Artist Samantha McIntyre’s Rooftop Hideaway

Through an inconspicuous doorway in Fitzroy, Melbourne (Naarm), up dozens of dizzying stairs sits Samantha McIntyre’s urban sanctuary. The beekeeper, artist & ceramicist aka The Soda Fountain has made herself at home in this lofty space, with every nook & cranny filled with creations made by her own hand, and by her talented bevy of friends. You could spend all afternoon here with her two cats, 6 fish and bees in the thousands, rifling through her creative curios, and that's just what we did – captured by dear friend, Phillip Huynh – we chatted about Sam’s work, her inner city lifestyle, and who she wants to be when she grows up.

“My home is my sanctuary and my inspiration. I’ve lived here 2.5 years now and have shared the space with either a close friend (who is moving back next month) or friends of friends. I love being here to rest, relax and feel safe and to share my space with those I love. It’s constantly filled with streams of light from the skylights, too many chairs because I adore following the sun in comfort - like my cats - and always flowers somewhere in the space.

“I’ve filled my home with colourful furniture and loads of art, because I didn’t have art on my walls growing up (posters ripped from magazines clung to my walls instead). I wanted to surround myself with beauty and brightness so even if I'm not feeling either of those internally, I can be enveloped in a cloud of it.”

“It truly is a haven. I watch a lot of films, either alone or with friends, I try to read when I can, lots of beekeeping from the two hives I share with a friend - weather permitting - drinks on the couch or rooftop, loud music whilst I work away at my ceramics, continuous weeding of the garden and trying to grow my flowers from seedlings, chasing the cats to force cuddles, meals shared with my dear friends in the kitchen or outdoors, watching the sunsets. This morning I sipped my coffee and watched a crackle of cockatoos playing on the commission flats for ages in the sunshine. It’s so beautiful and tranquil up here even with the city bustling away at my doorstep.”

“My bedroom is bright and comfortable. I’m a huge fan of sleep or being horizontal. It’s my favourite space to reflect, daydream and be alone. I can watch the sun’s path through the window and skylight. During a full moon, I’m sometimes woken by its brightness streaming on me from my skylight. I call the skylight my personal James Turrell exhibition because it really does put on a great natural light show.”

I call the skylight my personal James Turrell exhibition because it really does put on a great natural light show.

Sam’s bed is dressed with our 100% Linen Mist Sheet Set & Stone Duvet Set.

“[My bed time rituals are] very simple: Clean my face and teeth, moisturise my face and neck, lavender oil sprinkled over my pillows and neck/wrists and deep breathing until I slip into sleep.”

“The photograph beside my bed of my two favourite people in this world. My ceramics remind me to continue chasing dreams and not let anyone tell me otherwise. [My cats] saved me when I was in a very depressed state a few years ago and continue to bring me joy daily. Souvenirs that my dearest friend, Phillip has given me from his travels bring me constant joy also. I’ve scattered his postcards along my walls, cupboards. I love my friends so much.”

My ceramics remind me to continue chasing dreams and not let anyone tell me otherwise.

Samantha wears our Organic Cotton Terry Robe in Cocoa & Ivory Stripe.

“I went to a ceramics class at a Thornbury community centre in 2018 and fell in love. I was able to explore lots of shapes then started painting my first checkered bowl, got it back, it was perfect, I was hooked and then Covid hit. Friends began buying some works and it all took off from there. I made ceramics to help channel my depression and emotions and thankfully, many people loved my work as well.. I’m hoping to show others what a therapeutic tool ceramics can be by holding clay classes at my home in a tranquil, fun surrounding. I’ve held two so far and will aim to have a few more this July, or late June. I’ve also begun exploring larger works and would love to have my own show soon. I have a few evolving ideas to bring joy into my own and others lives on the horizon but development always takes time.”

Sam's bathroom is adorned with our Cocoa Bath Towels & Bath Mat.

“My favourite friend and creative is Phillip Huynh. He is constantly brimming with new ideas and always pushing me to be a better person and creative. Working alongside Phil and learning from him has been the best fun, and certainly eye opening. I recently did a popup in my home with my friends, Georgie of @curiopractice and Anneliese of @peacheslacreme where we transformed the open living area into a gallery and showroom for a weekend. This year, I’ve started a practice, @beekeephers, involving bees and their significance, with my friend, Cat of @__s____o . We hope to bring awareness to why bees are so wonderful and important to our planet, as well as other important topics dear to our hearts. I’m hopeful I’ll be able to collaborate with other creative geniuses this year and to keep pushing myself to dream bigger.”

“[Home] is so central to my favourite people and has great food/ gardens almost at my doorstep. Everything is convenient for me - I'm all about convenience, especially with food because I don’t like to cook. Whenever someone teases me about the lack of food in my home, I tell them Agnes Martin ate the same simple meal every day for years (I want to be her when I grow up).”

Whenever someone teases me about the lack of food in my home, I tell them Agnes Martin ate the same simple meal every day for years (I want to be her when I grow up).

“I always love going to Heide Museum for both galleries and nature. (Their apiary is also epic). Local fav grocer is the Kimchi Grocer next door - she’s the absolute best. Sunrise Cafe is great for bahn mi and fresh juice. Fitzroy Gardens, Neon Parc gallery, A1 Bakery, Luther’s or Billy Van ice cream 4eva. I miss the beaches on the Gold Coast... Gray and Gray is a favourite. All are Welcome etc. So many places really.”

“[This year I'll be] growing my practice and business, getting back into painting on canvas, holding more ceramic classes, more meals with friends, beekeeping and hopefully robbing honey in Spring and focusing on the continuation of better mental health and everything that comes with that.”