Page 22 - VOL 8

Kristen Lindop

Kristen Lindop’s artistic practice delves into the intertwined experiences of ecology and neurodivergence.
Whether painting, creating installations, or performing her work emerges from a profound somatic connection
to landscapes, plants, and creatures, particularly birdlife. Through symbolism and aesthetics, her pieces offer a
space for sharing diverse stories and fostering connections. From a young age, Kristen was drawn to art,
spending her school days sketching, reading, writing, and wandering the countryside. Developing a formal art
practice in her 50s feels like a return to these roots, though she acknowledges that her creative expression
never truly ceased. After earning a psychology degree, she worked with charities focused on autism,
environmental advocacy, and supporting children through performance. Art found its way into every facet of
her life, from event planning to baking elaborate cakes. Activism, such as her involvement with Extinction
Rebellion, and the challenges of motherhood also shaped her journey. At the same time, she sought inspiration
from other artists, whether at Tate Modern or through community projects. Seeing herself primarily as an artist
is a recent evolution, sparked by the revelatory experience of the Covid lockdown. Furloughed and taking
online art classes, she decided to leave her role as a charity director to dedicate herself to art fully. This
marked the beginning of an accelerated journey of self-discovery—of her talents, media, techniques, and
ideas, as well as a deeper understanding of ecology and neurodivergence, which she experiences as closely
intertwined. Through classes focused on expression and technique, she developed a passion for liquid inks and
painting birdlife, capturing their character and movement in ways that express her deep sense of connection.
She draws inspiration from the delicacy and vitality of Japanese paintings and the fluidity of calligraphy, which
resonates with her artistic sensibilities. Now pursuing an MA in Fine Art at Bath Spa University, Kristen continues
to expand her practice, exploring the possibilities and limitations of various media while refining her technical
skills and conceptual frameworks. This academic journey has deepened her insights into ecology and
neurodivergence, enabling her to weave these themes more cohesively across her work.

Now the Skies are Ours
Installation, 2024
Costume, poem, performance, film, and installation explore the loss of bird species and an imagined posthuman future. The resurgence of birdlife also
symbolizes reclaiming a neurodiverse world. Created for Hatch Somerset collective performances and exhibition at Hatch in Langport and East Quay,
Watchet. costume from recycled objects; acrylic paintings using waste paint on recycled plastic; found and donated feathers; film

22