SHIFT: Katherine Smith

In this film, Smith discusses her enquiry into the relationship between materials and embodiment. 

She explores the influence of neurodivergence, including the experience of disassociation, within her practice, and her interest in interrogating the kinds of materials that facilitate personal experiences of embodiment.

She also details the importance of spending time with materials, as a means of mediating time spent with and in one’s body, as well as the joy of unexpected encounters with materials – when the material itself becomes a teacher.

Katherine Smith is a performance artist and sculptor who also works with children in hospitals, galleries and other community settings. In both sides of her practice, she looks at what sorts of structures facilitate embodied learning.

This film is part of SHIFT, Freelands Foundation’s quarterly series of short films spotlighting varied practices, approaches and philosophies within art education. 

Captions and editing: Sixbetween.

All audiovisual material and research is courtesy of the artist.