Product Description
It's Cactus Metal Art Haiti
Handcrafted Haitian Folk Art, Warthog & Baby Piglets, Eco-Friendly Metal Decor 23"x23"
The traditional Haitian method of creating metal sculptures from discarded oil drums has changed very little since the technique was first developed by Georges Liataud in the 1950's. To begin, the drums are burned out, cleaned up, sanded down and pounded flat. Next, the artist chalks his intended design onto the prepared metal and begins the heavy and tedious work of cutting and detailing, using only a hammer and chisel. Finally, the sculpture is sealed with a weather-proof finish, so that the sculpture may be displayed easily indoors or out.
Artist Bio
Romel Balan
One of Romel Balan’s earliest childhood memories is the ringing sound of hammer against metal. Born in Noailles in 1973 to Gislene Pierre and Joli Balan, he was initiated into the field of metal sculpture by his eldest brother, Jonas. Today, with his own workshop, he creates wonderful images of African animals, such as elephants, zebras, and giraffes, and endearing scenes of Noah and the Ark. Additionally, an affinity for rock and roll is suspected. From the doorway of Romel’s shop, cut-out guitarists can be seen jamming and bongo players pound out rhythms on their drums. In a particularly intriguing piece, an angel riding a bicycle with a load of pineapples in her market basket blasts on her trumpet to the wild applause of a cherub perched on the back. A good trick, even for an angel.
The father of two boys and two girls, Romel works hard to provide them a happy, comfortable home. Having participated in several art festivals and exhibitions, he hopes to take part in exhibitions abroad someday. Despite the devastating earthquake of 2010 and the lingering difficulties of it’s aftermath, his love of art prevails.
