These artists in the MCM tradition are creating works inspired by—and perfect for—mid mod interiors.
Erich Meager
Our first artist in the MCM tradition is Erich Meager—the world’s first and only ratiolaminartist. Based in Palm Springs, California, he creates layered works of art from precision-cut paper, wood, acrylic and metal. Inspired by concrete breezeway blocks, patterns in nature and designs from his geometrically-minded imagination, Shadowtiles are his layered interpretations of geometric forms. You can see his work at The Kee Gallery, 2600 S. Cherokee Way, Palm Springs, CA 92264. You can also read more about Erich Meager’s art in our interview with him here.
Website: erichmeager.com
Instagram: @erichmeager
Jillian Gamble
Jillian Gamble has been an art educator for the past 18 years and, since achieving her masters in art, a dedicated studio artist in the MCM tradition. Her dream is to spread enthusiasm for the arts to her students and instill a feeling of joy in those who experience her lively paintings. Drawn to scenes of flora from the deserts to the mountains, she distills the essence of place and the emotions it evokes into vibrant compositions through expressive and gestural brushwork.
Website: jillianrgamble.com
Instagram: @jillianrgamble
Wendy Kahle
Wendy Kahle looks for ways to express the landscape in familiar yet unexpected ways in her recent works. Her etchings, monoprints, pastel drawings and collages are all inspired by observing and distilling landscape features down to dynamic and sinuous form using color, texture, pattern or value. Living in Palm Springs, California—a region enveloped by visually dramatic geography and unique flora—has brought new imagery into her art.
Website: wendykahle.com
Instagram: @wendy_kahle_artist
Michael J. Hirsh
Michael Hirsh is a Southern California ceramic artist whose interest in clay was sparked early in life and nurtured at the California College of the Arts, where he studied with Peter Voulkos and Viola Frey. Influenced by such icons, Michael has created his own body of unique, meticulously crafted work—all formed, carved and glazed by hand. While earlier pieces were inspired by the Arts and Crafts movement, his current ceramics reflect the bold colors and silhouettes of Mid Century Modernism.
Website: mjhceramics.com
MOD City Gallery
Mod City Gallery specializes in exclusive limited edition works by contemporary artist Richard Prescott of Palm Springs, California. Enjoy a diverse range of mid-century-inspired style and techniques with high-quality artworks that are accessible to next-generation as well as seasoned contemporary-art collectors.
Mod City Gallery works with you to create a professional and supportive design experience, specializing in collaborations with art buyers who require very customized, designer-quality artworks.
Website: Modcitygallery.com
Instagram: @mod.city.gallery
Lynne Meade
Lynne Meade handcrafts bowls, candleholders, furniture, lanterns, lighting and sculpture inspired by Mid Century Modern design. The pieces are wheel-thrown stoneware. The pattern is mapped out and carefully cut out by hand. Small holes are created when the clay is still wet, and then each hole is painstakingly enlarged and smoothed when the clay is bone dry. Lynne’s work pushes the boundaries of function vs. art, redefining the role of traditional pottery to use clay in modern interiors.
Website: lynnemeade.com
Instagram: @lynne_meade
Matthew Pierce
Matthew Pierce’s love for contemporary realism shows with his expressive and authentic approach to painting. His subject matter focuses on scenes and subjects that are common and sometimes nostalgic. His goal is to honor and bring dignity to that which is so often overlooked. Working predominantly in oil, Matthew sees each painting as an exploration of a subject through composition, color and value.
Website: matthewpiercefineart.com
Angela Bisson
Angela Bisson creates art that celebrates the mid-century era and is inspired by the optimism and innovation of this effervescent era. By embracing the principles of Mid Century Modern design and infusing them with a contemporary twist, Angela aims to create a bridge between the past and the present. Her goal as an artist in the MCM tradition is to create art that not only captures the spirit of mid-century but also inspires a sense of optimism and hope today.
Website: etsy.com/shop/AngelaBissonStudio
Instagram: @angelabissonstudio
Paul Fuentes Design
Paul Fuentes is a Mexican fine art photographer known for capturing dreamy places with mid-century nostalgia. His work is a blend of surrealism and pop art that will bring a smile to your face.
Paul loves to travel and a trip to Palm Springs, California, in 2018 inspired him to focus particularly on capturing the endless summer of mid-century America. You’ll find classic cars, iconic architecture and wild animals chilling by the pool. Big cats have become his signature.
Website: paulfuentesdesign.com
Instagram: @paulfuentes_design
Scott Troxel
Scott Troxel draws on the aesthetics of bygone technology and the forward-looking designs of the Atomic Age and Mid Century Modernism to make dynamic, retro-futurist wooden sculptures that evoke nostalgia for the past as much as they look to the future. His background in commercial products, graphics, design and aesthetics mirror similar artists like Andy Warhol who honed their artistic skills through real-world applications prior to the shift into fine arts. He currently works in his studio and wood shop by the ocean in southern coastal New Jersey.
Website: scotttroxelart.com
Instagram: @scotttroxel.art
Marion Griese
Marion Griese is a Canadian abstract artist from the Niagara region of Ontario. Her work features bold colours and simple forms inspired by nature and the organic shapes and patterns found in MCM design. These elements have become the vocabulary to give shape to her impressions of the world around her. “My hope is that my art becomes a space to transcend the moment and a means to experience a sense of joy and optimism,”she says.
Website: mariongriese.com
Instagram: @mariongriese
Looking for more artists in the MCM tradition? You’ll love our Modern Makers section from tile makers to a ceramicist who makes mini Malms to former Disney artists Mac George.
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