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Rogerio Martins

"I am an industrial mechanic by education, born in Rio de Janeiro in 1963. I worked in my chosen area for 15 years, fabricating and selling wire. In 1998 I decided to change the focus of my in order to produce frames, canvases, and mirrors, all in demand by my wife, Ana Martins, who is also a Novica artist. As a matter of fact, that year was quite a magical one in my life. The change in my professional side coincided with my study of theology, and the two areas ended up complementing each other.

"I wanted to produce something with the materials that I had at hand. Then, in January of 2000, I began to make wooden boxes. This experience has been fantastic for me, as it has taught me to be patient. Before, on the production line, I used to count time in seconds. Now, I have learned to deal better with time, since in the production of just one box, I take hours. During the process, I think about life, reflecting and looking for ways to perfect my work. This patience and reflection contribute a lot to enrich my spirit and lend a force to my vocation.

"My family has always existed in great harmony, but being involved in the frame business has served to bring me even closer to my wife and children. Ana already works at home, and I am building a workshop for myself there, as well, so that I may be closer to everyone and give our daughters the attention and affection that they deserve from day to day. Today, Ana and I are even happier to be together because our work is related.

"I confess that Novica was a surprise for me. Initially we didn't believe in it - though we knew that the internet would be an imminent market, we hadn't grasped the dimension of its public. I hope that, just as with Ana's, the reception of my work will be a good one, since I believe that this encouragement will help me to grow as an artisan."