Handmade Fireplace Stand, Angel Walk with Daughter, Sustainable Folk Art 23x23in Haitian Artwork

Artist Profile- Nobert Milfort

From the age of ten, Norbert Milfort has, over the years built up quite a resume for himself. He loves and admires the work of many of his predecessors and studied under such luminaries as Serge Jolimeau, Gabriel Bien-Aime, and Gary Darius. He apprenticed for many years and then tried his hand at being a plumber/electrician. Whether it was a pragmatic pull or a passionate one, he returned to art as his chosen profession.

Since then, Norbert has honed his skills as an artist and opened his own studio in Noailles in Croix des Bouquets. He has participated in several craft exhibitions in Argentina, Chile, and Peru and is proud to have his works sold on the international market. He is grateful for the support that Beyond Borders has given not just to him, but to his fellow artisans as well.

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.

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.