Handcrafted Haitian Metal Art, Metal Tree of Life Tray, Charcuterie Board, Eco-Friendly

Handcrafted Haitian Metal Art, Metal Tree of Life Tray, Charcuterie Board, Eco-Friendly 22"x28"

Artist- Paul Montes
It is not difficult to imagine Paul Montes taking a walk among the trees, looking up and listening to birdsong for his inspiration. Birds take wing across his sculptures, cavort in the palms, hide among the vines, and even make an occasional nest in a head of hair!

Born in Croix des Bouquets in 1971, he learned his craft at the instructive hand of Hubert Bernard. Five years ago, he decided to strike out on his own. He comments, “It wasn’t an easy decision to leave Hubert Bernard’s shop and create my own art. I have a wife and children to support. It wasn’t an easy street for me, in spite of my experience. But thanks so to God that I did.”

Indeed, it has been a good thing. Paul loves to create his own designs. Since striking out on his own, he has participated in three art expositions in Haiti, selling all of his designs, “because they were so nice.” He is pleased to be selling his sculptures with It's Cactus in the international market. As he readily admits, “It has been my dream for a long time.”

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.