Guena "I have more patience for art than for logic!" "In 1980 I left behind a career as an accountant and I dove into the artistic universe. I began as an artisan's assistant and a sculptor, and gradually I became fascinated with gems and crystals. Soon after, I was exhibiting my work at local art fairs and markets. "Despite the fact my academic formation revolved around sitting behind a desk, now I can tell you I could never go back to a technical or bureaucratic job – I have more patience for art than for logic! "Nowadays I travel throughout Brazil in search of crystals from Bahia, emeralds from Minas Gerais, agates from Rio Grande do Sul, and many other naturally occurring wonders. I continuously learn new techniques and craft different products. I realize I have experienced a great personal transformation. Although many times difficult, I have learned that the path of an artisan is a path without return in which a person experiences beauty to the maximum, as well as moments of singular freedom. "I know the Internet has a great potential, but I must admit I don't know much about computers – it's synonymous to a way of life I long left behind. I leave that to my children - they can take care of it for me. To me, Novica means an excellent opportunity for people to get to know the extraordinary work people all over the world are capable of making. It is an excellent way for an artisan to exhibit his work without the confinement of borders."

	Customer Reviews
		Dear Guena -- As I held the "Trees of Hope and Peace" statuettes, I could feel the positive energy and loving craftsmanship you infused into your artwork. I am saving the two pairs of "Trees of Love and Joy" to give as wedding presents to dear friends. Thank you for creating pieces of such power and beauty. And may our world be filled with more hope, peace, love, and joy. - Holly B, Maryland, USA Hi Guena! I just received my beautiful quartz crystal pyramid & want you to know how thrilled I am. It is just beautiful, the colors inside are fabulous! It makes me feel that the piece was carved just for me. Keep up the fabulous work, you are a true artist! - DONNA M, OWASSO OK USA Guena's stonework is lovely. Both the stone and the craftsmanship are excellent. They have a wonderful feel to them. I chose to purchase more of his work instead of buying locally because I know it will be worth it. - Adela D, Milwaukee, WI, USA Dear Guena, I recently ordered the "Freedom Heart" necklace and I absolutely love it. It is perfect and beautiful, and I feel great when I wear it. It has quickly become one of my favorite pieces of jewelry. Thank you! - Jennifer P, Fort Lauderdale/FL/U.S.A. My "Emerald Lust" gem tree created by Guena arrived today from Brazil and I am absolutely thrilled with it. It came beautifully gift wrapped with a handwritten card of thanks (obrigado) in Portuguese. I was quite moved by this personal touch---realizing that it truly is a gift. Opening it was a treat in itself. It was packed so well that it reminded me of one of those gifts where you have to keep unwrapping box after box till you get your "prize". The tree is so much lovelier than the photo rendering. The emeralds are exquisite against the gold-colored brass branches.The base shimmers. Guena has designed a very special piece that will be a treasure and delight to me for years to come. I recently visited Brazil, the land that transformed his life (and mine)---and I am convinced Guena's art truly does come from his heart. OBRIGADA!! - Stefanie W, Los Angeles, California USA A superb stone. We couldn't be happier. Great shipping. - Ronald A Fabulously beautiful coasters. Thank you. - Peter F, New York, USA My boyfriend is from Brazil and i wanted to get him something special for his birthday. After a long search for something purely amazing, i found your site. All of the art here was breathtaking and it took me quite a while, but Guena's work was irresistible. I couldn't pass it up; it is so beautiful. The fact that it is all natural made it even more special. I am extremely happy with my purchase. - Rachel R., Massachusetts, USA I love the beautiful little Gemstone trees in "Seasons" by Guena. They are truly a work of art. Thank you. - Lois N, Canada My kids & I bought my wife the Medium Amethyst Gem Stone Tree. The size is perfect and my wife was surprised. She remembers a birth stone tree I bought my mom when I was a kid. She has always wanted a gem tree, and we are happy we found trees by Guena. She loves it very much, and Guena's creation is very nice. She loves it so much we are surprising her with another tree for this Valentines Day. She said she would rather have a tree by Guena than roses. So we order the colors of love. My wife loves roses and for her to say she wanted another Guena tree says a lot about the quality. - Jason J, FL - USA I opened my package from Novica today. In it was something of exquisite power and beauty; it was the white quartz crystal pyramid made by Guena. It took my breath away. Pure Light. Guena you are a genius, truly inspired by God. It is my pleasure and honour to have something of your work in my home. Philip Andrews - Philip Andrews, Godalming, Surrey, UK I recently bought the "Green agate and cedar coasters, 'Amazon Emerald'" and have had some time to use them and wanted to say that I really like them. I am using them at work in my office space (small cubicle) and everyone who walks by loves them. The only thing is that my coffee mug and water bottle are larger than the size of the coaster; but its not a big deal as I am able to put 2 or 3 of them together to make an interesting display and still protect my desk! I am looking forward to buying more items in the future! - Andy Torgerson, Staten Island, NY I love the agate wind chime! What a great idea and it looks so fantastic! - C L, USA I ordered an amethyst tree and when it arrived, it was more beautiful than the photo. What wonderful craftsmanship and caring went into this piece. Thank you so much! - N R, Massachusetts, USA What beautiful work--Your items are lovely! Thank you!! - Wendy Champoux