Handmade Haitian Metal Art, Octopus Outlet Switch Cover, Unique Folk Art, Sea Life Theme Decor

Artist- Joubert Brutus

Thanks to his uncle Lionel Brutus, who introduced him to metal sculpture, Joubert Brutus is confident in his craftsmanship - a proud and accomplished artist. “I am great,” he says without a trace of modesty, but it is that boldness of spirit that makes it a pleasure to know him. “I did my first work of art in 2005. It was a beautiful angel and it was in the Haitian Art Mueum. It eventually sold to an ambassador for a very high price.” Encouraged by his early success, he continued to study as an apprentice to Evenson Thenor, Nicolson, and Maxell Brutus. Now that his apprenticeship is complete, he looks forward to striking out in his own shop and doing a brisk business with It's Cactus. “I am very happy to have Casey as boss because she is a good person. She takes care of her artists.”

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.