About

Erin Christine Bell  – I am currently based in Polson, MT.

I create art work from a deep curiosity in humanity, in life. I am interested in the strength of exposed vulnerabilities. And humor. I’m interested in all sorts of movement and aesthetics, especially drawn to the awkward, ‘folk’ and improvisatory.  My work arises from a continuous balance between pragmatic social engagement and awe of the logic of improvisational, abstract art. I have taught and created work with both trained and untrained performers. I have worked with countless, astounding artists in professional and ‘underground’ contexts in the US: New Orleans, NYC, the Blue Ridge Mountains, Bread and Puppet Theater, as well as working internationally (Puerto Rico, Germany, Canada, Palestine, Greece + Slovenia) – creating music, theater, dance, puppet shows, video, and creations which do not quite fit into a genre.

I currently facilitate a somatic praxis. My somatic work is strongly informed by my background in natural horsemanship, theater and dance performance, improvisation practice; As well, my embodied research has inspired me to pursue a neuroscience degree. My interest in science, ecological cognition, and the Enactive/Embodied cognition in particular, has led me to create somatic education which integrates science research with somatic practice. I research social cognition via movement sessions, followed by sensation based interviews.

Studying science helps me understand more about what I experience in practice; the combination of know-how and know-what helps me feel more connected to all of nature. I’m also interested in science because I see how strong of an impact science has in western culture. Which healing modalities are covered by insurance, what kind of healthcare is offered through states systems (mental + physical) and what-how children are taught in schools are examples where what-science-says strongly effects entire populations. I hope that my integration of artistic-somatic practices and science study can continue to support vital communities.

CV link.