If you’re looking for a gift that is truly unique, has a story, and is socially responsible, look no further than Novica. For just a small taste, this is Novica’s mission statement:
“We want to give artists and artisans around the world a global platform to express their true artistic talents and to spur their creativity. And, we want to provide you with access to unique, hard-to-find items at great values that only the Internet infrastructure can allow.
At the deepest essence of our philosophy, we want to create a bridge between you and the many talented artisans across the globe.
We want you to know about who you’re buying from. We want you to feel that attachment to the product and to the hands that created it.”
If you spend any amount of time browsing the Novica website you’re bound to find amazing works of art, ceramics, clothing, jewelry, and home goods that you can’t live without. But, you’ll also learn the stories of the people and families who make them. You’ll hear the history of a family told through their ceramics tradition, or see a man’s cultural pride displayed in breathtaking handwoven rugs.
Here’s a taste:
This pendant necklace is called Mother Earth Sleeps
“Mother Earth rests on a bed of sterling silver jasmines, bathed in an amethyst dewdrop.” Her face is carved by hand into cow bone, and the entire piece has been handcrafted by Buana. If you were to purchase this necklace, you would receive with it Buana’s story card. Buana is an artisan from Bali, he learned to craft jewelry from a friend of his. “I am thankful to God for giving me such a great gift so I can make a living for my family. Not much, perhaps, but enough for our simple way of life,” Buana says. “Hopefully through Novica I can offer a better future to my wife and two children.”
For artists like Buana, the only customers they would normally have are locals, and occasional tourists, who they sometimes have to travel many miles to get to. With Novica though, Buana and people like him can offer their wares to all the customers the internet has to offer, thus broadening their market and increasing their profit. Many people find themselves partial to the work of a single artist, and just like that someone like Buana, in Bali, can have a repeat customer in an American housewife, and they never have to meet.
I could spend hours browsing what seems like endless works of art on the Novica website. I am amazed at the level of craftsmanship and creativity displayed, and I’m humbled by the honest and touching stories of the artisans who create these things. When you shop on Novica, you can know exactly how the item you’re interested in was made, and who benefits from your purchase. So, the next time you’re on the hunt for something absolutely unique – and maybe even one of kind – check out Novica.
For Those Who Can't Fight 