globalexchangestore.org -- Oil Drum Large Round Garden Tree

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Oil Drum Round Garden Tree

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Your Price: $89.00

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Product Code: HIRND33

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Description

Made from recycled 55gallon oil drums! A beautifully detailed tree with birds singing amongst its branches. This piece is made using the top of the oil drum

In Haiti, the process of converting oil drums into sculptures is both a tribute to man's imagination and resourcefulness in the face of dire economic needs. The artist first removes both ends of the oil drum. The ends are used for smaller sculptures.

Next, the drum is stuffed with straw and lit on fire to burn off any residues. When it cools down, it is sliced down one side and flattened into a four by six foot piece of metal canvass.

The artist with a stick of chalk draws out an image on this metal sheet. Next, with only a hammer and a chisel, the design is cut and the sculpture is made.

Although the artist uses a cardboard stencil to give the rough shape and design, each piece is hand formed and unique.

These beautiful art pieces are helping to build a better future for people in Haiti.

CARE: These beautiful art pieces look great indoors, or can be hung outside as each piece is coated with a protective varnish to prevent rusting. The varnish will wear away over time and the sculpture will begin to rust naurally or you can maintain the original look by spraying it with clear enamel every couple of years.

Country of Origin:Haiti
Size:23 x 23"

Producer Information:

Born in 1970, Julio Balan is considered one of the youngest and most talented metal sculptors on the island. He is married with six children and fills his themes with lively patterns that tell us of an everyday life that is productive, spiritual and satisfying. His work continues to gain an international reputation.
Julio Balan and his three brothers - Jonas, Joel, and Romel - were taught by their close neighbor, Darius Gary. In their lakou, or shared compound, the Balans often work together to produce art from metal drum pieces. Like most of the other sculptors they depict the Vodou spirits in their work. Particular favorites are Agwe, master of the sea, represented by a boat, and the Marasa, the twins associated with children and procreation.