Susan Bickford Singing Walls - Faux Finishes for Nashville, Tennessee

Susan Bickford, Owner - Principal Artist

Bickford began her art quest at an early age. Her grade school teachers complained to her parents that the papers she turned in were much more about the "illustrations" than the subject. And that love of enhancing any and all things with decorative flair has never let up. Bickford began formal studies in art at the age of 12, continuing her education through high school and college. She attended Austin Peay State University pursuing a degree in Fine Arts. Shortly thereafter, she was diverted by life; and her dream of making a living in the art field took a detour. Although her dream was put on hold, she never stopped in her endless quest to enhance her environment through the use of decorative art. Along the way, she graduated Magna Cum Laude from T.S.U. with a B.B.A. in Finance and Economics. In 1999, Bickford had the opportunity to pursue her dream of building a decorative arts business after leaving behind a 20 year career in corporate public affairs.

Susan believes that her education in the decorative arts is an ongoing process and continues her studies on an annual basis with master artisans across the country, including Martin Alan Hirsch of The Faux Finish School, Melanie Royals of Royal Design Studio, and Gary Lord of Prismatic Painting Studio. She has also attended seminars and classes by Caroline Woldenberg, Pierre Finkelstein, Graham Rust, Alison Bukhgalter, and Deb Drager. In 2004, Bickford attended Fauxcademy, bringing home the Level II Platinum Trophy Award for Best Venetian Plaster, Veneziano, or Marmarino Decorative Finish Project. Susan's finishes were featured in the custom home that won the 2005 Golden Aurora Award, a competition presented by the Southeast Building Conference recognizing excellence in design and construction. Most recently, she was honored to have multiple projects included in the publication "Modello By Design."

Bickford is a member of the International Decorative Artisan's League and the Atrium Chapter, a member of Sisters Hands Decorative Artists Consortium, as well as serving as moderator on Murals Plus, one of the internet's most active decorative arts message board. Bickford regularly collaborates with other artisans both locally and nationally. Bickford developed and teaches "Taking the Guesswork out of Pricing" which includes a workbook template for Microsoft Excel.