From Digital Narratives to Tactile Expressions: Meagan Cignoli’s Artistic Journey
Exploring the Intersection of Identity, Material, and Place in Sculpture
A Return to Roots: Crafting Meaning Through Materials
The Influence of Commercial Visual Media on Artistic Integrity
Navigating Permanence and Ephemerality in Sculpture
The Impact of Identity on Creative Narratives
Finding Inspiration in the Landscapes of Los Angeles
Resisting the Digital: Sculpture as a Tactile Experience
A Breakthrough in Blending Past and Present: Fabric in Fine Art
Upcoming Exhibition: Experience Meagan Cignoli’s Work Live in Los Angeles
Journey from Short-Form Digital Storytelling to Sculpture: A Return to Roots
The world of art is often seen as a linear journey, but for many, including myself, it can be a winding path that circles back to the beginnings. My shift from short-form digital storytelling to the tactile world of sculpture and physical materials wasn’t a sudden leap. Rather, it was a return to the roots I’d always known, a reconnection sparked by a profound life event—the pandemic.
Finding Meaning in the Material
Growing up, I often found solace in ceramics and sculpture; they were my first loves in the art world. Yet, as life unfolded, I drifted into the realms of advertising and digital media, chasing a narrative that felt increasingly detached. When the pandemic hit, however, it became a personal reckoning. An emptiness loomed large, and rekindling my passion for sculpture breathed life back into my existence. Creating once again filled me with joy and purpose, reminding me of the happiness that can be found in shaping materials with my hands.
The Influence of Commercial Visual Media
Transitioning from advertising to art inevitably left its mark on my approach. While I strive to keep commercial influences at bay, they subtly weave their way into my creative practice. One notable aspect is my instinct for avoiding overly polished work. In the commercial world, there’s often a pressure to achieve perfection; however, in fine art, true beauty often lies in imperfection. I cherish the rawness and texture where the hand of the artist is evident, where the viewer can appreciate the subtle imperfections that tell a story.
Dancing Between Permanence and Ephemerality
In my artistic explorations, a significant theme emerges— the dialogue between permanence and ephemerality. My choice of materials—fragile items like paper pulp, raw clay, fabric, plaster, eggshells, and glass—reflects this balance. These materials evoke emotions and convey honesty, changing over time and embracing their transitory nature. I find beauty in allowing works to evolve, often placing them in the sun to let them crack and change. This tension of holding on versus letting go resonates deeply within my creations.
Themes of Identity and Visibility
Being a queer artist undoubtedly informs my work. However, it’s the experiences as a woman—particularly having faced long-term abuse—that have shaped my narratives and material choices most profoundly. Much of what I create revolves around communication, echoing the supportive words exchanged with nurturing women in my life. I celebrate that emotional intimacy in the tone and materials of my work.
Reflecting on the past, during my time in school, I felt pressured to adopt a more masculine aesthetic to be taken seriously. Today, I embrace softness and vulnerability, allowing my experiences to flow into my art without the constraints of traditional notions of strength—an act I see as deeply queer.
The Influence of Location: Los Angeles
Los Angeles—a city brimming with diverse landscapes—has become my creative sanctuary. It has given me the space to soften, to pause and reflect. Unlike New York’s relentless grind, Los Angeles fosters a sense of ease that seeps into my work. Being enveloped by the beauty of nature inspires me to notice more, to act with intention, and to create with an intuitive spirit.
Sculpture in a Digital Age
In a world where digital distractions reign supreme, sculpture offers a profound antidote. It pulls viewers back into their bodies, demanding attention through its physicality. While screens often reduce experiences to flat and fast interactions, sculptures invite contemplation, beckoning observers to engage with texture, weight, and the shadows they cast. Yet, I’ve also embraced the digital realm to showcase my creative process, allowing audiences a glimpse into the behind-the-scenes of my work.
A Breakthrough: Weaving Fabric into Sculpture
In a recent series, I’ve experienced a breakthrough by incorporating fabric more prominently into my sculptural work. Previously treated as a mere textural element, fabric now leads the composition. The act of tearing, folding, and cutting fabric has become integral to the sculpture itself—an addiction to the sound and sensation of scissors cutting through cloth. It’s a testament to how past experiences can shape and enrich one’s current artistic narrative.
Upcoming Solo Show
I invite you to join me at my upcoming solo show this Sunday, July 13th, from 4–8 PM in Los Angeles. It promises to be an exploration of these themes—identity, permanence, and the tactile experience of life through the lens of an artist who has returned to her roots.
Through the fusion of my digital storytelling past and my newfound sculptural journey, I hope to create a space where vulnerability meets strength, and where the fragility of existence speaks volumes. Let’s celebrate the beauty in imperfection together.