Product Description
It's Cactus Metal Art Haiti
Handcrafted Haitian Folk Art, Sunshine Over Tree of Life, Garden Decor 23"
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
Wilson Etienne
“Nine out of my family of ten people are artists,” says Etienne Wilson. “And I am one of the nine. I was born in 1986 and by 1995, I was working in this occupation of metal sculpture, burning out the barrels and flattening them with my hammer. I got my first order in 2003.” Now creating beautiful works where butterflies flitter and dragonflies buzz in dreamy circles, he is in his element, his brilliant smile a testament to the joy of creative expression.
For a time, Etienne worked in construction to make ends meet. However, two respected artists in Croix-des-Bouquets convinced him that his future lay in metal sculpture. “They said that my opportunity was here as an artist. The village of Croix-des-Bouquets is the mother town. It was a difficult decision to commit to this art, but thanks to Casey Riddell, I know that this work will be seen and known around the world."
