Beyond Borders Fair Trade has been working with, and nurturing, Haitian metal artisans for over 15 years. They work directly with them to ensure that quality and craftsmanship standards remain high. They love the constant exchange and blossoming of new product and design ideas. Most importantly, they see real economic improvement and lives bettered through the creation and sharing of their beautiful art. This success is about a true partnership between the Haitian artists, Beyond Borders, F.T. Renner Company, you as our retail customers, as well as your customers. We all get to love this unique art and share in their story.

Fair Trade Federation

Beyond Borders is a proud member of the Fair Trade Federation building equitable and sustainable trading partnerships and creating opportunities to alleviate poverty.

By purchasing a handcrafted item from Beyond Borders, you can be absolutely sure that the artist who made it has been well compensated. We commend your support of socially aware and environmentally sound trade practices.

You Can Also order Beyond Borders from us on Faire. We have a rep link!

CLICK HERE

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THE LEGACY OF HAITIAN METAL ART

In the 1950’s, DeWitt Peters, a patron of Haitian arts, was intrigued by the iron crosses marking many of the above ground tombs. Peters discovered the blacksmith who had fashioned the crosses, soon to be renowned Haitian artist Georges Liautaud….and so began Haitian metal art. The original raw material was iron, but with many goods shipped to Haiti in 55 gallon steel drums, there was a ready supply of discarded drums for the artisans.

Over the years, the number of ” Liautaud Disciples” has multiplied via families and mentor/students embracing the craft. The center for Haitian metal arts is the village of Croix-des-Bouquets, where the clang-clang of metal on metal, the chisels and hammers banging out the sculptures, provides a constant music.

The artisans start with designs inspired by nature and culture. From original cardboard patterns, they trace their designs with chalk on the flattened metal from torn down steel drums. With chisels and hammers, they carefully cut and decorate the metal by hand. Every detail, every leaf vein, every bead is created with the stroke of the artist’s hand. No repetitive stamping or machinery is used in the production process. Each shape is then fashioned and smoothed with many designs featuring 3-D additions. Then the artist boldly and proudly chisel their name, if room, on the metal sculpture they have just created.

MARKETING SUPPORT

Included with each piece is a colorful hang tag with space for pricing, and a separate information card about the history, care and details on how this unique art form is crafted.

Available upon request is an 8 1/2″ x 11″ Point of Sale display card.