International Artist, Charles Jean-Pierre, on Quest to Push the Culture Movement Forward

The It Factor: Growing up in a household of art collectors, it’s no surprise that Haitian American artist, Charles Jean-Pierre has made his living creating and selling celebrated art pieces across the globe.

“Art connects my family to our Haitian roots and has influenced my artistic style, which has developed into an abstract representation of my cross-cultural experiences. My paintings are a modern balance of bright colors and bold subject matter which is inspired by traditional Haitian art.”

“I work hard but my passion for art developed into the opportunity for entrepreneurship,” he says. “I’ve always believed if you do something you love, you will never work a day in your life.”

The Defining Moment: Jean-Pierre’s arrival at his passion was nothing if not circuitous. “Growing up, my mom was so into the arts she paid for me to take piano lessons,” he says. “I was horrible at it, so my piano instructor thought I would make a better art student. We convinced my mother to allow me to let go of the keys and pick up a paintbrush. She eventually enrolled me in a middle school art program at the age of eight.”

Contributing to the Culture Movement: Jean-Pierre says he cultivates his inspiration by exploring various cultures. “I love to travel and experience different cultures as I believe culture is what makes us different but it also brings us together.”

Returning from a recent excursion to London and Paris, Jean-Pierre references a piece he completed in the latter city entitled American Dream.

“This piece questions whether or not my dream is confined to the fifty states and how it measures up to the Parisian, or even African dreams. I realized that my dream is really no different than the human dream. My art celebrates the cultural links that bonds us together.”

Jean-Pierre’s art has afforded him more than just a comfortable living.

“I’ve been able to meet extraordinary people.

From the street corner kid looking to change his life to seasoned art collectors,” says Jean-Pierre. “I’ve also been able to be a part of several political fundraisers but more importantly, I have been able to learn and grow from the people I encounter through art.”

He continues, “We don’t know how powerful [Black American] culture is. It is felt all the way from Paris to Sydney. I want to help us understand our power as a people and [make sure we] put it to good use.”

Making a Global Impact: Always thinking globally, Jean-Pierre’s expanded his reach beyond North America. “I think it is extremely important for me to impact international audiences because I believe there is a [negative] global perception of black Americans. I think it’s important for young black Americans to redefine that perception. We are known for being athletes and entertainers. I want to use my art to promote us as intellectuals and entrepreneurs.”

Giving Back: Jean-Pierre often lends his talent to communities across the globe in an effort

to rebuild underprivileged communities. The Chicago native says it is his most recent non-commissioned piece that he considers his most prized to date: Bronzeville-Noir in Chicago. The piece was created through a partnership with Passport Carriers (A non-profit organization dedicated to exposing urban youth to international travel).

“I encouraged many people from the community [including] people hanging on the corner to pick up paintbrushes and help. Parents also brought their young children out to watch.  Getting people from Bronzeville to contribute to the legacy of the community in Chicago, my hometown, makes this piece so impactful to me.”

Advice for up and coming Artists: “Stay committed and build lasting relationships. Balance the studio time with the business side and maximize creativity throughout,” he continues. “Understand that full-time isn’t being confined to 40 hours a week. Don’t get into the art business for money; get into this business because you love

and enjoy it. You also have to invest in your craft. Purchasing quality materials, studying, and learning are essential to growth and development. You have to be your biggest supporter. You must understand that there are ebbs and flows with artists as there are with more traditional jobs as the environment and economy changes. So be prepared to weather all storms.”

What’s next for you: Jean-Pierre isn’t stopping any time soon. “The fourth quarter gets really busy between business, community work, and travel. I am currently working with the Boys and Girls Club of America to create a community mural in Los Angeles in January 2013 in support of its dipolomas2Degrees initiative, which assists students with transitioning from high school to college. It’s in sync with my mission, so its an honor to be able to use my art to support the initiative.”