Product Description
It's Cactus- Haitian Fair Trade Art
Handcrafted Haitian Metal Art, Lovely Ponytail Mermaid Under the Sea, Mystical Creature 10.5"x13.5"
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.
Artist Bio
Yves Darus
Tiny Croix-des-Bouquet, Haiti is anything but quiet, announcing itself to those who venture there. Hammers clang and chisels tap and in loud proclamation, “We do metal sculpture here!” Indeed, all of our 80-plus artists live and work in this artisan’s village, many having learned their trade from fathers, cousins, neighbors and friends. Starting out as young laborers, cleaning and sanding the metal, and banging it flat, they advance to the apprentice stage, where they learn the intricacies of detail and design work. As their skills improve and savings become sufficient, experienced artisans often strike out on their own, selling their own work, forming their own workshops, taking on laborers and apprentices, thereby expanding and perpetuating their craft as well as bringing greater prosperity to their community as a whole. As one artist put it, “I helped many people to learn this sculpture. My dream is to have a larger workshop and give more people work. I trust in God that my dream will be realized.” Providing a marketing avenue for the artists is where It's Cactus comes in. Not only do we give the artists access and exposure to the world marketplace, as a member of the Fair Trade Federation, we ensure that our artists are paid equitably. Additionally, we uphold the highest social and economic standards, and promote long-term sustainability through dialogue, transparency, and respect.
