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Katie Furmston

Aerialist specialising in aerial hoop & PhD Candidate in Sustainable Furniture

Five Questions

01

Who are you as an artist and can you tell us a little bit about your art practice?

I am an aerialist specialising in aerial hoop. I have ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia, FND and fibromyalgia which makes life a lot to deal with! I am exploring how I can use the hoop, not as a way to be a professional, but as a method of channeling my pain and frustration and energy into something physical and beautiful. I am qualified to teach aerial hoop as I wish to help other with difficulties similar to mine, but I am currently working on different ways of learning and understanding as a first step.

02

why is your practice important to you?

It is my way of feeling free and in control. When I’m upside down it’s like nothing matters and my overactive brain is quiet! Aerial hoop gives me a few moments of peace and joy.

03

What was it like to do this photo shoot

It was incredibly empowering and helped me to actively see the joy and freedom that I feel. The distraction of the water as well made me forget all about the camera and just have fun! 

04

Can you tell us about how you came to find out about this practice and how long you’ve been doing it for?

I started pole dancing qhen I was in my second year of university, but after I left I couldn’t find the right style of teacher. At one of the pole studios I tried they also had an aerial hoop set up and I saw some women practicing before the pole class. I thought “that looks fun” but didn’t have the courage to give it a go for a few years! Once I did try it I fell in love instantly!! I’ve now been doing aerial hoop for about 7 years.

05

What other practice are you doing at the moment? 

Currently I am undertaking a PhD that is looking into making fast furniture more sustainable at the consumer end. I want to take my love and passion for furniture design and help others learn to have a more sustainable way of life with their furniture in a way that is accessible to as many people as possible. Sustainability isn’t supposed to be something that you can only do if you can afford it!