Handcrafted Haitian Folk Art, Gecko on Leaf, Eco-Friendly Metal Decor 17"x9"

Artist- Romel Balan
One of Romel Balan’s earliest childhood memories is the ringing sound of hammer against metal. Born in Noailles in 1973 to Gislene Pierre and Joli Balan, he was initiated into the field of metal sculpture by his eldest brother, Jonas. Today, with his own workshop, he creates wonderful images of African animals, such as elephants, zebras, and giraffes, and endearing scenes of Noah and the Ark. Additionally, an affinity for rock and roll is suspected. From the doorway of Romel’s shop, cut-out guitarists can be seen jamming and bongo players pound out rhythms on their drums. In a particularly intriguing piece, an angel riding a bicycle with a load of pineapples in her market basket blasts on her trumpet to the wild applause of a cherub perched on the back. A good trick, even for an angel.

The father of two boys and two girls, Romel works hard to provide them a happy, comfortable home. Having participated in several art festivals and exhibitions, he hopes to take part in exhibitions abroad someday. Despite the devastating earthquake of 2010 and the lingering difficulties of its aftermath, his love of art prevails.

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.