Haiti Oil Drum Art

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Caribbean Craft

How are the steel sculptures created?

Various steps are involved in creating these magnificent works of art:

• The artist first removes the top and bottom of a 55 gallon oil drum.
• The ends are placed inside the drum along with dried banana, sugar cane leaves, or straw. Cardboard is sometimes used.
• The drum is then set on fire to rid it of impurities.
• Once the barrel has cooled, the artisan must climb inside the drum and, using all his weight, open it.
• The ends and side (roughly 3 x 6 feet) are pounded into a flattened metal canvas.
• Designs are typically created on cardboard first, which are carefully traced with chalk onto the metal.
• Using a hammer and chisel, the shape is cut out of the metal.
• Various decorative patterns are then pounded into the metal using primitive tools. Texture is achieved by adding details to the front and back of the sculpture.
• Once the design is complete, each piece is sanded to bring out the shine and hues.
• The finished design is signed by the artist.
• Many of these works of art are left in their natural silver color. In that case, a coat of varnish is used to protect them from oxidation. Other sculptures are hand-painted in exquisite colors.
• The ends of the drum are often used to produce smaller round sculptures. These sculptures can take hours to make. Larger pieces created from the side of the barrel usually take days to complete.

The result is a unique and treasured piece of primitive art.

John Sylvestre

What is the history of oil drum art?

This particular art form was born in Haiti in the early 1950's by a simple blacksmith, Georges Liautaud. In his small shop, he made and repaired tools. He also created primitive metal crosses for the graves in the Croix-des-Bouquets cemetery. It was at the encouragement of an American teacher, DeWitt Peters, who opened the Le Centre d'Art in Port-au-Prince in 1944, that Georges Liautaud began creating decorative metal sculptures. Eventually, a few talented men apprenticed under him. Today, metal art is made primarily by men, who begin the craft at a young age.

How do I maintain the look of the metal art?

These sculptures are great indoors or out. When displayed outdoors, the varnish will wear away over time, and the sculptures will begin to rust naturally. You can maintain the original look by spraying the sculpture with a clear enamel every couple of years. If rusting occurs, buff the affected area with steel wool and wipe clean before spraying with enamel.