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HAITIAN METAL SCULPTURE AS OUTSIDE GARDEN ART
I'm often asked if it's okay to put Haitian metal sculpture (fer découpé) outside. The answer is a resounding YES, YES, YES. I have had Haitian drum art outside in my garden
 | | Gabriel is jumping for joy because of all the snow. |
for at least 14 years. I have free-standing pieces by Gabriel Bien-Aimé in among the shrubs and flowerbeds, several wall-mounted Jolimeaus on my garage and house and I have a 72" high room divider in front of my air-conditioning unit. It looks terrific with red geraniums in front of it.
Do they rust? Of course they rust over time. But here's what you do to prevent the rust from destroying the piece. Spray it thoroughly from time to time with WD40. Don't even
wipe it off. Most Haitian metal pieces are covered with a coat of glossy varnish when you purchase them. Pieces exposed outside to the elements will not stay shiny but they do acquire a
 | | Janvier Louis-Juste |
great patina, especially after you've sprayed them once or twice with WD40. I generally spray them once a year or less if they are in a sheltered spot. I've even rescued some older metal pieces that were just orange with rust by spraying them 2 or 3 times.
So please, put some spirits into your garden. They will bring you great joy and you will have more places to put art.
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