Introducing: Samantha J. Lowe!

We are very excited to announce that we are going to be carrying beautiful votives made by Samantha J. Lowe in the shop!

These striking images, originally published from the 1600’s to the 1800’s, are hand-dyed and lovingly decoupaged. Here is Samantha at work on a darling little mammoth. Or elephant?

The decoupage process gives them a wonderfully subtle texture, and a subtle glimmer when they are lit from within. It is difficult to convey in a photograph, but the artist herself has done a lovely job of showing the effect here:

Coincidentally, this picture has two of oh-so-favorites, the evil kitty and the jaunty octopus. I see a collection coming on…just look at all these designs! Don’t you want to collect them all? I know I do.

The multi-talented Samantha also takes beautiful photographs, and all those you see here are courtesy of the artist herself. We appreciate her sharing with us, so that we can show you a little of her process.

We also chatted with Samantha over email, to find out a little more about her, and her work.

1) What inspires you?

People keep me inspired – I am endlessly fascinated by them!

2) Why decoupage?

I like the finish that I can achieve with decoupage, it’s so versatile with the end result looking and feeling like a ceramic piece.

3) Are you working on anything new?

Yes! I have lots of new ideas in the works and some exciting collaborations that should see 2013 to be a very busy year.

4) You have taken some beautiful photographs, have you taken a new photograph recently that you would be willing to share with us?

This photo was taken on my most recent trip to India.  I was lucky enough to spend a couple of days with a group of girls that were learning to apply makeup for the traditional Indian wedding celebration.  The end result is the bride completely bejeweled from head to toe with elaborate makeup and costume.  I have very fond memories of my time spent with these beautiful girls

5) What is your favorite thing to cook? Could you share the recipe with us?

A Sunday Roast Chicken is definitely one of my most favorite dishes to cook and it never fails to please my guests!  I first followed the recipe from Jamie Oliver’s The Naked Chief cookbook and have tweaked it since.  Firstly, purchase an organic chemical free chicken, I like to think that the chicken was a happy chicken. Wash the chicken inside and out and pat dry. Chop up a couple of handfuls of herbs; marjoram, thyme and basil.  Carefully separate the outer breast skin from the breast to make a pouch, drizzle some oil in the pouch and add a pinch of maldon salt – fill with the chopped herbs – these flavors’ will infuse into the meat. Cut up a lemon into quarters and fill the cavity of the chicken along with fresh rosemary and garlic cloves. I close the cavity by using a coupe of toothpicks.  Slice a cut into the thighs and rub in the left over chopped herbs.  Rub oil over the entire chicken and season with salt and pepper. Cook time varies on the size of the chicken.  For the vegetables, I parboil the potatoes and cook until crispy, along with sweet potato and carrot.  I always use rosemary and plenty of garlic cloves in the veggie pan.

6) What is your favorite local place to hang out, for a meal a drink, or maybe just a pretty place to get back to nature?

At the moment I am living in the East Village in NYC.  There is a plethora of choice when it comes to eating out and I love to discover new places.  I live a few blocks from the East River and walk along the promenade most mornings, growing up in Sydney Australia I like to be near the water.  Spring is gorgeous in NYC with everything coming into bloom. Here is picture from a morning walk

Thank you Samantha, for spending some time with Finbury & Stanley, and showing us so much for your amazing work!

I plan to try the Sunday Roast Chicken recipe tonight, even though it’s only Saturday, I don’t want to wait until tomorrow. Yum. I’ll keep you all updated on that.

Tell me in the comments which is YOUR favorite design! Oh and P.S. Samantha can do custom votive designs, for an incredible luxe individualized look on a celebratory table, or a very very special wedding favor that your guests will treasure forever!