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Norita Castro

"My name is Norita Castro. I was born in Petrópolis, but I've lived in Rio since 1973. "By the time I was nine years old, I knew I liked handicrafts and already created my works of art. When I'd go with my father to a friend's workshop, I'd gather the used car parts, clean and paint them to become a pencil box or a paperweight. I was already recycling without knowing it.

"I also made clothes for my dolls. Because my mother was a dressmaker, she cut out the little dresses and I sewed everything by hand. And so I began to make a career of my art, teaching classes and marketing my pieces.

"I use any kind of material in my crafts – glass, newspaper, cardboard, plaster, discarded cans, fabric and any type of scrap. And because of the variety of materials, I find it easy to create objects that are different.

"I work alone and, when I begin to create a piece, I almost always achieve what I want. But sometimes, imagination leads me to do something very different from what I had in mind and with very satisfying results.

"I love everything that I do and I feel fulfilled when I am creating. Therefore, for me, art isn't only a source of income – though that is also important. Art is also my happiness and my pleasure in seeing a finished piece.

"I love my country. We have a rich and diversified craft tradition, as the Brazilian people are very creative. But, sadly, handicrafts are not highly valued here. Therefore I am very happy to show my designs with Novica. For me, it opens a door with great prospects."