Joao Carlos Silva "Thinking back to my childhood days, I realized that crafting leather goods has always been present in my life. My uncles produced all sorts of leather… as well as musical instruments…." "In 1975, fate dealt me a lucky hand and I became an artisan. I had just left my post in the petrol industry when my neighbor invited me to help him craft leather bags. At the beginning I only sold the pieces, and eventually I started helping him more and more crafting the bags. "This craft soon improved my quality of life, although it does require total dedication. I didn't have the opportunity to study and acquire a professional formation, and my aunt and uncle brought me up in a rural area in the state of Rio de Janeiro. Thinking back to my childhood days, I realized that crafting leather goods has always been present in my life. My uncles produced all sorts of leather baskets for their own use, as well as musical instruments including drums, which they sold at local fairs. I was only a child, but I was always curious and observed them at work, and I tried to help in any way possible. Then, as if dictated by destiny, I found myself obtaining the necessary permits to sell my own leather bags! "I feel so happy and proud to see my work is now exhibited to the whole world through Novica – it's like crowning my artistic trajectory."

	Customer Reviews
		What a fantasic bag, the leather and craftmanship is perfect. So glad to be in touch with you. Thanks - SHEILA M Thank you so much for a beautiful backpack, I love it!!!! :) The leather and craftsmanship is excellent. I am so glad I found you. - Beata W, Scottsdale/AZ/USA I was originally going to buy a bag somewhere else. Boy am I glad I found you! The leather is so soft, and the bag is so well made. I'm very impressed. Thank you! I'll enjoy it for years to come :) - V A O, Orlando, FL USA I was hunting for a nice leather duffle and I sure found one. This guy is great. Nice workmanship and super leather. Thanks - Ronald A, Wendell, ID USA Excellent. Quality is unreal. An eye turner for sure. - Ronald A I have been looking for a leather back pack for 3 years and yours arrived within 5 days of ordering it. It is perfect. The leather is beautiful and the style and workmanship is outstanding. Thank you Joan Beedle - Joan Beedle, Holmfirth West Yorks UK I have just purchased a knapsack. How shall I define it? A knapsack is a knapsack. Right? Well, not exactly, because a knapsack, made from a soft, luxurious buffalo leather, is hardly an ordinary knapsack. And, when it has been conceived and made by none other than the renowned Brazilian Artist, Joao Carlos Silva, it is one of a kind knapsack, a treasure to own and cherishe for years to come. Will you believe me when I say that it looks like a BUFFALO, mighty and strong? - Krystyna, Pierrefonds, P.Q. Canada. I purchased the medium brown leather weekender bag for my husband and he was extremely pleased. The quality is top notch both in workmanship and artistry. It arrived in a timely manner as promised. Thank you so much for sharing your gift of leather making with the world. - Lynda