Dove, Handmade Haitian Art, Garden Tree of Life, Eco-Friendly Garden Home Decor 13.5x13.5in

Artist Profile- Bernard Excellent

Born his parents’ home in Croix-des-Bouquets in 1984, Jean Bernard Excellent, an earnest and somewhat solemn young man left his formal education and dreams of becoming a lawyer at the schoolhouse steps and took up the hammer and chisel at the age of 14. Having 9 mouths to feed and a dying husband, it became obvious to his mother and to Bernard that the family needed more income than her wages as a saleswoman could provide. With that realization, an artist was created.

“My father was an artist. I started watching him when I was young. He showed me how to do it,” he explains in halting English. “My first job was cutting with Yonel Brutus, Winston Cajuste, and Nicolson Mathieu. Now I work with Evenson Thenor. They help me get contacts and manage my tools,” says Bernard. He continues, “I like the work of (second generation master) Serge Jolimeau. I work on his style. But my designs are special. I love them. They come from my mind and my soul.” His inspirations spring from, “nature and sometimes angels.” Clearly, his sense of humor finds form as well, as evidenced in his sun-faced designs with angels, mermaids, or boys at play. Each one is meticulously crafted, with intricate beading and texture executed throughout each piece. Bernard takes great pride in his work and sees it’s potential. “I love this art. I want to be a well-known artist, have my big own shop, and help other people in my zone.

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.