Kim Hopson

RS: In what ways have you experienced touch, or how has touch changed for you through the pandemic?
KH: Over touched! I have a limb difference (missing my left arm), and with one hand and two children (newborn and toddler), it's chaos. My one hand is over stretched and I feel very over-touched constantly.


RS: How do you define and or understand resilience as it relates to owning an identity that is marginalized?
KH: My limb difference doesn't define me but it has defined parts of my life and experience in my life that have changed and forced me to adapt constantly to my environment.


RS: How does Austin play a role in your experience of touch and or resiliency?
KH: Austin feels very transient and I think that comes through when building relationships here. I feel more self reliant here than in my hometown. Especially around the task (and toll) of physically caring for small children.


RS: What was your experience in creating your skin prints?
KH: It was really cool! It was odd trying to make a skin print of the "hand bud" of my missing limb.


RS: Where on your body did you choose to create your prints from? Why were/are these spots important to you? 
KH: I chose my left arm (at the hand bud) and my right hand/ wrist area. I chose these areas because they are day in, day out placeholders that connect me physically to my children. My body is capable of caregiving even if it looks and feels different than the norm.


RS: Is there anything else you’d like to share about your story?
KH: Disability and motherhood are rarely addressed, especially within the context of art. I'm excited to share my experience. It's therapeutic and empowering for me, and hopefully helpful for others, as well.