Haitian Art. We want to take you to Croix-des-Bouquets, Haiti. A center for Haitian Art,where men chisel and bang out sculptures from recycled steel drums. Each peice is handcrafted starting with a drawn pattern on the metal.  Chisels and a large hammer are used to cut and mold the designs. Then the artist smoothes out the steel’s rough edges.  When the highly intricate sculpture is completed, he signs his name boldly with a small chisel.

Through the fair trade process and the support of Beyond Borders, the artists gain access and exposure to the world marketplace and economic viability while receiving equitable pay as tourism and other economic opportunities disappeared after the earthquake. Support these Haitian artists and stop in to see our collection of metal sculptures.  They hang wonderfully indoors and outdoors and make a unique decoration for nurseries, bathrooms, and gardens.  

Blowing in the Wind

This sculpture is by Joseph Jean Peterson.   A family-oriented man, he opened his shop with his mother and older brother in 1997.  His imagery is versatile; Joseph’s creative mind, running the gamut from mermaids and fish in the seas to gardens of sunflowers and children at play, to stars in the heavens.  He says, “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.”  

La Sirena Hanna Mirror

This sculpture is by Brutal Micheal.  Brutal Michel, son of Cecile Casseus and Brutal Saint-Clearly, is the eldest in a family of ten children. He blesses the work that enables him to send his two younger brothers and his own daughter to school. Though he seems to carry his burdens with joy, he says frankly, “This trade is very important for me. My family was completely poor and is thanks to this trade that I manage to support on my shoulders the loads of my family in general.”  

Giraffe

This sculpture is by Romel Balan. One of Romel Balan’s earliest childhood memories is the ringing sound of hammer against metal. 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. The father of two boys and two girls, Romel works hard to provide them a happy, comfortable home. Despite the devastating earthquake of 2010 and the lingering difficulties of it’s aftermath, his love of art prevails.