Novica Handmade Lilac Star Reverse Painted Glass Mirror

Peru's Gelacio Giron masters the classic reverse painting on glass technique that dates back to Colonial times and hopes to capture his admiration for nature and the need to protect it with his work. He designs a breathtaking wall mirror shaped like a star with a beautiful lilac background and flower and leaf motifs that add to its infinite charm. Product Features: Dimension: 7.75" H x 7.75"" W x 0.6"" D Weight: 0.68 Color: Purple Material: MDF, glass, mirror Made in Peru Story Behind the art: I'm Gelacio Giron Fernandez. I was born in 1958 in the Gorgor district but, soon afterward, we moved temporarily to Huanuco Raura in the sierra. We all had to move from place to place because of my father's work in the mine. This is how I came to attend primary school in Raura. The teachers went to the mine shelters and gave classes to all the young children of the workers. It wasn't easy but my parents worked hard to give me an education so I could defend myself and get ahead in life. After I completed primary school, we returned to our home where I finished junior high school and did my military service. Our economic situation got difficult again and it maintaining the household was no easy task. Our daily income began to decrease and I realized I had to look for better opportunities. I decided to go to Lima, the capital. I didn't have much money for travel or for a new life in the city, but this didn't stop me. From the very beginning, I knew I had to look for every possible way to live and get ahead through work. With the little cash I had and two or three changes of clothing, I left home. I didn't really know I'd do so I looked up an aunt who lived in Lima and stayed with her only until I found work so I could pay my own way. I took all kinds of jobs. I worked cleaning houses and offices. I was a salesman in a lot of shops and stores. I was an assistant print maker. After a few years, I'd earned enough to pay my dear aunt and enroll in a technical school for a course in accounting. My goal was to become qualified for better jobs. I never imagined becoming an artisan because I needed to pay my daily expenses and send money home to my parents. With my diploma, I was hired in the government mint in Lima but political problems and a change in government led them to cut back on personnel some two years later. I was laid off. I was confused and felt bad because I knew I'd have to start over again. This was a hard blow for someone as young as I was. My family was far away and I had to look after myself; I had to find strength when I had none. Suddenly, I found myself looking for an uncle who lived in the district to ask him for work or to recommend something because I didn't have a job. He worked as an artisan back in the 1980s, crafting coasters, mirrors, boxes and chests in reverse-painted glass, which he sold in a nearby market. 'Gelacio,' he said, 'I can teach you to work in reverse-painted glass. You'll need patience and good humor because, otherwise, your designs won't sell. What do you think? Will you accept my offer?' I knew it would take me a while to learn but I didn't hesitate. So I soon found myself immersed in the world of painting. I liked it a lot. In fact, I'd say it was love at first sight. From the first time I saw my uncle's work, the process and the results, I was overcome with the desire to learn. That's when I knew this is what I wanted to do in life. The handmade touch of artisan skill creates variations in color, size and design. If buying two of the same item, slight differences should be expected. Note: Color discrepancies may occur between this product and your computer screen. Imported"