Product Description
It's Cactus Metal Art Haiti
Handcrafted Haitian Folk Art, Small Loving Hut, Eco-Friendly Metal Decor
Outside Frame: 8.75"x8.75"
Inside Frame: 2.25"x4.5"
This piece is hand cut from recycled 50 gallon steel drums. Both ends of the drum are removed and placed inside of the remaining cylinder along with scrap paper, dried banana or sugar cane leaves. It is set on fire, to burn off any paint or residue. When cooled, the drum is cut down the side and flattened out to create a "metal canvas" of approximately 3' x 6', upon which the design is drawn. Using hammer, chisel and various primitive tools, the shape is cut and the various decorative patterns are pounded into the metal, creating a unique and treasured piece of primitive art. The finished design is coated with a protective finish. Can be hung indoors or outdoors.
Care of Sculpture: Made of recycled steel, this sculpture will rust over time if it is exposed to the elements. This isn't necessarily a bad thing, some people like the look of a weathered patina. If that isn't you, don't despair. Taking five minutes once a year to apply a spray-on enamel clear coat will keep your sculpture looking exactly the same as the day you bought it.
**Although we try our best to photograph in a way that best represents the color, due to the nature of photography, lighting, computer resolution, other factors, colors may vary slightly in person.
Artist Bio
Alainne Etienne
Thirty-one year old Alainne Etienne has his uncle to thank for getting him into metal art. Serving as his apprentice for five years, Alainne learned the trade well. It was, and continues to be a skill on which his family depends. “My father was a farmer, but he has been dead since Oct. 2006. He spent his entire life working the land. My mother sells bread. She used to go to market every day. But I have 12 people in my family. My parents tried to elevate our field of education, but none of us had no chance to finish with our classical education. My wife and mother and daughters now survive because of this profession of art.”
Alainne has been working in metal sculpture for over 15 years and now runs his own workshop. Butterflies float and flowers burst forth from his designs. Picture frames and mirrors are his current specialty, though he is constantly experimenting with form. He has shown his works in exhibitions and from that exposure, has developed a healthy clientele. Despite losing his house in the 2010 earthquake, his dreams survive and continue to flourish. “I see to reach the highest peak. I remember the power so confident, and it inspires me.”
