Lisa Bigalke, Kenosha
2022-23 RAM Artist Fellowship Award Recipient
Throughout her career, printmaker Lisa Bigalke has exhibited her work in 17 solo, 99 national, and four international exhibitions. In 1996, Bigalke earned her BA from the University of Wisconsin–Parkside, Somers. In 2000, she received her MFA in studio art, with a concentration in printmaking, from Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge. Currently, she teaches printmaking and crafts at Carthage College, Kenosha. In both 2016 and 2022, Bigalke was awarded a RAM Artist Fellowship. For the last six years, she has co-organized Full Steam Ahead, an annual steamroller printing event that occurs at RAM’s Charles A. Wustum Museum of Fine Arts. Bigalke formed Rudbeckia Press, a bookbinding business using archival and eco-friendly materials, with her sister, Becky, in 2007. 2022 career highlights included being interviewed for the ArtSpace podcast hosted by Lemon Street Gallery, Kenosha.
Artist Statement
When a species dies off, biologists say that the species has become extinct. There have been five mass extinctions in Earth’s history and each event has wiped out between 75–90% of existing species. Many believe we are in the middle of a sixth mass extinction. Is the Anthropocene period coming to an end? I don’t know. What I do know is that human activities such as pollution, overfishing, illegal hunting, habitat degradation, and deforestation are changing ecosystems. During my own lifetime, I have been seeing a rise in natural disasters and disease that are leading to the global decline of biodiversity and death.
The Extinct Animal Series focuses on species loss in North America over the last 200 years. I am specifically focusing on extinction by human actions. Each story I tell is with an accurate rendering of the species at the center of the imagery and patterns of its history radiating out. Some of the images are portraits of loss, as the species are extinct. Some of the images are endangered species on the edge of survival. And, some of my works depict the lucky few that are in recovery, highlighting success stories in nature conservation. It’s overwhelming being at a crossroads between destruction and preservation. Between life and death. The process of making keeps my hands busy while my mind focuses on the evolution of life. It’s fascinating to consider that the demise of dinosaurs allowed mammals to thrive.
Lisa Bigalke, Kenosha
2022-23 RAM Artist Fellowship Award Recipient
Photography: Camela Langendorf, Varitay Studios
Throughout her career, printmaker Lisa Bigalke has exhibited her work in 17 solo, 99 national, and four international exhibitions. In 1996, Bigalke earned her BA from the University of Wisconsin–Parkside, Somers. In 2000, she received her MFA in studio art, with a concentration in printmaking, from Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge. Currently, she teaches printmaking and crafts at Carthage College, Kenosha. In both 2016 and 2022, Bigalke was awarded a RAM Artist Fellowship. For the last six years, she has co-organized Full Steam Ahead, an annual steamroller printing event that occurs at RAM’s Charles A. Wustum Museum of Fine Arts. Bigalke formed Rudbeckia Press, a bookbinding business using archival and eco-friendly materials, with her sister, Becky, in 2007. 2022 career highlights included being interviewed for the ArtSpace podcast hosted by Lemon Street Gallery, Kenosha.
Artist Statement
When a species dies off, biologists say that the species has become extinct. There have been five mass extinctions in Earth’s history and each event has wiped out between 75–90% of existing species. Many believe we are in the middle of a sixth mass extinction. Is the Anthropocene period coming to an end? I don’t know. What I do know is that human activities such as pollution, overfishing, illegal hunting, habitat degradation, and deforestation are changing ecosystems. During my own lifetime, I have been seeing a rise in natural disasters and disease that are leading to the global decline of biodiversity and death.
The Extinct Animal Series focuses on species loss in North America over the last 200 years. I am specifically focusing on extinction by human actions. Each story I tell is with an accurate rendering of the species at the center of the imagery and patterns of its history radiating out. Some of the images are portraits of loss, as the species are extinct. Some of the images are endangered species on the edge of survival. And, some of my works depict the lucky few that are in recovery, highlighting success stories in nature conservation. It’s overwhelming being at a crossroads between destruction and preservation. Between life and death. The process of making keeps my hands busy while my mind focuses on the evolution of life. It’s fascinating to consider that the demise of dinosaurs allowed mammals to thrive.
Interview with the Artist, January 2023
Please share the basics of your art career thus far. Education, years working, etc. How long have you been a part of the Racine/Kenosha community?
I have been involved in the local arts community for over 20 years.
I am continually encouraged by the thriving and growing arts activities in Kenosha and Racine. Throughout 2022 – 23 I have experienced many opportunities that have filled me with gratitude. Through Rudbeckia Press, a print and bookbinding business with my sister Becky, I have been able to participate in the Kenosha Art Market and been interviewed for the ArtSpace Podcast hosted by Lemon Street Gallery in Kenosha, Wisconsin. I teach at Carthage College in Kenosha, Wisconsin where I get to pass on my love of printmaking to students. In addition to my daily art practice, I have been awarded my 2nd Racine Art Museum Artist Fellowship and my 13th acceptance into the Parkside National Print Exhibition at the University of Wisconsin, Parkside. And, have found great collaboration in co-organizing events like Full Steam Ahead at RAM’s Wustum Museum, Racine, Wisconsin and the Night Market at Public Craft Brewing, Kenosha, Wisconsin.
Would you please describe your work—what materials you use, what subject matters you explore?
I am a printmaker and could happily print every day. This body of work is about the life and history of extinct and endangered animals of North America. In addition to the tactile changes between collaged paper and embroidery, I enjoy playing with all the different line quality that in available in relief, intaglio, lithography and silkscreen printmaking.
How often are you in your studio? Do you work outside of your studio much or at all?
I try to get into the studio every day. This extinction series requires more research time on the computer, in the library, and in correspondence with scientists. I am grateful to have both a wonderful home studio to print linocuts, make books and construct images, and access to a great printmaking studio at Carthage College in Kenosha, Wisconsin in which I can do messier processes like intaglio, lithography and silkscreen.
What inspires you most these days? But also what do you go to bed thinking about most nights?
While I am inspired by hiking, gardens, fossils, Wisconsin, landscapes, extinction, books, color, and pattern, I really love learning. Over the last couple of years––with some encouragement––I’ve made a stop motion animation, found inspiration in the digital world to learn several new Spanish long stitch bindings, and taken lithography into the kitchen by making plates out of aluminum foil and etching them with Coca Cola.
What does it mean to you to get recognition as a RAM Fellowship Artist?
I try to get into the studio every day. This extinction series requires more research time on the computer, in the library, and in correspondence with scientists. I am grateful to have both a wonderful home studio to print linocuts, make books and construct images, and access to a great printmaking studio at Carthage College in Kenosha, Wisconsin in which I can do messier processes like intaglio, lithography and silkscreen.
Sample of Work
Click/tap an image for more information
