I first discovered Ryan O’Rourke‘s work at the Hartford Art School Faculty show. At the time we were both adjunct professors – so I was surprised I had not seen his work before. His hand-painted birdhouses are nothing short of fantastical. Rumor has it that Ryan’s grandfather would build these birdhouses by hand and then give them to Ryan. After he had acquired the equivalent of a small birdie housing project Ryan decided to paint one of them – one turned into many. Ryan often makes custom birdhouses on commission as well. The one shown on the top right was actually made for my other friend Ryan (coincidence?) as a present for his wife Jessica.
