METAGIRL

In this interview, we delve into the world of METAGIRL, who share her inspirations and unique perspectives.

Metagirl

1. Introduce Yourself to the Casawi Community: What drives you? What's your artistic vision, and what sets you apart from the crowd?

My name is Caterina Mongillo, aka Metagirl. I’m a sneaker artist and self-taught designer from Italy, currently based in the US. Footwear is my channel of expression, where I experiment with hyperfemininity. Some people would call my work kitch, and to me that’s the most beautiful compliment I can ever receive.

2. City Inspirations: How has your city influenced your artistic path? Share how its streets, culture, and energy have molded your work.

I grew up in a town called Rovereto, Trentino, in the Italian Prealps. Compared to other places, it’s surrounded by nature which makes you feel in sync (something I didn’t realise back then), but at the same time the opportunities to entertain yourself are not the ones you would find in a place like Milan. We also didn’t have a TV until I was 8 yo. So I had to get inventive in order to escape boredom when home. Boredom is the capital city of creativity. Also, since kindergarten, our mom set us up for creative activities every day, from making jewelry to mixing flour and water to make fake Playdo. So I guess she helped me to involuntarily create the habit of making things or art with my hands.

In more recent years, I love going to Venice for inspiration. Every year, I take a trip there and get inspired by the hidden surprises of this city. Artisans carving tiny scenarios in the wood in these dusty botteghe, majestic Burano glass chandeliers, frescos from famous painters casually hanging hidden in random churches. The art in Venice represents the level of detailing I aspire to.

3. Creative Process: What fuels your creativity? Whether it's a ritual, a muse, or a moment of clarity, we're keen to learn.

Although the way i get ideas is completely random and I like to think my creative process is a mess, I do think there is still an equation for my creative process hidden in the subconscious. I’m just not yet at the point where I’ve managed to verbalise it in a systematic way. One thing I will say: the creative process must carry pain.

I don’t have something in particular that fuels my creativity directly, apart from being interested in many diverse topics. However there are plenty of things that fuel my energy, which directly impacts creative output. Let’s break it down:

people: I get energy from conversations with independent thinkers, truth tellers, or from simply bouncing ideas. I also love love love talking to passionate individuals, like “tell me your obsession please”. Some times, I get a spur of vitality from watching people living their dreams, while other times I get energized by the work and attitude of fellow colleagues, like my fairy-, Bratz-, Hello Kitty-lover friend Agata Panucci.
youtube: yt is my companion, my lover, my friend. Yt is where I laugh, I cry, and explore the corners of human multifacetedness. I love watching videos about quantum physics, psychology, philosophy, general “occult” knowledge, decoding Da Vinci, or following channels like Diary of a CEO and Frugal Aesthetic. Not to forget how Kanye old interviews always give me a rush of adrenaline. I interpret information as if it was all a big metaphor, so everything I watch translates into my work eventually.
New York: I <3 N Y . Most vibrational city on Earth.
the moon phases

4. City Lifestyle and Art: How the places you lived influenced your career and work?

I’ve never lived in a place or in an environment that I have felt was artistically inspiring to me at that moment in time. And I moved 9 times in my life, across 6 different countries, due to work, studying or a parent’s job. I think my whole artistic path has been influenced by being in environments I didn’t feel mine, making my entire work about escapism. Almost like I don’t get enough stimuli from my environment and therefore escape into my own imagination.

However, I’m trying to be more in New York in the next few months. I’m curious to see whether that will have a positive impact on my work, or whether it will just overstimulate me.

5. Latest or Upcoming Projects: Give us a glimpse into your current endeavors and what lies ahead on your creative journey.

I’m currently carving out some introspective time to explore new horizons for Metagirl, hopefully starting mid october. Give myself the space to feel my raw emotions so I can create from the heart the way I like ;)