Daniel Nii Teiko Boye

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Update (November, 2019)

“I joined NOVICA 10 years ago through a friend. I have seen a massive change in the way I work. The way I design and handle my works now is very different; especially with measurements. Before, I wasn't fumigating my works, but now I am doing it.

“I am usually not very serious about my business, but the money I make from NOVICA makes me very happy. I am currently at the Accra art center, where I have my workshop. My goal is to focus more on the business to satisfy my customers.”

Original Artisan Story

"My name is Daniel Nii Teiko Boye and I carve wood in my hometown of Accra. My friends describe me as friendly, hardworking and creative.

"I'm interested in art because I love to pursue my talent. I am passing on the lessons I learned to others. My inspiration comes from nature.

"My mother died when I was 15 years old. I was playing football in the neighborhood only to be called home to hear that my mom had just died.

"I started an after school job sanding down my master artisan's pieces during junior high school. I loved the work so much that my uncle took me under his wing to learn this craft after my dad died and I dropped out of school.

"I struggled to learn this craft because there were days that I had to work on an empty stomach, and I was in training for three years.

"Starting on my own wasn't easy at all. I had to invest all of the money I'd worked so hard to earn. I started working from home, carving one item at a time to sell at the market. I gradually saved money over time to rent a place to work. Despite my struggles, I'm happy to own my workshop and carve, design and finish my pieces myself.

"I love seeing the final outcome of my carvings. I like to help the young people of my community by teaching them how to carve and design. Someday, I'd like to have a bigger workshop and spread my craft by teaching others."