Handmade Calcite Gemstone Sculpture from Peru, "Excited Elephant"

Novica sales account for most of Cesar's income. It enables him to provide for his family, educate his children, take care of his health and provide full-time employment for other artisans. He is very grateful that his workshop has grown with Novica and for the security it has brought to his life.

"I learned to carve stone from a friend. In turn, I have taught my son and many of my workers the art of stone carving. When one of my artisans leaves to start a workshop of their own, I feel great pride. It means that the stone art of Peru will live on. Stone carving records the history of Peru and the Andes. Even though we now use machinery to bring our hand drawings to life... the stories the stones tell and the motifs we incorporate have been with us since pre-Inca times."

This artist is working with some sort of disability ranging from mental or physical and includes conditions such as being handicapped physically, or perhaps having a condition such as autism. This is also awarded to artists that employ other artists with disabilities.

Cesar's workshop is well-respected in his community. He is able to give full-time employment to his workers. He credits the steady income and recognition that Novica sales give him with the stability and determination that enable him to continue to grow his workshop.

Cesar Gonzales has received 5 microcredit loans with 0% interest from Kiva and Novica, the first for $500 and the most recent for $2050. Proceeds were used to buy stones and other raw materials he needs to increase production.

Cesar is constantly teaching and employing younger workers who are eager to learn from a master craftsman. Today he gives work to people who are the sole support of their families.

This artist striving to supporting their own or their family's basic needs and improve their livelihood.