Meet Francoise Hazel | Artist & Product Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Francoise Hazel and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Francoise, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
Growing up surrounded by the vibrant world of art, particularly through my mother’s talent as an artist, shaped my early years. Witnessing her paint and having various artists frequent our home cultivated a deep-seated appreciation for creativity. Surprisingly, despite encouragement from my former high school art teacher, I initially didn’t consider art as a career. Instead, I found fascination in watching my grandfather skillfully repair worn-out books, marveling at the malleability of paper and cardboard.

I collected empty matchboxes from our kitchen, which I used to construct my first dollhouse. However, my interest in cardboard truly blossomed during my studies in interior design in Guadeloupe when I encountered a cardboard bookshelf. The transformative nature of the material captivated me, and I knew I wanted to explore this avenue further.

When I moved back to Haiti, I established my workshop in 2013, focusing on crafting eco-friendly furniture from recycled cardboard. This journey took an artistic turn when an art gallery invited me to exhibit my furniture and I decided to incorporate recycled cardboard as a base material for my art pieces. The intersection of sustainability and creativity became the guiding force behind my artistic expression.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My art is a unique blend of creativity and sustainability, primarily focusing on transforming recycled corrugated cardboard into eco-friendly furniture and utilities. What sets me apart is not only the artistic aspect but also the commitment to environmental consciousness and repurposing materials.

I take pride in the fact that my creations not only serve functional purposes but also carry a profound message about responsible consumption and the potential beauty found in discarded materials. What excites me the most is the opportunity to challenge perceptions, turning what might be considered waste into pieces of functional art.

Professionally, the journey has been both challenging and rewarding. The path to establishing my workshop in Haiti involved overcoming hurdles, including doubts about pursuing a creative career and the initial struggle to carve out a niche. The key to overcoming these challenges was resilience and a deep passion for my craft. Learning to view obstacles as opportunities for growth and adapting to changing circumstances has been crucial.

The lessons learned along the way include the importance of perseverance, staying true to my artistic vision, and embracing sustainability as a core value. Every piece I create tells a story not only of artistic expression but also of resourcefulness and environmental stewardship.

What I want the world to know is that my brand is not just about art; it’s a movement towards sustainable living and mindful consumption. Each creation represents a conscious choice to make a positive impact on the environment, encouraging others to reconsider their relationship with everyday materials.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Day 1-2: Wynwood Art District, Miami Explore Wynwood Walls, an outdoor museum showcasing large-scale works by some of the world’s best-known street artists.
Visit local galleries and studios to immerse ourselves in Miami’s vibrant art scene.

Day 3: Little Havana, Miami
Experience the rich Cuban culture in Little Havana.
Savor authentic Cuban cuisine at local eateries.
Take a salsa dancing lesson or enjoy live music at one of the venues.

Day 4: Little Haiti, Miami
Discover the cultural hub of Little Haiti, known for its Caribbean influences.
Explore the Little Haiti Cultural Complex for art exhibitions and events.
Shop for unique crafts and enjoy a variety of Caribbean dishes.

Day 5: Key West
Drive down to Key West for a day trip:
Visit the Hemingway House and enjoy the historic charm of Old Town.

Day 6: Fort Lauderdale
Explore the bustling beachfront and Las Olas Boulevard.
Visit the Bonnet House Museum & Gardens for a taste of Old Florida charm.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Valerie Noisette & Xavier Dalencour of Kolektif509

Frederic Grandclere
he thought me everything I know about Cardboard furniture

Ralph Allen
My former Art Teacher

Website: www.francoisehazel.com

Instagram: @ca.cartoone