A Glimpse Into My Feature in Best Life Magazine
Color has always been a part of my world. Growing up in Haiti, in the heart of the Caribbean, it was everywhere. It lived in the clothes people wore, the meals we shared, and the vibrant homes along the streets. The tropical landscape made it impossible to ignore, yet nowhere was it more alive than during our annual Carnival, a time when our culture comes alive, a moment to honor our heritage, express creativity, and share joy with the community.
That time of year was always my favorite. The streets transformed into a celebration of music, bright costumes, bold face paint, and an energy that felt almost electric. I remember feeling completely immersed in it, filled with joy as I watched and participated as color brought culture and tradition to life.
In Haitian culture, color is inseparable from identity. And not just nationally – individually too. It was part of how people were perceived, how they moved through the world. From an early age, I was taught how to match hues, coordinate outfits, and craft looks that made an impression. It was a signal of pride, indicating to others that you’re thoughtful, socially aware, and connected to your heritage.
And everyone knew, if the color of your outfits did not match, it would not go unnoticed. Mismatched or poorly chosen colors stood out and suggested carelessness – or worse, a lack of awareness of cultural norms.
Our personal relationships to color were fostered early on, as a way of exploring our own selves, too. From the paint on our walls to the smallest things he brought home, my dad always asked my sister and me to choose the colors ourselves. He insisted we have a favorite. I used to say mine was baby blue, and somehow, every special thing he bought us, whether a toy, clothes, or something small and unexpected, would come in our favorite color. I think it was his unique way of giving us a sense of choice and identity. He always showed his love and care for us through color, making even small things feel special.
Those early experiences with color stayed with me. At the time, I had no idea that these moments would lay the foundation for a deeper relationship with color later in life. And by the time I entered my thirties, that fascination had grown into something more deliberate and profound, especially when I discovered art.
As I started painting, my connection to color deepened even further. Certain shades held memories, while others simply brought me joy. I began to see color as a way to express feelings and thoughts that words alone can’t capture – a way to respond to that presence and explore the full spectrum of emotions. My interest in art felt sudden; in truth, it was a new way for me to explore this lifelong relationship.
Painting opened a space where color could live through me, a way to trace the beautiful memories of my childhood. I always say I paint for two people: my childhood self and my adult self.
When I stand in front of the canvas, choosing a color doesn’t even feel like a decision -- it feels instinctive. I don’t sit and analyze it, I simply reach for what feels right in the moment based on what’s moving through me. Sometimes the feeling is soft and grounding; other times, it’s intense or overwhelming. But the color always seems to arrive before I can explain it, and the canvas is there to capture the shape of my inner world, however it unfolds.
Often, I only understand why certain colors appeared after the painting is finished. It’s as if my subconscious guides the process all along, using color to express something I was not yet fully aware of.
There’s a memory I haven’t shared yet — one that connects everything. The joy I felt as a child, the art I create now, and why color has always been my way home.
Read the full article in Best Life Magazine, Spring 2026: [link]
This feature is a milestone for me- It shares parts of my story I don’t always share. If you’ve been following my journey and my work, getting a copy of Best Life Magazine supports not just me, but the art and the spaces that make room for artists. Your support helps keep this kind of creative work visible.
Thank you kindly,