Seymour Etienne Bottex was born on December 25, 1920 in the town of Port Margot, near Cap Haitien. His older brother, Jean-Baptiste Bottex, encouraged. him to begin painting. In 1961 he joined the Centre de Art and by 1969, was exhibiting at the Issa Gallery in Port-au-Prince.

Most of his works can be divided into three categories: biblical themes, historical events and scenes from typical Haitian life. Generally he paints with bright colors and graceful lines. Bottex enjoys painting scenes of people in everyday life, often in a humorous way. At times his paintings will include a second painting, lending greater depth to his works.

In recent years, he has resided in New Jersey, where he continues to paint. His work has been exhibited in the United States, England, France and Italy.