Norman Vieira has been making “exotic jewellery” from leather for the past 32 years and he has been supplying his finished products to a number of stores but now he is moving a step forward by displaying his products himself in a local craft shop.
It was his recent participation in the exhibition held at the National Gymnasium during Carifesta X, which saw many persons contacting him, prompting the move. He recently told The Scene that he was part of the Roots and Culture Art Movement exhibition and from the few days he spent there things have brightened up for him.
He said he learnt the trade many years ago in the streets of Brazil where he spent some time and actually started to ply the trade in that country before returning to Guyana.
The 57-year-old man said that he also made leather bags and leather sandals but because of the “competition I faced I decided to stop and just focus on exotic jewellery.” The man makes mostly earrings and hand bands from snake, sheep and cow skins. He said he supplies his jewellery to House Proud, a boutique at Le Meridien Pegasus and Roots and Culture Art Gallery in the City Mall.
He also had good support from Caricom Secretariat staff members when the office was located in the Bank of Guyana building.
Since he has been getting a number of calls following the exhibition, Vieira said, he approached Sonels Art and Craft in front of the Guyana Post Office and the owner has agreed for him to display his items there from September 25 for one week. Persons can visit the location or contact Vieira on 649-1457.