Handmade Haitian Folk Art, Triangular Tree of Life with Birds, Garden Art 19"x12.5"

Artist- Unsigned

Having worked in Haiti for over 20 years we have had the pleasure of working with as many as 120 artists cultivating business relationships, and building long lasting friendships. There is a lot of good that comes from Fair Trade because every sale we make makes a positive impact on the artist who produces it. This piece of art is work of many hands. From the laborers who begin the process by removing the residue from discarded steel drums, cutting off the tops and bottoms, splitting them down the side sanding and pounding them flat to the artist who then takes over drawing his design and uses only a hammer and chisel to do the heavy cut work and intricate detailing giving this piece form, dimension, and its distinct character that you see. As you can see, it really takes a village! That is why the benefits flow from the whole workshop and create prosperity for the artist and their families, their workers/apprentices, and, ultimately, the entire village. We are proud to be a part of that, and so are our artists! That’s why you will notice that 99% of our art is signed by the artist. However, sometimes because of the large orders they receive, these artists are working quickly and might forget to sign their art. It happens! But rest assured that, whether or not their piece of art is signed, they got paid for their beautiful piece of art.

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.