Katia Meisinger shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Katia, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: Are you walking a path—or wandering?
Am I walking a path or wandering? Hmm… I would say a mix of both. I’ve always walked the path of abstraction or surrealism in some way but that doesn’t mean I won’t go wandering off the path everyone once in awhile. I believe it is okay to do that everyone once in while because if you don’t, then how are you going to know what works or doesn’t work for you as an artist?
Because I have allowed myself to wander I discovered my enjoyment of performance art, the use of the bodily form, and how messing up can be just as successful! Now, there are some that find a path and stay on it until the end, there is nothing wrong with that, but I would say to let yourself take a step or two off whatever path your on to see if that path is truly for you or if another path will open up.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Katia Meisinger, I am a Maryland based artist that focuses on abstract sculpture and painting as well as a performance art. I started in sculpture, moved into painting, and then performance art, but really I still do a little of each whenever I am creating a new work. Whether it is trying to come up with an idea or just letting the free-flow of thought take over, either way something is coming out of experimentation.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
Probably my first installation as an artist. There is a moment when you are making something, you take a step back, and realize your subconscious is pouring into your creations. When I accepted this and allowed it to take over the work it made me realize how I view the world around me. How a chair isn’t just a chair, but a body that takes up space. A mirror isn’t just a reflection but eyes that stare back. The tv isn’t just entertainment, but a friend that keeps you company when home alone. Think about an everyday object, how you use it and what importance it has. How can that one item be used to tell a story?
What have been the defining wounds of your life—and how have you healed them?
Oh man! I mean, I grew up in a broken home. My parents separating when I was eighteen months old. Growing up that way you have a lot of people that come in and out of your life, or a parent pick a partner they shouldn’t. I have healed from these childhood wounds through my art. My undergrad thesis actually circled around that, but it wasn’t the original concept. I started with an idea about how we take up space. I was going for very on the nose ideas like ears coming out of the walls or a phone that talks back. Once a mentor asked, “How can this be a narrative rather than just surreal objects in space?” From then on the subconscious was emerging and out came my inner child wanting release. This has actually been a catalyst for me because it was the driving force that set my work ethic as an artist and has allowed me to let any subconsciousness come out while working. That is when I create my best work!
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What important truth do very few people agree with you on?
You do NOT need to sell your work to be an artist! You can be an artist and make sure, not sell it, and still make work of value. I only make work for myself and not to sell. Now, if someone wanted to buy my work then that is fine, but my value as an artist is not connected to how others assign value to my work. This has given me so much freedom to make whatever I want, when I want, because I’m not worried about what will sell or what someone else wants in an artwork.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: What do you think people will most misunderstand about your legacy?
I’ve had people think I make bizarre things, or do very vulnerable performance pieces, because I want attention or to be in the spot light. That is further from the truth! I want that raw and unfiltered expression of self. I enjoy the nerves before performance because it means I love what I’m doing. I do durational work when performing because it is necessary, not because I want to be a performer. For example, my thesis in grad school was a performance piece called “Choose to be Vulnerable”. This piece feature me placed in the middle of the space blinded folded, not allowing myself to speak or respond to people, as they approached and told me their secrets and fears. I sat for five hours a day, four days a week, in isolation. It wasn’t a fun experience, it was a very moving and growing experience, but not one someone does for attention. This work was about allowing people to be vulnerable, and giving them space to share their depths. A cathartic moment for the viewer and I, the sinner eater of secrets.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ktmeisinger.com
- Instagram: katiatmeisinger
