"I Don't Know Where the Craziness Comes From"

Last week at the artWorks Gallery new exhibits from local artists went on display. One of those displays was created by JMU student and mixed medi artist, Kaitlyn Digangi. Digangi's art is unlike anything I have ever seen before. Her art included cartoon like animals in dark, scary places. Creepy and twisted are the words that comes to mind when I recall her display, and it was absolutely amazing. Her pieces spoke volumes as to the amount of talent she possessed.

I approached Digangi immediately after seeing her collection. I HAD to meet the artist capable of creating such disturbing work. But she was not at all what I expected. Her friendly personality quickly diminished any thought I had previously conjured up about the dark, brooding artist I thought I'd meet. So I asked where she possibly could have pulled this inspiration and these images from and she did not hesitate. It wasn't some big elaborate story, just a bunny from her childhood that she couldn't have hated more, a love for the bizarre and a desire to draw the reaction, "WHAT is that?!"

Digangi discovered this style of art her senior year in high school alongside an art teacher who supported her darker side. She explained her use of thick and thin stylized lines for black and white drawings. "It's sloppy, but in an artistic way," she said. But I quickly noticed much more to her work than paper and pen. "I'm just bored with paper. So, I grab things off the side of the road to use," said Digangi. Looking closer at each piece, I see window screens, yarn, a shade.

She was obviously passionate about each piece, quickly pointing out her favorite of the pieces and making sure I not only checked out, but tried out her interactive piece. She knows her work falls into the shock and awe category and enjoys every minute of the different reactions.

"My friend was joking that you could drop my art and it actually add to the look."

This display is not one too miss! To check out Kaitlyn Digangi's work visit the artWorks Gallery located on 131 Grace Street, Harrisonburg.