Theophilus Anum

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I am a humble, respectful and a sociable person. I am also a designer. I've loved drawing since I was a child. I also love playing soccer and I joined a local team in my neighborhood. I get my inspiration from God.

I developed an interest in carving right from a tender age. Carving and designing was a business in the house where I grew up. I would sit and observe the way beautiful designs were carved out of wood. Sometimes I would pick up used sandpaper and try sandpapering left over pieces of wood as I had seen others do.

"I did not take carving as seriously as I did soccer. When I'd return from school I would rather go play soccer, but once in a while my attention would be drawn to a new piece of artwork and I would pause to watch closely the item and wonder how it had been crafted.

"Due to financial constraints I could not complete my senior high school education. I could not just sit at home, so I went to Master Musah to learn how to carve. He was willing to help me, realizing I was serious. He took me through the basics and also taught me how to design wood.

"I was more interested in designing than in carving. I think it had to do with my innate abilities. I would come out with beautiful designs, and now when I carve, the design just comes to mind and I translate it on the item.

"I worked with Master Musah for about five years. He considers me as a son and likewise I took him as a father. At a point in time I had to go and work on my own, and he freely gave his blessing. I am still in touch with him due to the relationship built during the time of training.

"I moved to start on my own at the Art Center in Accra. I also joined an NGO aimed at helping street children by learning a trade. I have taught several of these children how to carve. I was promoted to leader and to date we continue assisting children living on the streets. These children make a living out of the skills they learn, rather than walking the streets. It gives me joy to share my knowledge with other people.

"It is my dream to open a big workshop where I could train several people and also be able to craft larger quantities. I work with sese wood for my carved items."

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NOVICA was started with a dream to create a better world for artisans, because a better world for artisans is a better world for all.

Along the way, the founders of NOVICA discovered something very important - as artisans around the world succeeded, there was also a visible and profound impact on the communities around them.

Your purchases are that powerful. They directly and indirectly provide for education, help with health care, fund basic needs, support children, preserve disappearing arts, and of course, spread happiness around the world.

The founders of NOVICA had a vision of the future that is not one of mega factories producing cookie cutter products for all to cheaply consume. Instead, a bright future that celebrates artisans who take the time to create an item by hand. A future where time is protected, where stories are told, where unique details are honored. Love, respect, inclusiveness become driving force.

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