Ailton Oliver

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Born in 1965 in Minas Gerais, Ailton Oliver has had a special interest for art ever since he was a child. He learned to read at the age of five. Books revealed a fascinating world of dreams, where he promised to make his home one day.

"I have nine brothers and sisters," the artisan says. "We lost our parents when I was only 12, and I moved to São Paulo with eight of them. That forced me to grow up fast.

"I was still a teen when I began crafting my first designs. I worked in wood, and tried to portray the facades of São Paulo's outstanding churches. I discovered leather, glass and coconut tree fibers. Then, when I was 18, I took a job in metal works.

"In 1989, I quit so I could devote my time to the arts. Gemstones have always fascinated me, and I integrate them into my designs in a harmonious way that shows them off.

"I initially sold my jewelry in the streets, parks and plazas of São Paulo. As I had no academic formation, I did whatever I could to survive. I learned to create medieval-style chain mesh, metal twists and spirals, and gemstone settings, and I taught all these skills to others, once I had mastered them.

"Finally, I realized that the designer is his vision of the world. I traveled a lot throughout Brazil to make my work known. A lot of times, I was misunderstood and even humiliated, but I persisted in what I believed.

"Since 2005, I've lived in Rio, where I work at craft fairs and in social projects and workshops."

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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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