Description
- Hanging your art is easy once you know how. Choose a point where the design element is joined or notched and use a nail to hang it from that point on the wall. Use a second and a third nail (if necessary) within other design elements to straighten and secure the piece. Then stand back and admire your work. You'll see that the nails "disappear" into the sculpture. Beautiful!
- Haitian metal sculptures all come with a clear, weather-proof coating but if exposed to the elements, they will begin to rust over time. This isn't necessarily a bad thing, but if it's not the look you're going for, fear not. Just pick up a can of spray on enamel clear coat and go to it. Once a year will do it. Piece of cake!
- Our artists prosper and provide for their families when the practices of fair trade are honored.
- Your purchases represent a positive step toward a better life for our Haitian craftsmen.
Product Description
Tree of Life
If there is one thing we like more than a beautiful, well-made sculpture, is a beautiful, well-made sculpture full of meaning. The Tree of Life is exactly that. Because of this, it has garnished so much popularity and is a timeless staple regardless of how trends or times change. We see it in homes, in yoga studios, in gardens, in restaurants. Where there is a wall, we have seen it! But what is the exact meaning of the Tree of Life?
Well, that really depends who you ask. The Tree of Life holds so much significance to those who cherish it, but it may differ person to person; however, in Haiti, the Tree of Life commonly represents the interconnectedness of everything in the universe. The roots dig deep and spread into the ground, while the branches reach up into the sky. It gets nourishments from the Earth and energy from the sun and moon. Even though we all spread out in different directions, just as branches do, we are all part of something bigger. We coexist peacefully and need of each other and the elements to grow. Most importantly, we are never alone!
It is no surprise that some of our most popular metal art pieces are Trees of Life!
|
|
|
|
|
|---|---|---|---|
| | | | |
From Recycled Oil Barrels to High Quality Metal Art
|
|
|
|
|---|---|---|
The Materials & PreparationOur metal art is made from recycled oil barrels. Laborers remove the ends of the drum and place them inside the remianing cylinder along with scrap paper and dried banana or sugar cane leaves. By igniting it, it removes all the paint and residue. They are left with a blank canvas to work on! | The Art ProcessThe artist then takes over, chalking his intended design on the prepared metal. Then, with the use of simple hand tools, he cuts the form, and begins pounding and shaping out intricate decorative patterns. At times, we have also collaborated with our artists in order to bring both of our visions to reality. | The End ProductIt's hard to believe that the oil barrels that we see in the first image have been transformed to the various metal art sculptures that we have in our shop. The amount of work, time, and talent that goes into each item makes them intricately beautiful and unique. |
Fair Trade & It's Cactus
What is Fair Trade?
Fair Trade is the most recognized and trusted sustainability label in the world. By defintion, it is an arrangement designed to help producers in growing countries achieve sustainable and equitable trade relationships.
How does It's Cactus support Fair Trade?
We began working in Haiti over 21 years ago with the goal of fighting poverty through art. During this time, we have worked with over 120 artists, cultivating business relationships and friendships, all while being Fair Trade members. Our artists are respected as equal trading partners. Their culture and their craft are valued, honored, and their work is compensated 100% in an equitable manner.
How Can You Support Fair Trade?
- Shop Fair Trade
- Spread the Word
- Love Your Product? Leave a Review!
Join us in our fight against poverty with Haitian metal art!
Payment & Security
Payment methods
Your payment information is processed securely. We do not store credit card details nor have access to your credit card information.
Security
