Cara MacWilliam’s work captures the presence of ephemeral entities, unseen energies, and the otherworldly. Each material she employs carries its own voice, contributing to the layered and intricate nature of her pieces. Automatism is central to her process, allowing spontaneous and unfiltered expression to emerge. This technique transcends artistic trends, forging a connection between the subconscious and the collective unconscious,
inviting viewers to embrace the totality of human experience. Her approach mirrors the act of surrendering to intuition and unseen forces.
‘Ancestral Song of Gratitude, for the Spirit in my Blood’ is a reflection on daily spiritual practice and deep human consciousness. It is a co-creation and visual conversation between the artist, her ancestor—grandmother Mary Bryan, whom she never knew—and the digital medium. Macwilliam sees technology as possessing its own spirit and agency. Sensitive to unseen energies, she channels this connection through rituals and automatism, a
process without planning or sketching. This work is an exploration of presence, where unseen forces shape the visuals, forming a dialogue between three distinct entities. The piece invites the viewer to experience an exchange beyond words, revealing layers of communication between the physical, the spiritual, and the digital realms.
CARA MACWILLIAM IS A MULTIDISCIPLINARY ARTIST EXPLORING ENERGY – PHYSICAL, EMOTIONAL, AND METAPHYSICAL. HER PRACTICE IS SHAPED BY HER EXPERIENCE AS A DISABLED PERSON WITH AN ENERGY-LIMITING ILLNESS, LEADING HER TO ENGAGE WITH TIME, SPACE, AND RHYTHM DIFFERENTLY. IN 2022, SHE RECEIVED A DYCP GRANT FROM ARTS COUNCIL ENGLAND TO DEVELOP HER WORK MERGING PHYSICAL AND DIGITAL PROCESSES. SHE INVESTIGATES ACCESSIBILITY IN DIGITAL
INSTALLATIONS, USING INCLUSIVE DESIGN ELEMENTS LIKE PROJECTION AND AUDIOLESS SOUNDSCAPES. A SELF-TAUGHT ARTIST, SHE COLLABORATES WITH DISABLED, DEAF, AND NEURODIVERGENT
CREATIVES TO ADVOCATE FOR ACCESSIBILITY IN THE ARTS.