Haiti Metal Folk Art, Mermaid with trumpet, One-of-a-Kind Vintage Decor, 71x11in.

Artist Profile- Exulien Exuma

“I went to school to learn design. I have this knowledge. But I left school and I wanted to deepen my knowledge in metal sculpture in order to make a living.” Thus begins the story of the artistic life of Exulien Exuma. He got his start in metal sculpture under the tutelage of Gary Pierre, but soon began creating his own images. Exulien often works in three-dimensions, giving those pieces the extra suggestions of sound and movement. His angels, for instance, have drums, horns and guitars in relief. Indeed, sound is very much a part of his creative process. When he describes his inspiration for his angels, he says, “They come from the heavens to my ears and then to my hands and then to the metal I pound. That's what makes them special."

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.