Art with a Soul

Building Relationships Across Cultures

At PDXChange, we are often asked about the origin of our intricate metal sculptures. These are not factory produced. Instead, they are the result of a grueling and traditional process that turns industrial waste into pieces with a soul.

The story begins with Casey Riddell, the founder of It’s Cactus. Over 19 years ago, Casey began a journey into the heart of Haiti with a singular goal to fight poverty through art. During that time, she has worked with as many as 120 artists, moving beyond simple transactions to develop transparent and accountable relationships built on mutual trust.

By cultivating personal relationships and forging bonds of respect, It’s Cactus ensures that every sale makes a direct and positive impact on the artist who produced it. This is the heart of Fair Trade. It is not a temporary fix or a fleeting moment of charity. It is a market based system that creates sustainability for a lifetime and beyond. By supporting these artists, PDXChange helps create opportunities for economically and socially marginalized producers while celebrating a craft that has defined the village of Croix des Bouquets for four generations.

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Handcrafted Excellence from Repurposed Materials

Every piece of metal art is artisan-made in the village of Croix-des-Bouquets. The process is a testament to Haitian ingenuity and cultural integrity. Artists take a recycled, cast-off 55-gallon steel drum and, through the heavy work of firing, sanding, and pounding, transform it into a flat metal canvas.

With a steady hand, the artist chalks their original design (often inspired by nature or Haitian folklore) directly onto the metal. Once the design is set, the meticulous work begins. Using only a simple hammer and a variety of small chisels, the artist performs the tedious task of cutting out the pattern.

Every tiny perforation and textured scale you see is the result of a physical strike. This handcrafted technique gives the piece a three-dimensional quality that machine-stamping could never replicate. This tradition has been passed down for four generations, from father to son and neighbor to neighbor, ensuring that the soul of Haitian folk art remains vibrant and protected.

Why Fair Trade Matters

When we choose to empower all people, the benefits ripple outward. By supporting hand-made art from developing countries, we are doing more than decorating a home; we are helping to:

• Create opportunities for economically and socially marginalized producers.
• Ensure the rights of children by providing parents with stable, fair incomes so their children can attend school.
• Respect the environment by using recycled and repurposed materials.

We believe in being fair and square. Our commitment to transparency means you can feel proud of your purchase. The prosperity from these sales flows through the entire workshop, benefiting families, apprentices, and ultimately, the entire village.

Bring the Story Home

Come explore the collection at PDXChange and feel the texture of these pieces for yourself. When you choose a Haitian metal sculpture, you are choosing a story of sustainability, cultural identity, and incredible human skill.