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:3x3

"My mother played an important role in my metal sculpture learning because she was the first person having talked to Hubert Bernard about teaching me this work. She unfortunately died since 1990. In the beginning, it was not easy because you hammer in using a chisel in your hand you are between the anvil and the hammer, it is very dangerous but the main thing is to learn it; for whatever you do in this work you must receive a salary even though you are a beginner, that stimulates the worker. As I know it was necessary to learn it, 'cause I saw in advance that I could earn my life through it; so I spent a great number of time learning it from Hubert Bernard in his workshop.
I would go to school while learning the metal work and I began to learn English; I said to myself a foreign language is necessary when doing such a business. Georges Liautaud, the creator of this work that is the metal work, has given birth to his first work in 1953 and this work was a " CROSS" that he exhibited in the Croix-Des-Buoquets grave yard. In the past time, I would exhibit my works with other artists in a shop but with the coming of Casey in this business, there is a great improvement in the dealing of the metal sculpture. And also, I can have my own shop where I can exhibit my works .  I find orders not only help myself and my family but it also helps others in creating a means for them to earn their living. I never left Haiti to attend exhibition in foreign countries yet, but I hope to do that one day. I always dream to be a famous artist".