NOVICA Handmade Upcycled Metal Sculpture, 'Rustic Tarantula' (Mexico)

Native to Mexico, the tarantula is protected by law, yet poachers often capture the arachnids for illegal trade. Today, domestically-raised tarantulas are being nurtured in Jalisco to make illegal trafficking unprofitable. By Armando Ramirez, the large, hairy spider comes to life in recycled metal. Sheet metal scraps, a half sphere and galvanized wire all find a new life in this unique sculpture, while screws become the fangs.

Product features:

• Dimensions: 2" H x 5.25" W x 6" D 
• Weight: 1.0 lbs 
• Type: Sculptures
• Material: Metal
• Color: Grey
• Made in Mexico

Story behind the art:

I've been working with NOVICA now since 2002 and I consider the team as part of my own family. I had the privilege of having one of the directors explain the project to me.When I first set up my workshop, sales were slow. But every member of the NOVICA team showed me an incredible support and I found strength and faith in knowing that my work was being shared.The changes were obvious - we had to train the people who assist me and pay them better to overcome the challenges that arose along the way. My workshop became a formal and well-organized place to create and we improved the quality of our work as well as the tools to craft each of our designs.We're still working in the same workshop where we began but we've expanded the work space and are growing as needed to keep up with the demands for our sculptures, chess sets and decor accents.We've faced significant challenges over these years. One I remember most was the supply of our materials. Once I was about to replenish designs for NOVICA and the pieces I used as the base of my sculptures were out of stock. I looked in a number of other places but wasn't able to find what I needed. I was told these pieces sold out easily here in the state, so I began seeking out suppliers from all over Mexico.In addition to the automotive and bicycle parts and scraps from die-cut metal, I've begun using pieces from suppliers that dismantle firearms. Our standardizing of each sculpture is much better organized. I'm very pleased to have definitively formalized my workshop.Today, I'm studying fine arts at the University of Guadalajara. My idea is that this will let me greatly expand my creativity.