Today we’d like to introduce you to Sophie Sigel.
Hi Sophie, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My name is Sophie Sigel and I am a Minneapolis-native fiber and textile artist, educator, nature-lover, biochemist, and a former high school science teacher. I specialize in large, hand-woven hand-beaded, and recycled fiber arts.
And my artwork is a testament to the transformative power of creativity and resilience. I have always loved and found a passion for the arts, but I began my fiber arts journey after the uprising in 2020, turning to my art to help heal as I supported hundreds of students and drove medicine on the front lines. To help process these events, I turned to sustainable and recycled textiles and fibers to create unique, handmade pieces that symbolize my commitment to both artistic expression and environmental consciousness.
As a scientist and environmentalist, I also often draw my inspiration from Earth. Drawing inspiration from nature and my extensive collection of tropical plants, my work captures the essence of Earth’s wonders, promoting healing and grounding in a world that needs it more than ever.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Throughout my life, I’ve discovered solace and renewal through the act of creating and sharing art. Lately, my creative journey has led me towards a bold aspiration: venturing into the exclusive realms of fine arts and galleries.
However, my foray into this world has exposed a prevailing hesitancy among others when it comes to appreciating fiber arts within the fine art community. This reluctance, I believe, has its roots in the perpetuation of patriarchal standards within the broader art and fine arts landscape. Fiber art, characterized by its astonishing intricacy, time-intensive craftsmanship, and the exceptional skill required, has predominantly been the work of women.
Regrettably, it has often been relegated to the status of a “craft” rather than recognized as true art. As I continue to evolve in my exploration and sharing of fiber art, my mission is to challenge and reshape these entrenched norms and boundaries.
My ultimate goal is to build contemporary, abstract fiber artworks that demand extensive forethought, creativity, and innovation, effectively shattering the arbitrary constraints that the fine art world has put forth and upheld for so long.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I specialize in large, complex, detailed textile and fiber art, which I often create using sustainable and recycled materials, making each piece unique and handcrafted. What sets me apart in the art world is the deeply personal and healing aspect of my work and my desire to. continue to push the boundaries of what is considered “fine art’.
My journey as an artist began as a means of healing from the traumatic experiences I faced during the 2020 uprising. The very first piece I crafted was from the pillowcase I carried on that fateful day. It transformed into a symbol of resilience, personal growth, and the beauty that can emerge from adversity. This transformation not only healed me but also inspired and empowered others who went through similar traumas during that challenging time. That, I’m immensely proud of.
I’m also known for being an inclusive educator, offering fiber arts classes that emphasize the recycling of old and vintage textiles. My hand-woven and mini-woven earrings have garnered recognition and are highly sought after by enthusiasts and collectors.
Beyond that, my large, contemporary, abstract works have received acclaim, as some of them repurpose vintage textiles in innovative ways. What truly distinguishes me is my commitment to sustainability, seamlessly blending artistic expression with environmental consciousness. I have a studio space in the Northrup King Building (3rd Floor Studio 351) and also often participate in Gallery events through NKB.
Nature, particularly plants and gemstones, inspires my work. On my beaded pieces, I carefully select and hand-bead on silk and embellish some of my pieces with the gemstones and beads that inspired the work. This adds both depth and additional texture, creating an extra layer of uniqueness and sophistication to my creations.
In essence, my art is more than what appears on the surface; it’s about healing, resilience, sustainability, and pushing the norms and boundaries that we tend to accept by default, within society. My art is deeply personal. It’s a reflection of my journey and my commitment to making a positive impact on both the art world and the environment.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts, or blogs that help you do your best?
The most significant and inspirational resources that have enriched my life, both personally and in my work as a fiber artist, have been the wonderful community of women, queer, and BIPOC artists I’ve had the privilege to connect with. Minnesota, in particular, is home to an abundance of incredibly talented fiber artists, each of whom fuels my motivation and creativity with their unique perspectives and creations.
Engaging in conversations and learning from fellow artists has been a wellspring of inspiration for me. Their stories and the historical presence of fiber arts across societies throughout history have profoundly influenced my work. The fiber arts, being one of the oldest art forms and trade skills in the world, have played a vital role in nearly every civilization’s cultural fabric. My upbringing was marked by the sight of the remarkable women in my family passionately knitting, sewing, crocheting, and crafting garments for our entire family, leaving an indelible mark on my creative journey.
Furthermore, I draw immense inspiration from painters and artists who incorporate textural and multi-dimensional elements into their pieces, as these aspects resonate deeply with my artistic vision.
Recently, I’ve been captivated by “The Black Sphinx: From Morocco to Madagascar,” an exhibition showcasing the extraordinary textile and fiber artistry of numerous renowned artists from across the vast African continent. This exhibition has provided me with a wealth of fresh ideas and perspectives, expanding my artistic horizons and reinforcing the idea that art knows no bounds regarding cultural richness and diversity.
Pricing:
- Small Vintage Recycled Works Start at around $20
- Earrings Range from $19-40 depending on metals and gemstones
- Large Woven Recycled Works Range $50-200 depending on size and materials
- XL Beaded pieces Range $1000-4000
- Custom Pieces start around $100
Contact Info:
- Website: www.dreamscapejungle.com
- Instagram: @dreamscapejungle
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sophie-sigel-690a2b234/
- TikTok: @Ms__ss
