Artisan Stories
The Passing of a Master: Eladio Chiroy, A Legacy of Weaving Guatemala’s Soul
byOn November 30, 2024, NOVICA and the world lost a master craftsman whose work transcended the beauty of fabric and threads to weave the…
Gandhi’s Legacy of Hope
by‘Illuminated’ painting by Mercedes Collado The future is built on hope. This is what Gandhi taught us through his words and his actions. Today,…
In Pursuit of Peace
byHow Peruvian artisan Miguel Mejia reshaped a violent robbery into an inspiring message of world peace Peruvian sculptor Miguel Mejia recently shared a dramatic…
Living an Inspired Life: An Interview with Novica’s Merlly Calisto Cockburn
byMerlly Calisto Cockburn is Novica’s National Representative in Peru. We spoke with her recently about what it is like to work with artisans in…
The Andes: Channeling Ancient Civilizations
byStep into a world where pre-Hispanic cultures shine bright in the handmade works of artisan masters. Legend tells how Wiracocha, a pre-Inca deity, created…
Destination: Thailand
byNo need to pack your bag and dig out your passport! Join us as we explore some of the unique treasures of Thailand, handcrafted…
NOVICA Celebrates the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples
byEstablished by the United Nations General Assembly in 1994, the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples (August 9) is intended to raise awareness…
A Closer Look At Indigenous Peoples Uplift through Rise Beyond The Reef In Fiji
byRise Beyond the Reef, featured in the NOVICA 2022 Summer Lookbook, was founded by Janet and Semi Lotawa in 2013 with three goals in…
Meet Ritu Agnihotri, Handmade Block Print Indian Fashion Guide
byIndian designer Ritu Agnihotri, featured in the NOVICA Summer 2022 Lookbook, gives new life to time-honored crafting traditions with her stylish clothing and accessories….
For Dads, By Dads
byWith Father’s Day around the corner, we spoke to some NOVICA artisans who happen to be dads. Here is what they had to say….
Mothers Who Inspire Us
byMeet these incredible mothers who blend love of family with rich artistic tradition. It’s clear from the minute you meet Eda Arroyo that she…
How One Balinese Artisan Pours Heart Into Every Hand-carved Wood Sculpture She Creates
byBalinese sculptor Made Mulyani finds inspiration in the ancient Sanskrit epic the Ramayana. In a story of undying love and loyalty, Prince Rama rescues his…
Love Struck- A Story for Valentine’s Day from Zayd Makarim
byWe asked Zayd Makarim, the incredible sterling silver and gemstone jewelry designer from Bali and Java, what Valentine’s Day meant to him. He wasted…
Erasmus Philip Ahorlu Wishes to Share His Success
byAs the year draws to a close, we asked West African woodcarver, Erasmus Philip Ahorlu, how he celebrated his successes this year. He happily…
Warm wishes from around the world!
byYou make a difference in so many lives. A huge difference. We all appreciate you so much! Please receive a warm, grateful embrace from…
The lives you’ve touched – Artisans Talk to Us
byAs another year winds to a close, we want to tell you just how much you mean to all of us at NOVICA. Your…
How one jewelry artisan challenges us to think differently about limitations.
byIt’s impossible not to be in awe of Omayra. This Colombian-born, Costa Rican artisan is a tremendous jewelry maker, painter, wood carver, and practitioner…
Hello Colombia! We’re welcoming new artisans into the family.
byWhile the Zenú artisans may be new to NOVICA, they are hardly new to the world. An indigenous people from Colombia, the Zenú have…
How one Peruvian craftsman became a living legend of retablo art.
byMastery in Miniature In the 1980s, Alejandro Chavez was given a terrible choice: join the terrorist group Sendero Luminoso that was destroying his rural…
How one Mexican ornament maker spreads love during the holidays.
byHeart of the Matter The rules are ancient, rooted in tradition. The wood must be cut only on the full moon. Claudio Ojeda, who…
In Pursuit of Perfection – J. Borges
byJ. Borges didn’t learn to write his name until he was 12 years old. In total, he attended school for ten months of his…
How a Ghanaian ceramicist and jewelry-maker, Samuel Lovi, breathes life into clay.
byThe Feel of an Object Rustic and gorgeously raw, each one of Samuel Lovi’s ceramic sculptures conveys a mood and a feel, as much…
All Due Respect – An Indian jali carver recounts his journey from struggling artisan to award-winning master.
byWay back in 2004, an unknown jali carver walked into a NOVICA office. The meeting would change his life, and ours. Gulam Rasool remembers…
Indian Artisans Honor Gandhi’s Philosophical Legacy
byWe often remember Mahatma Gandhi for his inspiring lessons on non-violence and the importance of embodying the change you want to see in the…
Jose Arriola’s Ornaments Add To The Vitality of the Season
byFrom first sight, Jose Arriola’s artwork inspires joy. His ornaments and figurines combine delicate carvings, vibrant colors, and unique themes. There are hummingbirds adorned with bright…
Indigenous People Save Traditional Crafts
byOn October 11th, we celebrated the history and culture of indigenous peoples around the world. In honor of the $114.2 million you’ve helped…
How one Alpaca artisan pays homage to the past
byMeet Maria Cutipa Chestnut-brown flowers laced with blue vines, geometric patterns in perfect symmetry, timeless knits that link the ancient past with the…
Essential Costa Rica – Fall in Love with the Work of Artisans
byCosta Rica is known throughout the world for its commitment to sustainability and peace. Over the last four years, we’ve discovered another source…
How one Balinese silversmith pours gratitude into his work
byA Simple Grain of Rice Let’s take a jaunt over to Bali as the stunning and iconic rice terraces of the island prepare for…
Supporting Artisans Helps them Support Their Communities – Asunta Pelaez
byAfter being diagnosed with a debilitating illness, Peruvian artisan Asunta Pelaez found something that no self-help book could offer. It gave her a…
Ensuring the Artisan Legacy
byBehind every COVID-19 statistic of loss is an actual human life, rich and full and cut too short. This year, we lost many great…
Art that Empowers – The Desert Weavers of India
byWhat a group of traditional weavers in India can teach us about community. The Desert Weavers of India You would be forgiven for thinking…
Thailand In Full Bloom – Artisan Danai Creates Original Floral Jewelry
byDiscover the beautiful floral themes of Thailand through handmade jewelry, home décor, apparel, and more. From orchids and lotus flowers to blooms of plumeria,…
Jewelry Artisan Matta Upholds the Traditions of Thailand
byStunning gemstones that refract the light, hill tribe silver forged to perfection, macramé with its delicate patterns of knots, and so much more. Discover…
New Artistic Finds from India – Bidri Sculpture
byGorgeous new designs from artisans across India. Everything from NOVICA is handmade, not mass produced. So, if you see something you love, grab it…
Regal Home Décor, Handmade in India
byKantha-stitched bedspreads in vibrant hues. Patchwork ottomans bursting with color. Jali-carved sculptures of intricate detail. Ganesha paintings and so much more… Fill your…
Visiting India – First stop, Agra
byIvory-white and majestic, the Taj Mahal is an iconic symbol of Indian tourism, and also a stark reminder of how much has changed over…
The Art of Everyday Living From Mexican Artisans
byFill your home with art you can use. Talavera-style serveware, handblown glass pitchers, Zapotec rugs, gorgeous Mayan hammocks, barro negro pottery and so…
NOVICA signs agreement with the ITC to support Central American Women Business Enterprises
byAs part of our mission to empower artisans and small businesses, we are pleased to share with you the news that NOVICA has signed…
Next Stop – West Africa – With Jewelry Artisan, Ila Suleyman
byLanding in Ghana West African jewelry traces its roots deep into the past. Exquisite beadwork harkens back to an ancient form of currency….
An artisan we’d love you to meet
byIf beauty resides in the details, then Abdul Aziz Mohamadu has more than enough to go around. His gift as an artist lies in…
What does it feel like to literally save lives with art?
byArti Sharma is an incredible woman who has helped transform the lives of artisans across India. She and her team were selected to produce…
Sharing is Caring. Why Is Sharing NOVICA Worth It?
byAt NOVICA, we say that love is at the core of everything we do and the best thing about LOVE is there’s plenty to…
Turning Crisis into Opportunity – Artisans Ying and Joy
byYing and Joy are the tag-team duo who bring style, beauty, and love to their woven, knitted, and hand-embroidered creations. Born and raised in Chiang…
The Jalapa Girl Jewelsmiths Believe in Spreading the Love
byWhat the Jalapa Girl Jewelsmiths can teach us about expanding our notions of family and the ability to heal. There are no molds. No…
Mothers Are The Unsung Heroes – Gifts For Mother’s Day
byMoms around the world filled countless roles this year. Overnight, they became homeschool teachers, primary earners, everyday nurturers, fierce advocates, health workers for their…
The Mother’s Day Collection is here!
byAll Moms Everywhere For the mothers who listen with unconditional love… For the moms who lift us up when we are down… For those…
Shop the Ethical Fashion – Who Makes Your Clothes?
byWho Makes Your Clothes? High up in the Peruvian Andes, women artisans weave on backstrap looms, taught to them by their mothers and their…
The Saving Power of Art Uplifts Communities Worldwide
byThe jewelry maker, who dreams in silver and jade, quits his job as a taxi driver to dedicate himself to art. The mother of…
A better world for artisans is a better world for all
byAt NOVICA, we call them living treasures. UNESCO describes them as protectors of our intangible cultural heritage. They are the global artisans who preserve…
World Artisan Day – Why does it matter?
byArt’s Profound Impact The first-ever World Artisan Day is around the corner — and it’s a really big deal. For over two decades,…
First Annual World Artisan Day Launches April 18, 2021
bySanta Monica, CA – March 30, 2021 The first annual World Artisan Day will launch on April 18, 2021, to honor artisans around the…
“Beauty in Isolation” A powerful story from Mexico in honor of World Autism Day tomorrow
byAlejandro de Esesarte remembers the day he mistakenly walked down the girls’ aisle at school — and the brutal teasing that followed. It was…
Johnny Jimenez Tells Us Why He’s Grateful
byIt took eleven years, perseverance, and incredible Novica customers for Johnny Jimenez to build a home for his family. If you ever wonder whether…
Thoughts About Black History Month From West African Artisans
byEmpowerment is fundamental to human dignity, which is why we believe that supporting artisans has far-reaching consequences. It provides economic freedom, supports families, uplifts…
Nyepi, Chaos and Calm on the Island of the Gods
bySilence reigns supreme on the sacred Hindu holiday of Nyepi. The streets of Bali empty out. Motorbikes go silent. Storefronts close. Lights remain off….
Finding Grace Amidst of Turmoil – Dr. Sneh Gangal
byIn a year filled with challenges, one Indian painter turned her artistic sensibility to the world around her and discovered moments of beauty amidst…
Wayan Rendah, Growing with Gratitude
byI became a NOVICA artisan a very long time ago and, together with you, I have grown into a more mature artisan. Even though…
How One Ghanaian Wood Carver Liberates the World Through Art – George Obeng
by“I carve for joy.” George Obeng was not taught to carve. At that young age, he didn’t even know that what he was doing…
Black History Month – Showcasing Kente Cloth From West Africa
byIn honor of Black History Month this February, we’re showcasing artisans and artifacts that celebrate West African culture. One of the most iconic fabrics…
Celebrating Black History Month – Chief Carver to the King
byIn honor of Black History Month this February, we’re showcasing artisans who infuse their work and their lives with passion and a love of…
Inspired by Love. Rooted in Tradition. Ernestina’s Story
byThis February, we’re celebrating Black History Month by featuring artisans who inspire us with their work and their incredible stories of triumph. West African…
A Family Affair – Johnny Jimenez Knows to Add Love to his Art
byJohnny Jimenez has an anniversary coming up. On the 29th of January, he will have been married for 21 years. We wanted to know…
Let’s Talk About Love
byTry to pin down love. Try to define it. It slips away. It doesn’t stay put. It’s something we know without necessarily having the…
Survival of the Spirit in the Grips of A Pandemic
byStranded hundreds of miles from his wife and children during the COVID-19 pandemic, one Peruvian artisan discovers a powerful way to survive loss, theft,…
The Day Nancy Quispe Will Never Forget
byNancy Quispe was five months pregnant when the world shut down. Confined to a house with her husband and daughter, Nancy had to manage…
Heartfelt Thanks From the Far Reaches of the World
byThe presents have been opened. The meal has been eaten. The sun has set on the holidays, and on a particularly challenging year. But…
Hope Shines Bright for the New Year
byIn a year filled with uncertainty, heartache, and change, we find reason to celebrate every small moment of joy. You may not realize the…
Meet Elena Ixtamer, Weaver of Joy
byElena Ixtamer weaves gratitude into every piece she makes. It is evident in the vibrancy of her colors, the gorgeous texture of her fabrics, and…
A Heartfelt Thank You From Susana Valadez
bySusana Valadez is the founder and curator of the Huichol Center for Cultural Survival and Traditional Arts. She has spent decades supporting and promoting…
Artists Welcome Happiness
byWhile this year has been full of challenges, artisans around the world forge ahead with grace, happiness, and creativity. Some have discovered unexpected talents….
Celebrating African Art and Artisans, In Their Own Words
byNOVICA’s West African artisans share their deeply personal stories about what their art means to them and why black art should matter to us…
Indian Artisans Celebrate Peace and Truth in Trying Times
by“Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.” …
In Central America, Community Resilience Takes Center Stage
byRecently we checked in with our National Representative for Central America, Diego Chacon, to find out how artisans in the region have been handling…
From the Artisan Studios of Peru, Challenges Are Shaped Into Cheer
byWe caught up with Merlly Calisto, our Region Director from Peru, to check in on how Peruvian artisans have been faring in the face…
Why Nengah Sudarsana Owes You One
byThis Balinese artist started sculpting from the world he knew. After learning about the vastly different worlds of his customers, his repertoire expanded in…
An Artisan Mother’s Day During the Time of COVID-19
byWe asked our artisans what Mother’s Day is like for them, especially now during this worldwide health crisis. Here’s what a few of them…
Joel Acheampong, The Sensation Whose Disability Doesn’t Slow Him Down
by“I am the first to acknowledge that without the help of others, there was no way I could have practiced painting, but I had…
Alaya’s Batik Designs Help Support Autistic Son
byParents of children with special needs must’ve received a double portion of divine patience and grace, and these traits are beautifully exemplified in the…
Julio Molina Seeks the Sea to Help Heal the Earth
byAll humanity comes from nature and we must take care of her. The blue ocean, the golden sand and the peace that comes from…
This Dynamic Duo dominates the traditional Thai Celadon Industry
byOver the past 3 months, my wife Anna and I have been remodeling our home. In the process, we’ve sorted and packed away years…
The Creative Gill – No Material Is Wasted In Her Hands
byEver since Gill discovered the waste bins of the leather factory at the backyard of her London home, she has never ceased to use…
What One Guatemalan Woodcarver Can Teach Us About the Real Causes of Immigration
byTo understand immigration, we need to understand the root causes that motivate people to leave their homes and travel to a different country. Immigration…
Robert Aidoo-Taylor Fulfilling His Destiny
byIn his teens, Robert had set his mind on becoming an accountant. In Nigeria where his parents lived, Robert attended commercial school alongside grammar…
Passion is prevalent for this skilled Thai Artisan
byPassion! This key ingredient for success is a prevalent characteristic of this skilled Thai Artisan. Anna, my wife and translator, and I recently visited…
Daniel Asante Overcame the Handicap of the Lack of an Education to Become King of Variety
byDaniel Asante is an artisan who has been selling on the NOVICA platform for close to twenty years. His art pieces caught our attention…
Anita Contreras, the artist who used mud to become an independent and empowered woman
byIn a humble house situated on the slope of a hill in Manchay, one of the many population centers in Lima, Peru, the master…
An artisan with the soul of an archaeologist: Walter Acosta dreams of his own museum
byFrom the outside, it looks like a simple house under construction but inside, it’s really the laboratory of a self-taught artisan. This is my…
He wanted nothing to do with his grandfather’s workshop. Now he dedicates his life to preserving it.
byThe historic workshop was the largest in its time and had been a school for almost all the silver artisans in Antigua. It was…
When life took a terrifying turn, this Peruvian jewelry designer did not look away
byWith a lucrative career in law during a time of economic hardship and job scarcity in Peru, Patricia Jara decided to risk it all…
At his darkest moment, this artisan took the biggest risk of his life
byJulio Eugenio Sanchez Bernuy clearly remembers the first time he saw a finished piece of art. At that moment, he said to himself, ‘Julio,…
The power of a simple question: #whomademyclothes?
byFashion Revolution Week, which kicks off on April 22-28, operates under the belief that a group of individuals can change the world by asking…
One Artist’s Harrowing Escape and the Fight to Practice His Art
byNicolás Chavez Sojuel has tales of violence, persecution, assassination and hiding. But this sculptor found a way to channel his stories into his art….
Why Jesus Urbano Is Not Afraid to Die
byThis Peruvian retablo artist has found a way to ensure that the traditional craft he loves so much continues to inspire the world, and…
Solace in the simple things after a life of loss
byHis mother was killed in the crossfire of Guatemala’s civil war. He was sexually abused at the age of 11 years old. But this…
There’s one thing this Peruvian artist won’t compromise. It’s the very thing she didn’t get when she was growing up.
byForced to drop out of school when she was just a child, this traditional arpillería artisan has made her son’s schooling her highest priority….
How One Sculptor’s Vigilance Keeps his Wife Alive
byMorneo creates alebrijes—magical creatures filled with color and expression. But his greatest work extends beyond the walls of his workshop to the daily…
This Thai Cowboy is Wrangling A New Kind of Customer
byYou might not expect a leather artisan from rural Chiangmai to utter the classic western phrase, “Git along, little dogies,” but you’d be wrong….
How One Artisan Balances Woodworking With Conservation In His Local Forest
byGrowing up in the forests of Chimaltenago, Patricio Coroy was fortunate to play in the dense woodlands. But as he grew older, he noticed…
She harvests what others reject. But this artist is doing more than saving the environment with her work.
byAs an advocate for sustainability, this up-cycling bead-worker challenges us to open our eyes, not just to the plight of our planet, but to…