Judy Decker

Greetings ArtConversation Visitors,

I haven't posted here for a while. I have a new "passion" - Purchasing art "Fair Trade". You have seen posts here - and other places online where you can buy reproductions of master works for a few dollars? Well.... that of course is an example of exploitation of artists - definitely not Fair Trade.

One of my favorite places to buy real art - original works - created by artists around the world is NOVICA.com - in cooperation with National Geographic.
http://www.novica.com/

While much of the "art" available through Novica falls under the categories in "crafts" (jewelry, textiles, ceramics) - there is indeed what we call "fine art" (painting, sculpture, fine art prints) as well.

This is taken from the Mission Statement on Novica:

"We want to give artists and artisans around the world a global platform to express their true artistic talents and to spur their creativity. And, we want to provide you with access to unique, hard-to-find items at great values that only the Internet infrastructure can allow.

"At the deepest essence of our philosophy, we want to create a bridge between you and the many talented artisans across the globe."

I have my long "wish list" on the site - and have purchased many works - for the meaning - the artists' personal stories - and the aesthetics of the pieces.

I am a former art teacher and would often have my students look at artwork from Novica in connection to my lessons. Now I have time to purchase many items - for me, my home and my church.

Browse Novica.com -- and enjoy!

Regards,

Judy Decker