haitian metal art

I love when I can buy things locally that support Haitians who are working hard to support their families.  There is a community nearby that creates art from steel drums.  The nurse side of me can't even comprehend how these men are able to create something so beautiful out of these barrels.  The barrels are by no means pretty!  I love knowing that because these men are working, they are able to better provide for their families.  I enjoy going to the metal market and watching as the men create everything from bracelets to beautiful pieces to be displayed on the wall.  I thought you would like seeing the steps that are involved in creating the metal art.  (Thanks to Tina our gift shop manager who researched all of this information!)

1~ To prepare the steel drums, the top and bottom must be cut off.  

The drums are then cut from top to bottom. 

2~The drums are then stuffed with dried plantain leaves and set on fire.  Setting the 

steel drums on fire helps to remove any pain and residue, thus, cleaning the drum.

3~ After the steel drums have cooled off they are then flattened by the 

men literally pushing on the them.

4~ After a lot of hard work the steel drums are completely flattened.

5~ The metal artist then begins to make his design on the metal drum surface.  

The artists make everything from beautiful wall decorations, bowls, 

chairs, and the list is endless.

6~ Using a hammer and chisel, the design is cut and the final details 

and textures are applied.

7~ After the deign is finished, the metal artists goes over the entire piece with a 

steel brush to clean and smooth the metal art.

8~ A sealant is then applied to the metal art to protect is from rusting.

9~ Some metal artists will also pain their metal art.

10~The final product!

Below are photos of some of the metal art I've purchased.