This art form was born in Haiti in the early 1950 by a simple blacksmith, Georges Liautaud. He repaired tools and created primitive metal crosses for the graves in the Croix-des-Bouquets cemetery. An American teacher encouraged him to expand his talent into the creation of decorative metal 
art pieces. A few highly gifted craftsmen apprenticed under him and the tradition has continued since.
Croix-des-Bouquets is still the center of Haitian Metal Art. When driving through the primitive streets, one can hear the "tink-clank-tink" coming from the homes of artisans.
Most artists purchase the used metal drums near the port in the capitol of Port au Prince. In order to turn a steel drum into a unique, intricate work of art, the barrel is stripped of its top and bottom, filled with dried banana or sugar cane leaves, and then burned for quite some time to remove the residue of the drum's former life.
Once done and cooled, the drum is sliced from top to bottom. By entering the cylinder and using body pressure it
is opened and pounded into a perfectly flat surface. With a stick of chalk, the artist then draws the design onto the "metal canvas". With the use of hammer, chisel and other tools, the piece is cut, shaped and contoured to its completion. The final piece is coated with a protective finish and some of the products are hand painted in bright colors.
Steel Drum Art is a great and innovative concept of eco-friendly art. By supporting this art form and by introducing new designs and new market outlets, artisans are enabled to have a sustainable income in the poorest country of the American Hemisphere where unemployment is estimated at between 60% and 80%.
art pieces. A few highly gifted craftsmen apprenticed under him and the tradition has continued since.Croix-des-Bouquets is still the center of Haitian Metal Art. When driving through the primitive streets, one can hear the "tink-clank-tink" coming from the homes of artisans.
Most artists purchase the used metal drums near the port in the capitol of Port au Prince. In order to turn a steel drum into a unique, intricate work of art, the barrel is stripped of its top and bottom, filled with dried banana or sugar cane leaves, and then burned for quite some time to remove the residue of the drum's former life.
Once done and cooled, the drum is sliced from top to bottom. By entering the cylinder and using body pressure it
is opened and pounded into a perfectly flat surface. With a stick of chalk, the artist then draws the design onto the "metal canvas". With the use of hammer, chisel and other tools, the piece is cut, shaped and contoured to its completion. The final piece is coated with a protective finish and some of the products are hand painted in bright colors.Steel Drum Art is a great and innovative concept of eco-friendly art. By supporting this art form and by introducing new designs and new market outlets, artisans are enabled to have a sustainable income in the poorest country of the American Hemisphere where unemployment is estimated at between 60% and 80%.
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