Handcrafted Haitian Metal Folk Art, Mermaid Metal Frame, Eco-Friendly 23"x23"

Handmade Haitian Folk Art, Vintage Angel's Kiss Frame, Upcycled Decor 23"x23", Inside of Frame 10"x9", GLASS NOT INCLUDED

Artist- 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.”

Fair trade isn't just a good idea its the way we do business.

We offer a hand up, not a hand out to our artist partners in Haiti. Each sale of their metal sculptures represents a positive step toward a better life.

The center of Haitian metal sculpture is the village of Croix-des-Bouquets, where the clanging sound of hammers striking chisels is a constant music. To begin, the artist chalks his design onto the metal. Chisels, dies and a large hammer are used to cut and shape the piece, giving it form and texture. When the highly intricate and physically demanding work is complete and the artist is satisfied with his work, he signs his name boldly with a small chisel and applies a clear, weather-proof coating. The result is a wonderful, fair trade piece of handcrafted art.

This metal sculpture is meant for display indoors or out, but if you choose to display yours outside, be aware that the protective, weather-proof coating will wear off over time. To keep your sculpture looking just like it did the day you bought it, take five minutes once a year to apply a spray-on clear enamel coating.

A few nails and a hammer are all you'll need to hang your sculpture. Look for a place where the design is joined or notched and put the first nail there. Use a second and possibly a third nail, if the piece is large, in other joined or notched design elements within the sculpture to straighten and secure it to the wall. The nails will "disappear" with the piece. Simple as that.