Student Profile: Brigit Ciskowski
Email: bciskows@vols.utk.edu
Education: Southeast Missouri State University – BFA in Sculpture
Website: www.brigitciskowski.com
Brigit Ciskowski is from St. Louis, MO and received her BFA with an emphasis in sculpture from Southeast Missouri State University in 2016. 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 has been exhibited throughout Eastern Missouri and Knoxville, TN.
Artist 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 focus on using fluid lines, contrasting elements and mixed textures to draw the viewer in. Although sturdy, these forms aren’t meant to appear static, but instead to suggest motion and a sense of direction.
My work exhibits similarities between patterns/breaks in patterns of growth seen 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.
