Product Description
It's Cactus- Haitian Metal Art
Handcrafted Haitian Folk Art, Birds Flying Light Cover, Home Decor
Size: 16"x7"x6"
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 Carlo Brutus
Carlo Brutus has a keen sense of history and of his own artistic roots. The primitive style of his work reflects his reverence for Georges Liataud, who Carlo readily admits, “is an important man in my memory.” He apprenticed with Gary Darius and his older brother, Jean Closter Brutus, but in 1994, opened his own workshop in order to, “produce my own works in my own style.” Jean Carlo's designs are influenced by the natural world, as seen in his birds on the wing and trees swaying in the wind. He is also influenced by the mythical realm of mermaids and magical beasts, while his elegant candle plates can be used in traditional Haitian candle ceremonies. He professes his love for the work, but realizes that it is not only his passion, it is his security. Jean Carlo says, “I love the metal sculpture and I appreciate the orders that I get so that we can have a better life.”