The decoupage art of my wife Barbara and I are collaborative works, combining my fine art photography with her artistic talents. Using skill and an eye for detail,  Barbara incorporates my European and nature scenes into “objets d’art” by means of the centuries old art form of decoupage, creating utilitarian works of art from modern day objects.  These items are for sale on her Etsy Shop at http://www.ArtfulHomeDecor.Etsy.com

The art of decorating objects by gluing colored paper to them and finishing with multiple layers of varnish dates back many centuries. By the 12th century it was being practiced in China, possibly coming from eastern Siberia. By the 17th and 18th centuries it had spread to Europe, being known as Japaning in England. Artisans in Florence refined the techniques by the 18th century, producing what are now highly collectible antiques.

In a culture where everyday household items are mass produced and simply serve a utilitarian purpose, these pieces bear the mark of handrafted artisans and are truly unique. Each of these pieces is one of my fine art prints, printed and then applied to the object with decoupage techniques using multiple layers of varnish to create the finished work. The result is a work of art that can be and is intended for everyday use.

These are just a sample of Barbara's decoupage art for sale on her Etsy site.

If you wish to read more about our collaborative process, the following article was published in the St. Louis Post Dispatch newspaper: MADE IN ST LOUIS