Novica Handmade Reverse Painted Glass 'Turquoise Blue Butterflies' Mirror

This handmade creation is offered in partnership with NOVICA, in association with National Geographic. Beautiful butterflies come to life in vivid tones. By Peruvian master Gelacio Girón, this turquoise blue hand mirror is crafted in the time-honored tradition of Cajamarca. He paints the motifs on the reverse side of glass, achieving a jewel-like clarity of color. Gilt adorns the borders. Product Features: Weight: 0.6 lbs Frame Dimensions: 12" H x 7.25"" W x 0.4"" D Mirror Dimensions: 3.7"" W x 3.7"" H Colors: Torquise blue, Multi Mirror shape: Round Materials: Glass, Plywood Pattern: Butterfly Made in Peru Story Behind the Art: I feel very contented when I think of how my work is appreciated in people's homes both inside and outside Peru. I share this happiness with my family. 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. Please allow 10 business days for the product to leave our warehouse and to receive tracking information. You should expect to receive this item within 15 business days."