Vessel
Lydia Smith’s practice is rooted in automatism, a process that allows intuition to lead and the unconscious to shape each work. Working across sculpture, works on paper and digital media, she begins without fixed ideas, allowing her research, thoughts and experiences to surface intuitively. Through her practice, Smith explores the theme of human connection, drawing from the intertwined histories of ancient beliefs, technological progress, scientific inquiry, and spiritual exploration. From this state of openness, she examines the hidden systems that shape who we are, from subconscious conditioning to the codes written in our DNA, questioning where instinct ends and identity begins. A dialogue unfolds between line and form as geometry takes shape across both material and immaterial worlds. Moving between her hands, to the software, and back again, she builds a rhythm between process and thought. The finished works hold a sense of balance and quiet intensity, inviting the viewer to pause and reflect. For Smith, sculpture is a grounding force that anchors us between our physical and digital avatars, commanding presence across both tangible and virtual realms.