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Asunta Pelaez

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Asunta Pelaez

Reverse-painted glass mirrors and trays in The Andes

"A dream is a wish your heart makes. It doesn't come true through magic. It requires determination and hard work."

"My passion for art comes from the depths of my heart. It's in my DNA. From childhood, I attended all the drawing and painting classes at school. I spent many hours there and I learned well. Once I had mastered the paintbrush and colors, I loved to set my creativity free. I really enjoyed my art classes. My time was spent in school, in art workshops and at home.

"A short time later, disaster stuck. I lost my parents when I was still a girl and it was devastating to me. We five children stayed with our aunt and uncle, and other close relatives helped look after us. We eventually moved to Lima where we tried to go on with our lives. Our goal was to become the best we could be and overcome life's obstacles in memory of our parents.

"In Lima, I began studying accounting while visiting workshops and helping my aunt and uncle. At school there, I met the man who would become my husband, my best friend and life teacher. He courted me through his art. He taught me what he knew about reverse painted glass and suggested I collaborate in his workshop.

"When I went to his workshop, I hadn't the slightest idea of what would happen or is my work would be good enough. But I thought back in time and remembered how I was good at drawing and painting. Then I felt more secure and was happy to learn this traditional Andean art form with techniques that have been handed down over generations.

"I fell in love with this beautiful work and the lovely designs we're able to create. I was really impressed. Since then, I've spent my whole life doing what I love most. Reverse painted glass isn't only my work. It's become a way of life. I strive to do even better by studying every detail and to become a master artisan so I can be the best I can be, together with my family.

"I originally began to learn thanks to the influence of my husband's family. But over time, we've unified our abilities and work. Little by little, I learned to design and paint. It's so satisfying to be able to dedicate myself fulltime to what I enjoy most.

"I follow a meticulous process, carefully shaping the wood to give it a pleasing form. This whole process demands incredible patience and attention to detail. The motifs are painted by hand on the reverse side of glass panes, which are inlaid onto the mirror frames, trays and decorative boxes.

"My designs are inspired by nature, and by typical scenes from my town and region. I feel very proud of the works that I create, and I look forward to sharing them with more and more people around the world."

"Novica has brought about a great change in my life, economically, of course, and personally as well, because I really value their recognition of my work. They make me feel good about myself, and encourage me to keep moving ahead. Shoppers post testimonials saying how happy they are with my designs and how wonderful they find my work.

"Reverse painted glass won't make anyone wealthy, and making a living through art isn't easy. However, thanks to Novica, today I can offer employment to others, including women who otherwise have few sources of income.

"In recent years, I've had some problems with my health while our expenses increased and, for a moment, I felt the situation was getting the best of me. Sales were affected and I had to make a drastic decision. I decided to shut down my workshop.

"This was so hard for me. But shortly after resolving our problems, I listened to my family who urged me to return to my workshop. 'It's what you enjoy most,' they said. 'Don't abandon this dream.' So I got my courage together and opened it again. I looked for the people who had collaborated with me and we made a new beginning together.

"Little by little, things got more normal and we continue working with the people from Novica, who have always been there for me, standing with me and valuing my designs from the very beginning. I hope to continue offering them the best of me — not only today but always.

"A dream is a wish your heart makes. It doesn't come true through magic. It requires determination and hard work. I'm proud of my designs and want to share them with even more people. With Novica, I'm sure I will."

Asunta Pelaez' work has been featured in Faith and Family magazine.

Cause Badges

Confronting Adversity

Preserving Traditions

Microcredit Financing

Enabling Education

Profound Impact

Empowering Women

63 items by Asunta Pelaez

Reviews by Customers

Artist rating

Total reviews

115

Barbara

Verified Reviewer

06/20/2020

"Looks Perfect on my Peach WLl"

Beautiful workmanship and detail. I love looking at it up close. The details are so intriguing! If I had more wall space I d have more mirrors.

Best Uses

Anywhere

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Purchased Item:

Red Star, Collectible Floral Peruvian Reverse Painted Glass Mirror

Penny

Verified Reviewer

06/09/2020

"Painted Butterflies"

This box is so lovely. The design and artwork is very well done.

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Purchased Item:

Butterfly Jubilee in Bone, Reverse Painted Glass Butterfly Decorative Box in Bone

Rachel

Verified Reviewer

05/17/2020

"Holds My Treasures"

This is a beautiful box. The colors are subtle, warm and perfect. I was very pleased with the purchase.

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Yes (1) No (0)

Purchased Item:

Cartographer's Treasure, Golden World Map Reverse Painted Glass Wood Decorative Box

Julie

From Northfield, Connecticut, USA

Verified Reviewer

05/15/2020

"mirror with beautiful border"

This mirror is beautiful. I gifted it to a friend and she was thrilled. Its really a showpiece that deserves a place on the wall where it is decorative as well as functional.

Tags By Julie

mirror

Best Uses

decoration, mirror

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Yes (1) No (0)

Gift Occasion:

This was a gift for: Girlfriend
Occasion: birthday

Purchased Item:

Blue Cajamarca Blossom, Andean Reverse Painted Glass Blue Floral Wall Mirror

Michelle

From Londonderry/NH/USA

Verified Reviewer

05/10/2020

"My daughter loves them"

Beautiful workmanship

Best Uses

Jewelry

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Purchased Item:

Red White and Blue, Reverse Painted Glass Decorative Boxes (Set of 3)

Russell

Verified Reviewer

05/07/2020

"Wife loves it"

My wife loves butterflies and collects different types of boxes. This was the perfect gift for her.

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Purchased Item:

Orange Winter Butterflies, Butterflies on Orange Reverse Painted Glass Box from Peru

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