“Art is not what you see, but what you make others see.” – Edgar Degas. No one knows this quote better than Milwaukee artist Anja Sieger who has a passion for art and how it makes you feel.
Sieger’s art is a mix of on the spot expressions and creativity using different art mediums like a typewriter, paper, props and whatever she has at her disposal. She does spoken poetry and performance art, so that the art lovers everywhere can experience something a little different in every show.
Sieger gave us a little insight into her mind and passion by answering some questions for the Times. It was a pleasure getting to learn about the artist before the show.
How do you express who you are and how the world sees you?
I am Anja Notanja Sieger, artist and writer. The world sees me as a woman in her 30s with big rapscallion energy.
What inspires you?
Sidewalk cracks, long bus rides, steam on cold days, overhearing conversations, the ways cats pounce, the percussion of sinks dripping.
Who are your artistic influences?
All incarnations of Bob Dylan, the playful work of Nina Katchadourian, the comics of Lynda Barry and Roz Chast, and strangers like you.
What experience has been the most important in developing your work?
My lonely childhood gave me lots of time to get used to creating things that entertain me. Now I have to do it all the time!
What’s your background and experience as an artist?
I come from a family of artists, so I’ve always had permission to follow my whims. Also, I went to the Kansas City Art Institute and majored in printmaking and creative writing. Since then, I moved back to Milwaukee and have been producing every kind of project from shadow puppetry to typewriter poetry.
How do you handle criticism?
Sometimes, I let the critics sting me, but only if I know they are right. I suffer for a while with repeating thoughts, often at night when I am trying to sleep. But I don’t let the cringe stop the show because otherwise, the bullies and conformity win. They’ll tap dance you into the coffin if you let them. Making work defines who I am and what I care about. Ultimately, I have the RIGHT TO BE WRONG, and so do you. If you’re not messing up, you’re missing out on the thrill of creating an enjoyable life.
What would you like everyone to know about the show and or you?
The show features art made from hand-cut paper. It will remind you of cutting ‘snowflakes’ out of coffee filters. There are shadow puppets, large razor-cut artworks, and solar prints of paper shapes. On February 15, about 7 friends and I will have typewriters in the gallery. Each of us is represented by a different animal that we’ve researched. I am going to be the possum.
On February 22, I will be teaching a shadow puppetry and poetry workshop at 1 p.m. Immediately after the workshop, students will have a chance to showcase their work at 3 p.m. with a live poetry-puppet show.
You can see Sieger’s work at Grove Gallery, 832 S. 5th Street, Milwaukee on these dates:
Gallery Open Hours: Every Saturday noon-4 p.m.
February 15: “Voices of The Animal Kingdom,” a typewriter poetry performance, noon-4 p.m.
February 22: Shadow Puppet Workshop & Performance: 1 p.m. workshop and a 3 p.m. performance.
Final Day of the Show: Saturday, February 22nd, noon-4 p.m.
To get a glimpse of some of the work, check out the photo gallery below.
