Local Artist Takes Gallerygoers On A Self-Exploration Of East End Inspired Works

“After viewing her latest work, I was awakened by her process – she paints in contradiction to her personal language of emotions – whether knowingly or not,” noted curator Kathy Zeiger about artist Marissa Bridge, whose oil paintings will soon be showcased in yet another Hamptons solo exhibit. Bridge, who is based in New York City and East Quogue, finds inspiration within her local surroundings. Most recently, she’s captured the beauty of the flowers that can be found in her East Quogue garden, like Daylilies, Hibiscus, and Black-Eyed Susans.

On Saturday, January 9th, “A Bridge in Conversation,” presented by Zeiger Arts, will debut at Kathryn Markel Fine Arts. For the pieces featured in the exhibit, Bridge sought out blooms that she grows, and was also in awe of the Mums that can be found at NYC’s flower market, a place she frequents often, and orchids, which throughout the years she has either bought for herself or received as a gift, a symbol of strength. “For Silent Journey 2012-2015, (on display spring of 2015 at Dodds & Eder), she painted her inner turmoil into a series of 36 oil paintings, her brush in thin, controlled strokes,” explained Zeiger. “For her latest series, Nun Orchids and Mums, she is moving constantly between her New York City and East Quogue studios, in nature and out.”

For “A Bridge in Conversation,” Bridge let her art and thoughts collide as she painted her immediate environment onto the canvas. “She paints loose, less-defined and more abstract,” added Zeiger. “It is an observation, she emerges a notable artist as her career continues to grow.” As for why she gravitates towards the themes that she does, the artist feels an unexplainable connection to her subjects. “I choose the flowers from my gut; something hits me,” said Bridge about her selection of recent subjects. “A woman personal trainer I know says the gut is called the ‘second brain.'”

An opening reception for “A Bridge in Conversation” will take place on Saturday, January 9th from 3 to 5 p.m. and the exhibit will remain on view through Sunday, February 7th.

Kathryn Markel Fine Arts is located at 2418 Montauk Highway in Bridgehampton. For more information, call 631-613-6386 or visit www.markelfinearts.com.