UNBOUND is an artist training & mentoring development programme delivered by Beam and YVAN. It’s part of Our Year, funded by Wakefield Council, Cultural Development Fund & West Yorkshire Combined Authority
Spotlighting Cat Scott…

Cat is an international artist living in Bradford who creates contemporary fluid sculptures/installations, using wave phenomena (light/sound/liquids/gases). Her work sparks curiosity/wonder in audiences of all backgrounds, and tours to diverse spaces — galleries/light festivals/public spaces — ensuring accessibility for those who may not visit galleries.

Can  you tell us a bit about your practice as a visual artist?

My practice is led by curiosity/wonder and exploration into contemporary/traditional sculptural materials/technologies, focusing on fluid systems, mixing hyper-personal yet universal themes, and creating ephemeral sculptures for exhibitions, events, and public spaces. After growing up in Keighley (a working-class town, West Yorkshire), and believing that everyone is born an artist, I prioritise inclusivity, engaging people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds.

Why do you create?

Creating is fundamental to being human, so I embrace my intuition enabling me to express myself in multisensory ways (sound, light, movement of fluids, etc).
Inspired by my creative family and upbringing, especially my childhood underwater-themed bedroom, toys and books, I draw on these memories to create contemporary sculptures/installations, often returning to fluid, ephemeral underwater worlds and bubbles.

What changes would you like to see in the arts sector?

Commissioners must set realistic expectations, so artists aren’t forced to work for free or below the living wage, as in any other job. More funded international residencies and networking opportunities are needed, post-Brexit. My sculpture Inner Horizons (2019–24), first created in South Korea, marked a major career milestone in my career. Now supported by key UK organisations, I’m planning a national tour in 2025 (www.catscott.co.uk/inner-horizons).

How has the UNBOUND development and mentoring programme, about creating art for public spaces, impacted your own outlook and your creativity?

Closing my knowledge gap on working safely in public spaces and being proposal-ready for commissions, enabling me to go full circle back to where my practice began (public art), thanks to my mentor, Peachzz. I’ve already started applying—yay! Networking with artists, curators, and commissioners through cohort talks has been essential for support, partnerships, and collaborations across 2D (murals) and 3D (sculpture) practices.

Image credit: Adam Garbutt_(Selby Creates)