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Patricia Umbert

"My full name is Renee Patricia Umbert Delgado, from Lima. My father was a pioneer in Peruvian commercial T.V., and I believe I inherited from him the ability to use manual tools. My mother has always been a homemaker.

"After high school I studied photography, but the origins of my artistic inclinations are rooted in my family history, where there are painters, decorators and writers. That's were my creativity and sense of artistry comes from.

"Some years ago I received a phone call from my son, asking if I could make some bracelets as gifts to give at my granddaughter's First Communion. I got my mother to help me, and then my daughter, sisters and friends began to ask me to make necklaces, earrings and bracelets for them. What began as a hobby has become a wonderful artistic manifestation.

"I decided to make a collection to promote in the U.S. and in Panama, and I sold everything I had! I was so proud and touched by the way my designs were received that it inspired me to continue.

"The first time I traveled abroad I went with my nephew, and I put everything in one of my suitcases, forgetting to declare them. I usually fill my suitcases with sweets and chocolates for my grandchildren, so when I was asked by a customs official if all that I really had in there were sweets and chocolates, I said yes, forgetting about my jewelry collections which the officer could see through the x-ray machine! When my daughter asked me if I had had any problems with customs, it finally dawned on me that I had forgotten all about the jewelry!

"When I was younger I loved to read and play tennis. Now my favorite pastimes are making jewelry, cooking and knitting. My style is simple and minimalist, which is what I'm sure makes them so attractive to so many.

"One of the things that motivates me the most is the beauty to be found in this part of the continent, such as our gemstones and silver. My designs are intended to let the world see them through my designs.

"I am now facing the biggest challenge of my life, which is to establish myself in the world of jewelry design. I am thankful to Novica for offering opportunities to us artists, there aren't many company's that are as supportive to artists such as myself."