Sophie Lewis: Artist & Underwater Director

Fascinated by submergence and the concept of 'Water Consciousness', Sophie explores in her practice the depths of our relationship with water. In its nature her work is two-fold: as a teacher and as an artist. Over the last decade she has developed Waterbody, a unique discipline in water, teaching people how to connect with it and use their experiences in a meditative way. Alongside this, she has worked as an underwater movement artist and director on a variety of artistic projects with dancers, choreographers, filmmakers and photographers.

Sophie formerly trained as a fine art textile artist at Goldsmiths’ College, London, and exhibited photographic and textile based work around the UK after graduating. Intrigued by early photography, the making of period clothing, time, movement and consciousness engagement, these subjects continue to inspire her work both in and out of the water. Originally conceived as an idea for a short film, The Fear of Falling is a culmination of fifteen years of ideas and exploration around these themes.

Sophie's pioneering work in the water has been featured on Radio 4’s Women’s Hour, The Daily Telegraph, The Evening Standard, Time Out, Zest Magazine and she has written and published articles on different aspects of the subject. Moving away from the notion that being in the water simply equals swimming, Sophie's long-term intention within her practice is to present us with a greater appreciation of our immense connection with water and invite new avenues of understanding within this field.

To learn more about Sophie’s individual work visit: www.sophielewis.org