About this episode

Sophie Cape discusses her transition from elite sports to a career in contemporary art, reflecting on the influences of her upbringing and the challenges of redefining her identity after sports.

In this episode of Art Wank, we chat with artist Sophie Cape about the winding path that led her from elite sport to a life in contemporary art. Before establishing herself as an artist, Sophie competed at a high level in both skiing and cycling, dedicating years to training, competition, and the pursuit of performance. She reflects on the mindset required to succeed in sport and how those experiences continue to shape the way she approaches her work today. Sophie also shares what it was like growing up with artist Ann Cape as her mother. Surrounded by creativity from an early age, art was always present in her life, although it would take many years and several career changes before she fully embraced it as her own path. We discuss the influence of family, the balance between inspiration and independence, and how her creative identity developed over time. A major turning point came with a series of injuries that ultimately brought her sporting career to an end. Sophie speaks candidly about the emotional impact of stepping away from elite competition and the challenge of rebuilding a sense of purpose after sport. What followed was a gradual shift towards art making, where she…

People in this episode

Hosts: Fiona Verity, Julie Nicholson, Gary Seller

Guest: Sophie Cape

Topics covered

• elite sport
• contemporary art
• creative process
• family influence
• identity
• mindset

Keywords

• Sophie Cape
• elite sport
• contemporary art
• creative identity
• Ann Cape
• mindset
• art process

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