Saxophone Angel Playing in the Wind Large Metal Wall Hanging Artwork One-of-a-Kind Handcrafted Haitian Art, 34x15

Artist Profile- Nicolson Mathieu

A well-accomplished artist of considerable talent, Nicolson Mathieu has great range of vision. From grapes on the vine to flip-tailed mermaids, his works run from classic and timeless to whimsical. Indeed, it is his “Living Peace” design that graces all It's Cactus correspondence, so appealing is his work. A rather shy, soft-spoken man, he nevertheless has a playful, humorous side. When one of us quietly observed him shooting hoops on a community basketball court and realizing that he had attracted our attention, he remarked dryly, “I’m not quite LeBron James yet, but I’m getting there.”

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.

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.