BACKGROUNDER

Signature landscapes, captivating sculpture, refined studio art – a veritable garden of exuberant, luscious and beautiful fruits and vegetables “grow” in Jan Kirsh’s Maryland Eastern Shore design studio and, frequently, in the residential and commercial landscapes of her discerning clients as well as in galleries nationwide.

For three decades, as a full-service residential and commercial landscape design and build firm, Jan has worked with discriminating clients to establish outdoor spaces that provide a respite from the sometimes hectic pace of life. Her projects combine skillful and artistic plant selections with astute use of hardscape and, often, her arresting garden art and sculptures to realize uniquely captivating outdoor spaces that are as appealing as they are functional.

Drawing from her fine arts background and horticultural expertise, she began experimenting in her studio some time ago with materials and shapes that would capture the luscious beauty of fruits and vegetables. Reflecting the intimate wonder of nature, Jan’s sculptures are alive with possibility. Chili peppers, avocados, asparagus, eggplant, artichokes, onions, pears and more – their personalities are powerful. They want to jump up and run around, or settle in for a quiet conversation.

Jan Kirsh Studio’s remarkable garden sculptures are exhibited at galleries regionally and nationwide, including the Russeck Gallery, New York City and the Vickers Collection, Aspen, Colorado. She has also been a featured exhibitor at the Architectural Digest Show in New York.

Sculpted in oil-based clay, the pieces are cast in plaster, then further refined and ultimately fabricated in materials suitable for indoor or outdoor display. Scanning and modeling technologies allow them to be made in cast bronze, resin, fiberglass and stone – and in virtually any size.

The result is a series of striking sculptures which can be custom-ordered by size and finish. They are inspired by nature’s exquisite example and incorporate the texture and sheen of each individual fruit or vegetable. “Each piece,” says Jan,” is a marriage of my love of horticulture and three-dimensional shapes, and, like any good marriage, the pieces seem, to my eye, to be more than the sum of their parts .”

Jan’s work has been featured in numerous print and online publications, including Southern Living, Chesapeake Life, and Annapolis Home. Most recently (November 16, 2014), she was the featured guest on the nationally syndicated radio show, Garden America, where she discussed integrating sculptural garden art into landscape design.