Handcrafted Haitian Metal Art, Leaf Cross with Flower, Religious Wall Sculpture

Handcrafted Haitian Metal Art, Leaf Cross with Flower, Religious Wall Sculpture 10.125"x15"

148
Artist- Jean Marcule Omiscar
Though Croix-des-Bouquets is a small village in terms of population, its inhabitants are aligned into several extended familial units. It is tempting to say they are clans, but the groups cross over and blend with frequency through friendships, tutelage and intermarriage and they do not include the fierceness that the word “clan” often connotes. There are loyalties and priorities, to be sure, but the organization is loose and somewhat blurry.

Jean Marcule is a part of the Thenor extended family. Learning from his cousin, Evenson Thenor, he has served his apprenticeship and now operates out of a shop of his own on the front stoop of his home. From there, he supports his wife, Modeline and their three children. Jean Marcule notes with gratitude that his first sale was to customer of Evenson’s. “An American named David bought it. It was a beautiful coconut tree.”

He continues, “I am proud to be a great artist of Haiti. I want to extend my reach and be known beyond this country. That is my plan.”

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.