KATY McGAHAN
Artist
filmmaker, sound artist, photographer, writer
I am a multi-disciplinary artist working across film, sound, poetry, photography, printmaking and participatory art. In 2022 I completed the two-year MFA in Creative Documentary Practice at University College London (UCL) which was a precious opportunity to further explore my film and audio practice.
For me an idea usually starts with a walk - a stroll around a town or city or
a hike in the countryside. Along the way encounters with natural landmarks, other people, flora, fauna, weather patterns and local folklore ignite and helps me formulate and shape ideas in a dynamic ever-changing environment. Back in the studio, mapping connections and navigating
these ideas is a continuation of the walk. It's been said that the soul moves at 3mph... an odd assertion but it chimes with my practice.
I am drawn to making works that explore the tension between our deep connection with the rest of the living world and our simultaneous involvement in the destruction of it - in this time of climate flux. I'm interested in exploring the interplay between the fragility and the resilience of nature and re-evaluating our place within it. For me the actual making
of artworks is as important as the finished result and, to this end, I often incorporate intentional rituals that help me create space around the act
of art making - as opposed to being wholly focussed on the final work.
After recently completing a year-long Permaculture Design Course I'm finding that permaculture offers a wonderful framework and set of tools
by which to work - and live - in a more sustainable and resilient way.
My UCL graduation film, The Happy Man Tree (2022), has been shown in festivals in the UK and internationally. It was selected to screen as part of the UK-wide Green Screen Network, an initiative on the part of Picturehouse cinemas designed to encourage cinemas across the UK to screen more environmental films.
I am a founding member of the NoticeThisTree art-for-action group who have been organising participatory art/activist/performance interventions in towns and cities across the UK since 2023.
I run short courses in radical filmmaking and experimental audio under
the banner of Hyenas in Petticoats.
I have dual British/Irish citizenship
I live in the High Peak, Derbyshire
I'm based at Milestone Studios in New Mills, High Peak, Derbyshire
