Handmade Haitian Decor, Rooster with Winged Voodoo Art, Upcycled Art 31.5x3.5in

Artist Profile- Jean Robert Jacques

There is no need to ask Jean Robert Jacques where his design sense is based. The answer is found in a single word: Voodoo. Father of Roodlet, and brother of Jean Garnier, Jean Robert has helped both artists develop their technical skills, but their artistic styles could not be further apart. He pursues his craft with a very primitive touch. His workshop is filled with “voodoo sticks” – wild amalgamations of wood, kitchen utensils, found objects and cut metal images. The masks that we regularly carry in our inventory are much more “tame,” though no less intriguing. He is steadfastly devoted to the cultural purity and roots of his art. Jean Robert, like each of his sculptures, is one of a kind.

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.