Handmade Haitian Decor, Fish Arch, Sea Life Upcycled Metal Folk Art 21x14in

Artist- Hubert Bernard

Tiny Croix-des-Bouquet, Haiti is anything but quiet, announcing itself to those who venture there. Hammers clang and chisels tap and in loud proclamation, “We do metal sculpture here!” Indeed, all of our 70-plus artists live and work in this artisan’s village, many having learned their trade from fathers, cousins, neighbors and friends. Starting out as young laborers, cleaning and sanding the metal, and banging it flat, they advance to the apprentice stage, where they learn the intricacies of detail and design work. As their skills improve and savings become sufficient, experienced artisans often strike out on their own, selling their own work, forming their own workshops, taking on laborers and apprentices, thereby expanding and perpetuating their craft as well as bringing greater prosperity to their community as a whole. As one artist put it, “I helped many people to learn this sculpture. My dream is to have a larger workshop and give more people work. I trust in God that my dream will be realized.”

Providing a marketing avenue for the artists is where It's Cactus comes in. Not only do we give the artists access and exposure to the world marketplace, as a member of the Fair-Trade Federation, we ensure that our artists are paid equitably. Additionally, we uphold the highest social and economic standards, and promote long-term sustainability through dialogue, transparency, and respect.

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.