Artist and Mentor: Katie Sfetkidis
Photograph: Christine Sayer
Location: Old Fire Station, View Street
Why did you decide to take part in Next On Now as an Artist and Mentor?I chose to become a mentor because I really enjoy talking to artists from other disciplines about lighting. It gives me a chance to share my knowledge and learn a different perspective about my practice. Mentoring has given me a chance to reflect on my practice and knowledge. As an artist in the festival I am excited about how my work will fit into the festival context. It is another opportunity to develop the piece with a live audience.
What has it been like working alongside other artists in Bendigo?
I have really enjoyed it. It has given me opportunity to meet a group of artists outside my own network in Melbourne. There are exciting ideas being discussed in Bendigo.
What has been the inspiration behind your work?
My work has been inspired b my desire to extend my practice beyond theatre, to create my own work. This piece is inspired through my own practice and my experience as a lighting designer. I am inspired to make work that questions my own experience and that of my audience.
Have you been experimenting with new art forms and/or techniques for your work?
This work is part of my continual development to examine how situation can affect an audiences experience of light or in this case lack of light. I have contained to experiment with installation as as art form and push my practice beyond the realm of performance and my role as the artist/creator rather then a collaborator.
Describe your work in 5 words.
Darkness can inspire the imagination.
Who and/or what inspires you?
Janet Cardiff, Bill Henson, Punchdrunk, Bill Viola, Olafur Eliasson, James Turrell.
Where do you hope to be in 5-10 years time?
Making large scale installation work.
