Summer Fun Decorative Wall Hanging Plaques, Happy Soul's, Family Art, Handmade in Haiti from Recycled Steel Barrels, 11 x 11 Inches

Description

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. If this sculpture will be displayed outdoors, here's a tip for keeping it looking as fresh and beautiful as the day you bought it: Simply take five minutes to apply a coat of clear, spray-on enamel from the hardware store. Once a year will do it! It's easy to hang your sculpture with just a few nails. Place the first nail within two design elements that are touching or notched. Then use a second and possibly a third nail, if the sculpture is large, to straighten and secure the piece against the wall. Just make sure that you don't place a nail in an eye or a mouth. A viewer's attention will go there quite naturally and therefore, directly to the nail. You don't want that!