Close Window

Tula and Greta

"Hello. I'm Tula Zimic Leo and I was born on June 4, 1946. I lived in Huaraz, but went to Lima for university to study at the Normal de Monterrico. I consider myself a self-taught artist, however my family has always worked in handicrafts. Mr. Luigi Varese was my mentor and teacher. Thanks to his experience and teaching, I was able to create jewelry, which brings me much satisfaction.

"I remember many experiences along this road of art, and I've learned from them. Once, when we were getting ready for Christmas, I was wrapping a gift package for someone who had purchased a beautiful piece of our jewelry. I was so excited to be talking about it that I forgot to put the gift inside. What a surprise for the recipient when she opened her long-awaited Christmas present… I felt terrible that she had to wait until after the holiday to see it.

"Handicrafts are one of my hobbies, and reading is my vice. I'd describe my art as a need to create something new, something beautiful and daring with a personality of its own. Each piece I craft motivates me to create more. Being able to make something useful and seeing it worn by friends and clients fills me with joy. With each piece I strive to transmit freedom, energy, happiness and audacity. For me, art is a way of expressing people's positive and negative feelings.

"My greatest challenge is when a piece doesn't come out well, or the way I'd planned. This frustrates me. There's a lot of pressure in finishing a piece as perfectly as it should be. Fortunately, my family supports me and that's very important.

"Greta de Hunger and I make a great team. She was born in Zurich, Switzerland on September 19, 1947. She'll tell you about herself."

"I was educated in Switzerland, and I'm a self-taught artist. I once taught a specialized jewelry course there of six months duration; I was named as the professor. From the time I was a little girl, I took classes in ballet, handicrafts, music and painting. When I arrived in Peru, I was really impressed by the skills of craftspeople here. My admiration led me to contact some of them and provide designs for their ancestral techniques, and this is the marvelous fusion of our jewelry.

"I remember that the first necklace I made wasn't very attractive, due to my lack of experience. With time, I was able to improve my work. Today I treasure those first pieces of jewelry because they represent my beginnings in the world of art. My hobbies include ballet, playing music and crafting ceramics. I also spend time reading, decorating and traveling.

"I'd describe my art as a necessity for creation, for seeking something new. My work itself motivates me. I try to transmit the legacy of Peruvian culture in my designs but I give them a modern touch. I also see my jewelry as an expression of feelings. I've found it challenging to combine my studies with my artistic work. Life has brought me other difficulties as well but, with the help and unity of my family, I got through them.

"I'd like to tell our Novica friends that our designs are crafted with much love. We enjoy creating jewelry that is different. We hope that when you wear it, you experience our own happiness and the affection we feel for you." Tula and Greta have exhibited their designs in Nicaragua, Germany, Switzerland, Chile and the cities of New York and Miami.