Garden Dragonfly, Haitian Metal Art, Recycled Oil Drums,11 x 17 Inches
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Garden Dragonfly, Haitian Metal Art, Recycled Oil Drums,11 x 17 Inches
The Haitian method of creating sculptures originated over 6o years ago and has changed very little in that time. Outside each workshop are stacked 55 gallon drums, waiting to be prepared. Apprentice artists and laborers cut off the tops and bottoms of the drums, fill them with straw and dry banana leaves, and then light them to burn out residues and strengthen the metal. When cooled, the drums are slit down the sides, pried apart, pounded flat with mallets, and vigorously sanded. At this point the artist takes over, chalking his intended design onto the metal. Using a hammer and chisel and other simple tools, the artist undertakes the intricate work of cutting, beading and detailing each piece. When he is finally satisfied with the results, he pounds his signature onto the sculpture and seals it up with a protective finish. This sculpture has been treated with a weather-proof coating. Over time, however, the coating will wear away and rusting will occur if exposed to the elements. Rust is not necessarily a bad thing. Some people crave a weathered look. Others prefer a glossy finish. If that is you, simply take five minutes once a year to apply a spray-on clear coat enamel. All it takes to hang this metal sculpture is a few nails and a little know-how. Here's the know-how part: Place the first nail within a closed or notched design element and hammer it into the wall. Using a second and even a third nail - if the sculpture is large - to straighten and secure the piece. Then, stand back and admire your work. That's it!We are proud to participate in Fair Trade practices.