Handcrafted Haitian Metal Art, Gecko Cutout in Garden, Patio Folk Art 12"x12"

Artist- Cineus Louime
A love of nature, especially birds and trees, is readily apparent in the work of Cineus Louime. The 37-year-old artist says that fascinated appreciation has been with him since childhood. His birds and trees of life are executed with great care, conveying a certain liveliness and sense of movement. He was born in Thomazeau in May of 1975, but arrived in Croix-des-Bouquets at the age of five to begin school. It was there, in the village that he was first introduced to metal sculpture. After completing his formal education, he apprenticed with Hubert Bernard as a laborer. In time, he began making his own drawings and with earnings from his work with Bernard, was eventually able to open his own shop. He says, “I did not have enough money to build a huge shop, but measure by measure, I make improvements. I have some workers with me and we work hard every day.”

Cineus is quick to give credit to his family. “My father taught me how to be a man because he did not have enough money to give me. As for my mother, she is the most wonderful mom that someone can have. She kept telling me that to succeed in life one must work hard and do what you have to do.” His wife helps out at home and, “looks after me and the children.”
A man of quiet bearing and a slow, casual smile, his easy manner belies his great pride in his work and dedication to his family. He says, “With the help of God and my friends, I bring support to the members of my family. My passion is to see my art grow day by day. My dream is to succeed in all activities I undertake in my life as an artist and as a person.”

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.