Jean-Claude Severe was born In Cap Haitien in the 50's and was a disciple of Philome Obin. According to Issa el Saieh, Philome thought of Severe as a son. He is certainly one of his most talented students. Severe decided in the late 1970's to forsake painting in favor of the steady pay check; he has worked as a waiter on cruise ships for the last twenty years. His paintings are scarce.