This handmade creation is offered in partnership with NOVICA, in association with National Geographic.

The steel welcome sign features a cheerful parrot. Hand-painted by Mexico's Alejandro de Esesarte, the charming welcome sign is meant to be mounted on the wall.

Product Features:

• Weight; 1.4 lbs
• Dimension: 15" H x 23.5" W x 0.6" D
• Colors: Green, red, yellow
• Material: Steel
• Made in Mexico.

Story Behind the Art:
I was born in Agua Prieta, Sonora near the border of Arizona with its colorful flowers. I feel influenced by both cultures but, above all, I identify with Mexico.

From the time I was a boy, I was attracted to art. My mother painted and I admired her creative ability. I began to draw cartooncharacters at first. Later, as I became better at it, I drew animals and plants. I then learned watercolor, which is something I still enjoy.

When I was 11, I began collecting butterflies. I'd catch them and keep them in a wooden box to exhibit them. When I was 20, I became an ecologist and defender of nature, and this is when I began to create animals in clay and resin.

In 1908, my grandmother crafted a tray with a metal butterfly. My technique is similar to cutout metal, but more rudimentary. From this, I became inspired and started working in metal for its versatility.

In 2004, I set up my workshop. I create each piece with my passion for drawing, and seeing the finished work fills me with satisfaction. I am very strict with quality because I'm very demanding in my work. I'm a perfectionist, and demand a great deal of myself because I love to watch people's faces, see their smiles when they see my work.

A desire to get ahead motivates me. Today I have a workshop, a cockatoo named Coco and a cactus collection. Those are all the tools I need to continue working."

Please allow 10 business days for the product to leave our warehouse and to receive tracking information. You should expect to receive this item within 15 business days.