Handmade Haitian Folk Art, Haitian Mask of Girl with Ponytail, Sustainable Art 11"x10"

Artist- Jean Carlo Brutus

Carlo Brutus has a keen sense of history and of his own artistic roots. The primitive style of his work reflects his reverence for Georges Liataud, who Carlo readily admits, “is an important man in my memory.” He apprenticed with Gary Darius and his older brother, Jean Closter Brutus, but in 1994, opened his own workshop in order to, “produce my own works in my own style.” Jean Carlo's designs are influenced by the natural world, as seen in his birds on the wing and trees swaying in the wind. He is also influenced by the mythical realm of mermaids and magical beasts, while his elegant candle plates can be used in traditional Haitian candle ceremonies. He professes his love for the work, but realizes that it is not only his passion, it is his security. Jean Carlo says, “I love the metal sculpture and I appreciate the orders that I get so that we can have a better life.”

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.

It's Cactus takes the artists through the next steps. By collaborating with them on design creation, placing orders, paying fair wages, and taking Haitian metal sculptures to the global market, great strides are made in helping the craftsmen of Croix-des-Bouquets help themselves. Guided by cultural respect and conscientious business practice, Beyond Borders and its Haitian artists work toward their mutual goals of uplifting lives.

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.