I am a director, maker and performer. My work is an on going process. I do not settle into one specific methodology or frame. My work is the voice for how I feel and live as an artist and feminist fairy with an edge to resist specialisation or branding. I am a multidisciplinary artists.
I have been conducting a microscopic study about the role improvisation plays in real time composition for 40 years, integrating live music, movement, film, soundtrack, object and text. In my performances, the public are witnesses. They are the provider for how the piece is felt and perceived. My performance work is a reflection of what I believe time art can only be; “Live”.
Performance pieces 2012 to 2025
Traces of Casualty – Crazy –an investigation into the homeless and mental health. 2012 to 2014 (not available for bookings)
This piece was performed as a solo in diverse situations; galleries, intimate theatres and studios. I worked with musician Alfredo Genovesi, and with Korean film artist, Jong-kag Park, who created the mood of the subject in music and film. I made this piece with the intention to play it in unexpected locations, using text, movement, live music, soundtracks, costume, and objects.
“CAGE “A solo with an invitation for collaboration with international artists – 2015 to 2024
Cage evolved out of duet project I did in 2012 with the extraordinary dance and visual artist, Yolanda Snaith. In 2013, extended this piece and rehearsal processes in collaborations with performance artists, dancers, musicians and actresses, all over the world world; USA, Mexico, Argentina, Hong Kong, Slovania, Germany, France, Italy, Greece, Spain, Greece, Canada, and more.
Julyen Hamilton and Katie Duck duet project 2012 to 2025 (Currently)
Julyen and I met in the late 70’s. Since 2012 we have done a one night duet performance in Amsterdam. Each year Julyen chooses a title. We play with light, objects, movement, film and text. Each performance is fresh off the back of the year before.
Abandon Human 2016 to 2025 (Currently)
What is important about Abandon Human is that the two performer/writers, Katie Duck and Sharon Smith, are in their 70’s and 50’s. They have worked and played together for twenty years. They are female. They are ‘unruly women’ (behaving inappropriately especially for their age and stature).
Abandon Human has it’s own website: https://abandonhuman.com/ Go here for further text, visuals a booking information.
“Corona Princess – The dairy of a quarantine Artist”. A soundtrack and film series. (Film) – 2020
At the beginning of the pandemic I made a series of soundtracks and films in my Attic Studio in my home. Each of the pieces have a title and mood reflective of my quarantine experience.
The Day After 2024
Sound and Film fills the space using the presence of the performer as a potential background. Text and Interactions with the public are executed as if a figure has dropped out of one of the paintings from the film, worried, lost, disorientated, delegate humour that shifts from text to silence, pause to hypnotic movement like a baby learning to crawl.
The Day After” questions the world of mental diversity, be it chemical or neuron. “Living in a river of what we believe is real, while we swim in the noisy reality of how intimately private the mind is. The film is the basis of the piece, with paintings by Ilaria Honsinger.
“SKY” Katie Duck and Sharon Smith in collaboration with cellist Ben Roberts – 2025
SKY is a one hour real-time performance created and performed by Katie Duck (Amsterdam) and Sharon Smith (Devon), in collaboration with cellist Ben Roberts (Devon). Katie and Sharon are known for their previous piece “Abandon Human”.. “Sky” explores ancient stories of skies in tandem, alongside, or in company with our current cosmic confusion. Katie and Sharon challenge AI with questions such as: “What is nothing”? ”Do you have emotions”? “What happens when we die”? Their correspondence results in a tender playful dialogue, gently funny, absurd, and not afraid of the dark.
Composition invitations for ensemble work
Since the 70’s , I have been invited to create compositions for groups all over the world. Group project invitations come from academies, companies, bands, and workshops. The artists range from musicians, singers, dancers, performance artists and actors.