text message isn’t really poetry. It does have aspects of poetry, but it definitely isn’t poetry. A poem has a form, a structure to it, whether it’s written in prose or in verses. There’s a way to write it. There’s a way to do it.

Are there certain Haitian poets who, in your point of view, typify what a poet should be?
If I were to name them all, I would never stop talking. I can name Felix Morisseau Leroy, Frank Etienne, Lyonel Trouillot, Syto Cave, Dominique Batraville, Georges Castera, Jean-Euphèle Milce.

What advice do you have for up-and-coming-poets?
Work hard, and be patient. Don’t hurry things up, just to get published. A poet has to work really hard to make a decent presentation, that’s solid and original.

A poet can find inspiration in places most would not expect. How do you get inspiration for your poems?
I find inspiration in nature. In the cosmos. I connect with everything in nature, like rivers, the sea, the earth, the little streams in the streets, the cities, people, animals. It’s nature that allows me to lie. It’s nature that allows me to write with so much passion.

Is there a special story behind any of your poetic works?
Not really. It all depends on what I want to share with readers. My poems have a lot of color to them. Everyone interprets them differently, according to their level of understanding, whether moral, spiritual, aesthetic, or philosophical.

It’s been said that a poem can be harder to compose than an entire novel. What are your thoughts on this?
I wouldn’t say that there is one that’s easier than the other. Each of them have their own thing. A poem is a poem. A novel is a novel. What’s mostly important, in my opinion, is to respect certain principles. It’s honoring certain requirements to satisfy every reader.