Lisa Nigro
Artist Statement
Working with multiple mediums, my practice includes creating large-scale sculptures that include flame effects, found object assemblages, hand-built clay forms, drawings, and map paintings. I merge kinetic sculpture, mythic imagery, and anatomical symbolism into immersive, theatrical forms. The repurposed materials I use carry a raw intelligence, while the recurring serpent, dragon, and heart motifs evoke cycles of transformation, vulnerability, and endurance.
Living in a throwaway society where even people seem replaceable, I am driven to envision creating sculptures from that which has been tossed aside in volumes by our consumerist culture. My inspiration and working process begins with this gathering of the discarded in all its forms, from salvaged steel, antique tools, and old chandeliers parts to recycled steel drums. I employ mold-making, castings and bronze foundry techniques to portray more realistic body features in my figurative works.
My eclectic approach to creating large-scale art often ignites the imagination with interactivity, fire, and performance. The content of these works is dominated by my desire to reinvent mythological creatures and iconic personas, thereby retelling their stories in contemporary sculptural form. The work intersects the visceral idea of spirit with human experience where fire is implemented as “show” to distract the viewer from the demands of the mundane material world. This contrasts highly with the more intimate content of my assemblage and ceramic clay works which are an expression of, and satire on issues we as women are confronted with in American culture, and are very much influenced by Surrealism.
Portfolio
Whispering Sweet Nothings
Ceramic clay, silver goblet, string of beads, rabbit fur. • 2023
$1250
My Heart Belongs to San Francisco #1
Acrylic gouache, ink and gold leaf on Topo map • 2021
$250
Home Is Where the Heart Is
Clay, epoxy, brass, bird nest, paper, wood, paint, saw blade & other metal/found/objects • 2020
$950
Blue Blood
Ceramic clay, nails, saw blade, silver platter, fur. • 2022
$1800
Heart of Medusa
Ceramic clay, painted epoxy, silver platter. • 2025
$1500.00
Sacred Heaert
Ceramic clay, silver dish, found object • 2025
$750
Gossip Girl
Glazed ceramic clay made from press mold, silver platter & fur stole. • 2022
$1800
Sacre-Coeur de Marie (Sacred Heart of Mary)
Ceramic clay, silver dish, cutlery, candles & other objects • 2025
$2500
Heart on Fire
Ceramic clay, silver dish, beeswax candle. • 2024
$950
Frida
glazed ceramic clay, steel/found objects, chain. • 2022-23
N/A
Virgin Octopussy
Gouache, acrylic, clay epoxy, fish bone & found objects on skateboard. • 2019
$800
Compass Rose
Gouache, acrylic, ink & metallic paint on USGS Topo map of Connecticut. • 2021
$350.
My Pisces Heart
Gouache, acrylic, ink & metallic paint on USGS Topo map of Northern California • 2022
$350.
Read Me Like a Book
Book, dragonfly, porcupine quills, saw blades, brass, paper, glass eye, paint & wood. • 2016
SOLD
Fuego
Clay epoxy, paper, paint, vinyl & found objects mounted on wood. • 2018
N/A
Disheartened
Clay epoxy, paper, paint, vinyl, tin & found objects mounted on wood. • 2018
SOLD
Wombgina
Clay epoxy, paper, paint & found objects mounted on wood. • 2018
SOLD
Death Rattle
Glazed Ceramic Clay, silver platter, faux fur, wooden pedestal. • 2022
$1250.
Battle Raven
Clay epoxy resin, steel, deer teeth, baby raven claws & found objects. • 2017
$950.
Carnie Love
Clay epoxy resin, chain, wood, paper, paint & found objects. • 2018
$1250.
Don Quixote (Unveiling Dec 5, 2025)
Steel, bronze, bloodletting bowl, chandelier parts, antiques tools & other found objects.
Fish Outta Water
Bike chain, butter knives & other found objects.
Mini Angler Maiden
Steel, 55 gal. steel drum cutouts & found objects.
Angler Maiden
Steel, found objects, wooden oars, pontoons, propane flame effects.
Phoenix Rising
Steel, recycled & found objects, flame effects system & interactive component.