Update (November, 2019)

"I joined NOVICA 10 years ago through a friend. I have seen a massive change in the way I work. The way I design and handle my works now is very different; especially with measurements. Before, I wasn't fumigating my works, but now I am doing it.

"I am usually not very serious about my business, but the money I make from NOVICA makes me very happy. I am currently at the Accra art center, where I have my workshop. My goal is to focus more on the business to satisfy my customers."

Original Artisan Story

My name is Daniel Nii Teiko Boye and I carve wood in my hometown of Accra. My friends describe me as friendly, hardworking and creative.

I'm interested in art because I love to pursue my talent. I am passing on the lessons I learned to others. My inspiration comes from nature.

My mother died when I was 15 years old. I was playing football in the neighborhood only to be called home to hear that my mom had just died.

I started an after school job sanding down my master artisan's pieces during junior high school. I loved the work so much that my uncle took me under his wing to learn this craft after my dad died and I dropped out of school.

I struggled to learn this craft because there were days that I had to work on an empty stomach, and I was in training for three years.

Starting on my own wasn't easy at all. I had to invest all of the money I'd worked so hard to earn. I started working from home, carving one item at a time to sell at the market. I gradually saved money over time to rent a place to work. Despite my struggles, I'm happy to own my workshop and carve, design and finish my pieces myself.

I love seeing the final outcome of my carvings. I like to help the young people of my community by teaching them how to carve and design. Someday, I'd like to have a bigger workshop and spread my craft by teaching others.