Meet Katherin Hervey | Filmmaker

We had the good fortune of connecting with Katherin Hervey and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Katherin, can you share a quote or affirmation with us?
My favorite quote is by Martha Graham on the life-force of creativity. “There is a vitality, a life force, an energy, a quickening that is translated through you into action, and because there is only one of you in all of time, this expression is unique. And if you block it, it will never exist through any other medium and it will be lost. The world will not have it. It is not your business to determine how good it is nor how valuable nor how it compares with other expressions. It is your business to keep it yours clearly and directly, to keep the channel open…. No artist is pleased. There is no satisfaction whatever at any time. There is only a queer divine dissatisfaction, a blessed unrest that keeps us marching and makes us more alive than the others.” ― Martha Graham

I love this quote by Martha Graham because it speaks to the beautiful mystery of the creative process – the pulse of the universe matching the pulse of the body and spirit that keeps us alive. There are times when I feel lost and I’m not sure what I’m going to create next or what the next step is. But I remain open and trusting, and then the idea or vision comes. Sometimes it trickles in and other times it builds quickly. Eventually I know there is something inside of me that must be expressed and if I don’t act on it a part of me will die with it. I will regret it forever. This “divine dissatisfaction” is both painful and awesome and this quote reminds me to embrace the process no matter what.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
These days my art is 100% documentary filmmaking. I believe artists and creators pull from the collective, whether consciously or unconsciously, and create our hearts reflection of the world around us. Right now, my heart aches for the divisive world we live in. Because of this my work asks: How can we pull back from the powerful narrative of “us” versus “them”? How do we do the work of truth and reconciliation not only within our culture, but within ourselves? My last film, “The Prison Within”, followed a group of men inside San Quentin Prison as they came together to heal with survivors of violent crime. The film is available on Amazon, Apple TV, Discovery Plus and other streaming platforms. I believe the film is doing so well because it speaks to our deepest instincts for unity and connection. I truly believe we are yearning in our bones to come together, even as we draw lines in the sand.

My work is also informed by my 15 years in criminal justice and prison reform, where I’ve worked as a restorative justice advocate, activist, filmmaker, prison college instructor, and trial attorney for the Los Angeles Public Defender. I’m currently developing and producing three projects, so naturally one of them is criminal justice related. My films do not hold back. They call for paradigm shifts within our culture that require us to take accountability for ourselves instead of pointing the finger elsewhere and I believe this is what sets my work apart. The project I’m holding most dear right now is titled “Radical Acts of Love”. It is an experimental film about the creative process and the role of the artist to transmute fear and violence into love and acceptance. This film is my radical act of love, and I have no choice but to make it.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I’m currently blessed to spend most of my time in Joshua Tree, CA. Here in the high desert, I’d pick yoga and soundbaths at Cedar and Sage Wellness Studio, local events at Yucca Shala – including a great soundbath every third Thursday, lunch and dinner at La Copine and Crossroads Café, and the rest of the time outdoors exploring the desert. In LA my favorites are LACMA, hiking with my dog at Griffith Park or Runyon Canyon, and I love eating at Figaro Bistro in Los Feliz. You can’t beat the vibe and the outdoor seating is great for people watching.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I dedicate this shoutout to my partner and husband Massimo Bardetti. He is a creative and loving man who always encourages me, challenges me, and believes in me. Relationships are mirrors. When you’re in a committed partnership your partner becomes a mirror, reflecting all your beauty AND all the messy and ugly parts of you that need to be healed. We’ve been together over 10 years and I’m so grateful he has embraced all of me while challenging me to grow as a woman, creator, and human being.

Website: https://www.katherinhervey.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katherinhervey/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katherin-hervey-9a252a4/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/KatherinHervey

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/katherin.hervey

Image Credits
Todd Dring Jonathan “Bridge” Wilson Annie Jeeves Massimo Bardetti