Bio
Brigit Ciskowski is an artist living and working in Knoxville, TN. She received her BFA with an emphasis in sculpture from Southeast Missouri State University and is currently working towards her MFA in sculpture at the University of Tennessee - Knoxville. Growing up, Brigit was surrounded by her father’s plants. He would often point out new growths or abnormalities as they occurred, which has greatly influenced her work. Primarily working with steel and wool, she uses her art practice as a way of processing thoughts around moments of growth, hardship, and life altering instances in the human experience. Her work is currently exhibited throughout Eastern and Southern Missouri.
Statement
Focusing on growth and movement, I am inspired with how our responses to human experiences mimic occurrences found in nature. Working with steel, concrete, ceramic tile, paint and wool, I construct eye catching details using fluid lines, contrasting elements and mixed textures to draw the viewer in. The bases act as pedestals, heightening the importance of certain ideals, both conscious and subconscious. Although sturdy, these forms aren’t meant to appear static, but instead to suggest motion and a sense of direction.
My studio practice consists of testing out patterns and pathways to echo different energies that come together to alter what has been. The repetitious acts of tack welding and poking at wool turn my work into a meditative practice. The manual labor involved in my process imitates the mental work we are constantly doing in our lives dictating where and how we grow. Finishes are fine tuned in acknowledgment to how our minds react to aesthetics.
My work exhibits similarities between the patterns or breaks in patterns of growth found in nature and how our thoughts and emotions of life events alter how we develop mentally. I blend harsh angles and textures with curves and aesthetically pleasing finishes to investigate the way we think about beauty. Life is unpredictable and ever-changing, with new experiences happening each day that can cause a change of course. Whether we let the outside circumstances keep us from growing or not is up to us. Blending this idea with nature’s persistence and resilience, I focus on building forms that represent strength and perseverance.
The photo above is of me with my sculpture “Millicent” (taken by a friend) in Perryville, MO as part of their 2021-2022 Perryville Sculpture Trail Exhibition. All photos on this site are taken by myself, Brigit Ciskowski, unless otherwise stated.