Artisan Crafted Colorful Decorative Wood Doll from Brazil, "Joaquina"

Born in Minas Gerais to a family of artisans, Lourival worked in farming and also in construction before deciding to craft wooden animals and dolls. "It was my father who motivated me to learn woodworking, and I've done this since 2001. In 2012, I married Patricia, and our son, Gabriel, was born in 2013," he recalls.

In the beginning, Lourival carved the figures and Patricia painted them by hand. Today, three other artisans collaborate with the couple, and Patricia focuses on sales. "Working with Lourival has brought us closer as a couple, and it also lets me be near our son," she confides.

"I really enjoy what we do," Lourival continues. "I dream of one day having a sales area next to our workshop so we'll have more room to work. I wish people purchased our designs more often. Patricia and I hope Novica shoppers like our work. We create our designs with great dedication."