Holly Beeston - ‘Pulling Silk’

Aikido is a Japanese martial art grounded in principles of peace, respect, harmony, and balance. Often translated as "the harmonising of way and spirit," it is built on the belief that to harm another is to harm oneself, aiming instead toward a universal art of peace.

Through breath, balance, and connection, strength is not met with resistance but with unity. Movements are circular and fluid, redirecting energy rather than opposing it. The etymology of the word reveals not aggression, but conversation, magnetism, and craft.

Engaging with the practice through study and physical training, the artist creates a visual response to Aikido’s philosophies. The work captures quiet reflections both within the Dojo and in the natural world, drawing on instinct and the influence of Shinto traditions. This series remains in development, with ongoing updates shared through @holbeeston.photography.