artists Archives - Amy Hirsch

Bruce Museum Outdoor Arts Festival

One of the most popular events hosted by the Bruce Museum is the Outdoor Arts Festival.

The Bruce Museum in Greenwich is well known for being an outstanding institution. Their art, science, and natural history exhibits, many of which change annually, are housed in a historic building that was originally the home of Robert Moffat Bruce. Robert Moffat Bruce deeded his property to the Town of Greenwich in 1908 with the stipulation that it be used as “a natural history, historical, and art museum for the use and benefit of the public.” The Bruce Museum’s first exhibition in 1912 featured works by local artists known as the Greenwich Society of Artists. To this day, the museum continues to be a vibrant and active part of the community.

One of the most popular events hosted by the Bruce Museum is the Outdoor Arts Festival. The festival, held on museum grounds, features original works by dozens of artists from all over the country, many of whom personally attend the festival to show their work. This year, more than 85 artists were represented at the festival, showcasing everything from painting and photography to sculpture and print.

Bruce Museum Outdoor Art Festival — At the Festival. Image via Bruce Museum.

There are so many different styles and mediums, making the festival an ideal place to discover new artists and source pieces for specific clients. Sourcing art is one of my favorite aspects of design, allowing me to help a client find just the right piece to finish a space. At the Bruce Museum Arts Festival, many of the artists are on hand to answer questions and talk about their process. I am often fascinated by the various creative forces behind the artwork which makes browsing the festival that much more of an enjoyable experience. I found quite a few artists and works that I am looking forward to sharing with clients. Here are some of the artists and their pieces I found most memorable:

Andrew Sovjani Photography

Stephen Ray

Mark MacKinnon

Michael Madzo

Christos J. Palios

This year’s festival has ended, but if you missed it, plan on visiting the museum next Columbus Day weekend when the festival returns to the Bruce Museum. You can visit their website to learn more about the museum and keep up to date on future events.

Designer Connection on Artisphere Online

I recently sat down with Patrick Ganino, the editor of Artisphere Online and an artist I’ve worked with in the past, to discuss the link between interior design and decorative painting.

Artisphere Online is a digital magazine for decorative painting professionals. Decorative artists are skilled artisans who specialize in creating custom murals and painted finishes, as well as restoration. I recently sat down with Patrick Ganino, the editor of Artisphere Online and an artist I’ve worked with in the past, to discuss the link between interior design and decorative painting. While there are benefits and conveniences to using ready-made wall applications, in some cases only a professional artist can achieve the desired effect. Having a relationship with an experienced, talented artist can really expand a designer’s toolbox as well as a client’s options.

The Designer Connection

Written by Patrick Ganino

Amy Hirsch is an interior design located in Greenwich, CT With a keen eye for timeless interiors and a nod towards an unexpected approach for modern details, Amy creates a balance of form and function. Sophisticated, unusual palettes and resourceful selections define the comfortable nature of Amy’s interiors. Whether it is a project of grand scale or an intimate abode each project is comprehensive and collaborative. With great exuberance and an innovative perspective Amy creates environments that are inspired, yet uniquely you. I thought it might be fun to start getting insight from prestigious interior designers on their thoughts of our craft.

1. How often do you use decorative painting in your design?

Quite often. It really depends on what type of media is involved. When I do call upon an artist it ranges from murals to leaf to simple glazes. Times when I do not go with an artist is usually because of economic reasons. Sometimes it is easier for the scope of the project to use textural wallpapers.

2. Is it easier because you take the artist out of the equation?

It is because it is instant gratification. The product is already done and it is easier for the client to understand what they are getting creating a more viable end game.

3. OK then, when do you use an artist?

There is a beauty about using an artist. With an artist your possibilities are endless. You have no limitations when it comes to color or technique. It is truly a custom product that is created. Working with an artist takes patience which adds more time but there are certain applications that only an artist can create and there lies the value.

4. What are your favorite techniques when hiring a decorative artist?

I am in love with silver leaf right now.

High polished venetian plaster.

Chinoiserie is a favorite of mine. There is a sexiness of something clean and modern but I also love layers and details that go into creating that piece.

As a designer, I come across things that inspire my creativity almost constantly. Whether it’s the vibrant color of moss growing on a stone wall or that perfect find at a local antique dealer, inspiration is everywhere. Keeping an idea book of materials, references, photos, and sources isn’t at all a new concept among designers. What’s amazing is how quickly the ideas accumulate, but I love having a wealth of inspiration to draw from as the need arises. I think working with artists is a collaboration. What I portray and then what the artist can simulate. Each eye works hand in hand with each other and that is the beauty of it.

Jessie Edwards Gallery

When we visit Block Island for vacation, one of the places I like to stop by is the Jessie Edwards Gallery.

When we visit Block Island for vacation, one of the places I like to stop by is the Jessie Edwards Gallery. Even while taking a break from work, I can’t resist browsing the artwork and hoping to find new artists or just the right piece for a client. On our most recent vacation, my visit to this particular gallery was rewarded with the discovery of three new (to me) artists.

The first is C. Sperry Andrews III. I really liked his scratchboard pieces. These amazing works are actually very tiny. The interesting thing about Sperry’s scratchboard art is the way they are created. He paints over gesso-coated canvas, then scratches away the paint to bring out each image.

Heidi Palmer is another artist I saw at the gallery and really enjoyed. Her paintings are so tranquil and have such perfect colors. I love the abstract vibe of the wave painting.

The third artist whose work I fell in love with is Susan O’Donnell Kearney. She creates these vibrant fish prints using an old Japanese technique. Each print is unique, and her work flies out of stock at the gallery. They are very cool! You can see more of her work at her website, Nantucket Gyotaku.

You can see more of the artists featured at Jessie Edwards Gallery by visiting their beautiful website. You can also find them on Facebook.