Josnel Bruno

In Croix-des-Bouquets, the Haitian town famous for its metalsmiths, you'll find artist Josnel Bruno cutting and manipulating all kinds of metals. After studying with master artisan Serge Jolimeau, Bruno refined his talent and added his own innovations to Haitian metalwork with his striking vessels. Bruno's pieces have been exhibited in the Caribbean, Europe, and the United States.<br><br>Once a child running wild, Bruno finds metalsmithing a centering and soothing craft. "After years of struggling to make a living, finally the world has discovered our artful town," Bruno says. Indeed, Croix-des-Bouquets draws remarkable metal art talent and increasing attention from collectors.<br><br>A natural risk-taker, Bruno is known for his enterprising, experimental work. His metal bowls and platters are forged from discarded oil drums with a type of cold chisel called a burin. Each vessel is hammered, punched, and incised after an elaborate sanding and varnishing process.<br><br>"In our designs, we represent things that belong to our culture, like Vodou," Bruno says. "We also incorporate the nativity scene, and birds and plants from our own island landscape."