An encounter with Eugenie Hirsch at the Red Bluff Art Gallery gave insight into the intriguing designs and bright colors that characterize her work.
I was struck by the saturated color palette, the detailed configuration of shapes and patterns, and the multi-ethnic influences in the work.
Her work, which included two-dimensional paintings as well as rugs, sculpture and a paper-mache mask, reminded me of of African and Aztec art.
I learned that it is a love of animals that inspires many of her pieces, such as “Harehounds,” “Fish” and “Nightfall.” The latter features bats hidden among the visual maze of geometric shapes and repeating designs. This piece is one of her personal favorites.
The artist seems to have an interest in canines, fowl and snakes. They appear in several of her pieces. Working mostly with acrylic, her preferred color palette includes primary yellow, bright orange, teal and green, as well as black and white.
Eugenie showed me a piece that features an Indian symbol incorporated into an intricate checkerboard design. A representation of the symbol in metal hangs below the piece. I admitted to her that if she hadn’t pointed out the placement of the symbol within her piece, I may not have detected its presence.
I realized that the longer you look at Eugenie’s work, the more you find. Some paintings contain figures, some with menacing gazes, surrounded by several less prominent creatures or people. Often there is a focal point that the rest of the composition radiates from. Usually these figures are the artist’s own invention, however, she also depicts well-known characters such as Medusa. In addition to the pieces featuring animals and figures, Eugenie has produced some beautiful florals. She sometimes works on unstretched canvas to create rugs. I asked her if she is hesitant about people treading on her artwork. She said no, because the acrylic is durable. She has one of her hand-painted rugs and after a few years it only required a minor touch-up.
Eugenie is driven to create, and often begins with an idea that becomes something completely different.
When I told her that I found her work similar to MC Escher’s, she smiled and replied, “A lot of people say that.” The irony is that her father knew Escher. I asked Eugenie if there was any message she was trying to convey to her viewers.
She explained that there wasn’t anything specific she wants viewers to take away with them.
“I like that it can have multiple interpretations,” she said.
To learn more about Eugenie and other artists represented by the Red Bluff Art Gallery, visit redbluffartgallery.com.
Katie Nichols graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Art from Biola University in 2002 and has been passionately creating artwork ever since. Her pop art pieces explore themes of gender roles, societal restrictions and stereotypes. They now also explore domestic themes – she became a new mom in April. Katie is a participant in Redding’s Open Studio Tour and frequently displays for 2nd Saturday ArtHop. See Katie’s work at theartofkatienichols.com
