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Alainne Etienne

Thirty-one year old Alainne Etienne has his uncle to thank for getting him
into metal art. Serving as his apprentice for five years, Alainne learned
the trade well. It was, and continues to be a skill on which his family
depends. “My father was a farmer, but he has been dead since Oct. 2006. He
spent his entire life working the land. My mother sells bread. She used
to go to market every day. But I have 12 people in my family. My parents
tried to elevate our field of education, but none of us had no chance to
finish with our classical education. My wife and mother and daughters now
survive because of this profession of art.”

Alainne has been working in metal sculpture for over 15 years and now runs
his own workshop. Butterflies float and flowers burst forth from his
designs. Picture frames and mirrors are his current specialty, though he
is constantly experimenting with form. He has shown his works in
exhibitions and from that exposure, has developed a healthy clientele.
Despite losing his house in the 2010 earthquake, his dreams survive and
continue to flourish. “I see to reach the highest peak. I remember the
power so confident, and it inspires me.”