Product Description
It's Cactus Haitain Metal Art
Handcrafted Haitian Folk Art, Gecko on Leaf, Eco-Friendly Metal Decor
Size: 17"x9"
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
Romel Balan
One of Romel Balan’s earliest childhood memories is the ringing sound of hammer against metal. Born in Noailles in 1973 to Gislene Pierre and Joli Balan, he was initiated into the field of metal sculpture by his eldest brother, Jonas. 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. Additionally, an affinity for rock and roll is suspected. From the doorway of Romel’s shop, cut-out guitarists can be seen jamming and bongo players pound out rhythms on their drums. In a particularly intriguing piece, an angel riding a bicycle with a load of pineapples in her market basket blasts on her trumpet to the wild applause of a cherub perched on the back. A good trick, even for an angel.
The father of two boys and two girls, Romel works hard to provide them a happy, comfortable home. Having participated in several art festivals and exhibitions, he hopes to take part in exhibitions abroad someday. Despite the devastating earthquake of 2010 and the lingering difficulties of it’s aftermath, his love of art prevails.
