“For a while, I thought I might not be able to make my dreams come true, and to provide for my little son. My son is now seven, and it has been seven years since I joined Novica – seven years since I realized that dreams can be more than just dreams. Today I have my own home, and my own workshop. My family is doing well, and I have the energy to continue exploring my creativity because I’m sure that Novica will be there to protect us. When I joined Novica, I lived in a rented house with just one loom, my wife, and our newborn baby. Today, I have three looms and have invited other weavers to help weave my designs. Best of all, I can provide for my son the way I dreamed of doing so when he was born.”

Raul grew up in the country near Tarma, Peru which in the central Andes, a region considered the “cradle of flowers.” The floral beauty of Tarma inspires his works and his frequent portrayal of flowers and other images of local cultural importance.
 

“Tarma Muse” was originally stylized after the messenger bags used by Inca chasquis (messengers). They are traditionally used to carry post as well as “snacks” for the journey. Woven of wool on a pedal loom, each bag is embroidered by hand in Ayacucho style. It is fully lined with two handy pockets. 

 

“I love to paint and I love to weave. They are both a form of expression and often, after I explore a theme in my weaves, I will repeat them on the canvas.  I inherited my passion for art from my father, who wove beautiful tapestries,” Raul says with pride. “I began weaving smaller pieces when I was 12 years old with the techniques from San Pedro de las Cajas. My tapestries have now gone beyond our borders.

Bring some Andean culture to your living room…

No need for an aquarium if you have this…

You know I love birds…I want this one!…

What other international treasures will you find at NOVICA Live?