Handcrafted Haitian Metal Art, Jesus on Cross, Eco-Friendly Religious Home Decor

Handcrafted Haitian Metal Art, Jesus on Cross, Eco-Friendly Religious Home Decor 11.125"x16"

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. Make sure that you avoid placing a nail into an eye or mouth, as that will draw attention to the nail. You want the nails to "disappear" into the piece.

We are proud that our artists prosper through their own hard work, your purchases, and our fair trade practices.
Following four generations of tradition, each piece of Haitian metal art is made entirely by hand with simple tools. Starting with a cast-off steel drum, the metal is cleaned, sanded, and pounded flat. From there, the artist chalks his design onto the metal and then begins the heavy, tedious work of cutting out the pattern with a hammer and chisel and giving the piece detail and dimension. Finally, he applies a clear-coat to the piece, which protects it and makes it perfectly suited for indoor or outdoor display.

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.