Post 3 | Angelica Cisneros

Is there an experience that influenced you to become an artist? 

Not in an obvious way, but creativity has always been second nature to me. Since childhood, I have been highly imaginative and resourceful. I loved arts and crafts and could spend hours lost in drawing with colored pencils and crayons. I’ve always intuitively gravitated toward being creative—it’s simply in my blood. 

Who was your most important teacher? 

Honestly, the professors I have had here at NJCU—specifically Bastidas and Dittrich. Though they have very different art styles and ways of thinking, both are incredibly talented and deeply thoughtful about their work. They have taught me so much and inspired me not only to create but also to think and to understand. Without their influence and belief in me, I would have never opened myself up to the art world. I once saw myself only as a designer, but through their guidance, I’ve discovered I am more than that. 

Which artist has most influenced you? 

Professor Bastidas. I did an independent study with him last semester, where we spent hours deeply analyzing and discussing art and the art world. He opened my mind to see and explore things differently. I began thinking and creating conceptually. He pushed me to not only understand my craft but to refine my developing skills and create work that is both technically strong and conceptually deep. I surprised myself with what I was able to do. He saw my potential when I doubted myself and gave me the guidance to truly become an artist. 

What is your favorite artwork? 

A Storm in the Rocky Mountains, Mt. Rosalie by Albert Bierstadt. 

I saw this painting at the Brooklyn Museum without ever knowing about it, and my jaw dropped. It was absolutely stunning, and I fell in love with it instantly. It was a painting I wanted to jump into—to exist within its world. The lighting is perfect, and it has an overpowering moodiness to it. It was the first time a painting in a museum truly stopped me in my tracks and made me think, "WOW." 

What is your favorite museum? 

I love the MET. You can truly spend an entire day wandering through it. 

What other creative fields/disciplines have influenced you? 

Music inspires me a lot—especially the messages in certain song lyrics and the moods they create. The emotions that certain artists evoke can be translated into art. Whether it's melancholy or euphoria, there is something powerful about how music can move you. 

Have you ever made a choice that was influenced by a person's critique or feedback? 

Absolutely. I am no expert—I am a student, and I have much to learn. I take every critique and piece of feedback to heart, using it as a tool to grow into a better artist and designer. 

What advice would you give to an aspiring artist? 

Let go of overthinking. Stop worrying about what others want or how your work will be perceived. Do what feels right for you. Do what makes you happy. It’s not about detail. It’s not about others being more skillful than you. It’s about passion and conviction in what you are creating. Don’t overthink it. 

 

Bringing Meaning to My Work: A Reflection on Le’Andra LeSeur’s Interview 

Le’Andra LeSeur’s work is deeply personal, drawing from her experiences as a Black queer woman and using repetition, sound, and performance to explore themes of identity, resilience, and visibility. In her interview, she discusses how meaning in her work emerges through material choices, process, and personal storytelling. She is motivated by lived experience, using her art as a means of healing, empowerment, and challenging dominant narratives. 

    Similarly, my work is driven by personal and conceptual exploration, but my motivation lies in questioning societal structures and provoking thought. Whether through my BFA thesis, which critiques beauty standards, or my public art interventions on environmental issues, I use design, branding, and physical objects, whereas LeSeur relies on performance and sound to create dialogue. 

Material choice is central to my message. In "Belly Full or Mindful?", I used fragile ceramic bowls to physically slow down eating, symbolizing the delicate balance between speed and mindfulness. This mirrors LeSeur’s use of light and repetition to create immersive experiences that demand engagement.

Ultimately, both of us create immersive, engaging work. Though our methods differ, we share the belief that art should not just be seen but experienced, with meaning shaped by interaction, materials, and intention.