Handcrafted Haitian Sculpture, Mermaid in the Sea, Eco-Friendly Nautical Art 10"x18"

Artist- Paul Montes

It is not difficult to imagine Paul Montes taking a walk among the trees, looking up and listening to birdsong for his inspiration. Birds take wing across his sculptures, cavort in the palms, hide among the vines, and even make an occasional nest in a head of hair!

Born in Croix des Bouquets in 1971, he learned his craft at the instructive hand of Hubert Bernard. Five years ago, he decided to strike out on his own. He comments, “It wasn’t an easy decision to leave Hubert Bernard’s shop and create my own art. I have a wife and children to support. It wasn’t an easy street for me, in spite of my experience. But thanks so to God that I did.”

Indeed, it has been a good thing. Paul loves to create his own designs. Since striking out on his own, he has participated in three art expositions in Haiti, selling all of his designs, “because they were so nice.” He is pleased to be selling his sculptures with It's Cactus in the international market. As he readily admits, “It has been my dream for a long time.”

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.

It's Cactus takes the artists through the next steps. By collaborating with them on design creation, placing orders, paying fair wages, and taking Haitian metal sculptures to the global market, great strides are made in helping the craftsmen of Croix-des-Bouquets help themselves. Guided by cultural respect and conscientious business practice, Beyond Borders and its Haitian artists work toward their mutual goals of uplifting lives.

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.