Handcrafted Sea Life Decor, Mermaid Family Under Umbrella, Fair Trade Fine Art 23x23in

Handcrafted Sea Life Decor, Mermaid Family Under Umbrella, Fair Trade Fine Art 23x23in

Artist Profile- Caleb Belony

At 21, Caleb Belony has great ambitions for his art. He was introduced to metal sculpture by his uncle at the age of 12 and from the first moment that his hands gripped the hammer and chisel, he was moved to create.

Now, with his own workshop and apprentices, he thinks constantly about new designs. "Even though I have not been to different countries, I think it would be good to go there and help my thinking. It is good to increase my point of view. I have many students and it helps in my teaching too. I go to the main cities of Haiti for new imagination."

His latest works include a series of butterfly designs. "It is a symbolic work of new creation." New creation is a particularly poignant idea for Caleb, who was nearly killed in the 2010 earthquake. Dispossessed by the destruction of his home and workshop, he has had to recreate much of his life. He reflects thoughtfully, "I can see that I myself, my country of Haiti, and also the world has to have a new way to think."

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.