Handcrafted Haitian Folk Art, Butterfly Square, Sustainable Patio Decor 11"x11"

Artist Profile- Michel Brutal

Michel Brutal, son of Cecile Casseus and Saint-Clearly Brutal, is the eldest in a family of ten children. He blesses the work that enables him to send his two younger brothers and his own daughter to school. Though he seems to carry his burdens with joy, he says frankly, “This trade is very important for me. My family was completely poor and is thanks to this trade that I manage to support on my shoulders the loads of my family in general.”

Beginning with “the business of irons cut out” in 1987, Michel is grateful for the teachings of others, but regrets never having had the opportunity to study directly under Serge Jolimeau and Gabriel Bon Amie. His admiration for their work is unmistakable, however, as the theme of La Sirene and the dimensionality of his bird figures attest.

Now running his own workshop, he takes his inspiration from, “Nature like trees and that by the sea, such as mermaids, the tortoise, fish, and so much other.” As did many of his countrymen, he felt acutely the horrors of the January 2010 earthquake that, “devastated our beloved Haiti.” But with a confounding graciousness in the face of staggering hardship, he recognizes the favors that he has received in his life and seeks to return them in kind.

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.