I grew up in El Paso, TX, on the Mexican border, and my childhood was heavily influenced by the color, passion, and resourcefulness of Mexico and its citizens. Because of the current drug cartel struggles along the border, when I visit El Paso now, I no longer walk across the downtown Kansas Street bridge to the Juarez market. I miss my interactions with the various artisans and their fascinating work.

I love that Novica puts me in touch with interesting, talented artisans from around the world, people whom I would love to visit within their artistic context but cannot. In contrast to all the ways globalization has diminished our connection with others, Novica is enhancing that connection.