Product Description
It's Cactus Metal Art Haiti
Handmade Haitian Metal Art, Cros with Stars, Religious Home Decor
Size: 16"x12"
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
Jean Claude Soulouque
Whenever I think of going to Jean Claude Soulouque's house, I think, "Have a Coke and a smile." At his home, you can always count on both. A warmer, more gracious man, I cannot imagine. Having worked with him for many years, ours is a business partnership, yes, but also a friendship. Through his art he has supported his own family, putting both his son and his daughter through school. He is a community leader and role model for many young artists who hope to follow in his footsteps.
As for his own son, Roody "plays around" a little bit with metal sculpture, but sees his future in the business world. He is currently attending business school and also is employed by It's Cactus as our Inventory and Shipments Manager. Jean Claude and his family are among those who benefit greatly from the opportunities that Fair Trade affords. In them, we see success that not only grows, but also spreads
