Philitha Stemplys-Cowdrey
My craft reflects my heritage and traditions of Lithuanian folk art. From an early age, I was entranced by it. My godmother, a master folk artist, had her home adorned with her work and it was as if you were transported to Lithuania’s countryside. I would study each piece and wonder what magic it took to create such intricate art. When I was seven, she began to teach me how to make traditional rye-straw ornaments, and years later I became her official apprentice in 2016. Over the years, I have honed and created my own style to add a modern twist to traditional works.
Lithuanian folk art is greatly influenced by its people’s interpretation of the natural world around them, especially embracing their agrarian and Baltic roots. Much of the work I create utilizes mediums I have grown, cultivated, and processed in my own gardens and homestead. This includes various natural plant dyes (onions, beets, etc), eggs, beeswax, and dried rye grass; with each plant or natural element having significant cultural meaning. My connection to the land and growing/raising my own medium brings me closer to original practices and honoring my ancestors.
I am well-rounded in many aspects of Lithuanian folk art, including ceramics, spring wands, and decorative eggs, and 2D & 3D rye-straw art. The patterns and designs, found in these forms, are typically traditional textile patterns or symbols found in our ancient Baltic religion. These designs call forth, not only aesthetically pleasing visuals, but also traditional meanings such as calling for a bountiful harvest, a fruitful family, and abundance. In my 2D work, I choose to expand outside of the traditional patterns to express my own modern style and include designs inspired by nature as well as historic events and folktales.
Cottage of the Three Cats
Apiary - Gardens - Folk Art