BAINA Bathe
Volume 26.
Simon Schmidt

German-born, London-based photographer and art director, Simon Schmidt, brings a unique perspective to his craft, one that's deeply rooted in the concept of movement. Drawing from his background as a dancer, Simon places the human form at the centre of his creative storytelling, exploring the intricate relationship between people and objects.

In this volume of BAINA Bathe, Simon shares how bathing is a way for him to disconnect from the world and reconnect with himself, how seasonal changes shift routines, and how the traditional practice enhances his mental and physical wellbeing.

"Recently, I have found a lot of pleasure in any activities that really disconnect you from the digital world, screens, and the internet. Bathing holds such a beautiful, almost traditional practice to it, focusing on reconnecting to your own body; taking care of yourself without any external influences.

My bathing ritual depends on the week and also on the seasons. In the winter, I really enjoy hot showers and baths in the morning or in the middle of the day to wake up the body. In the summer, I love to shower before going to bed to feel fresh, crisp, and cooled down. I would say I am trying to shift the ritual aspect around what my mind and body needs."

"I cannot step into the shower or slide into a bath without music; I am totally and absolutely obsessed. It's the one thing I need to have to make the experience a relaxing one. Also, I am trying to take more time post-bathing to take a few minutes without rushing onto the next thing, a bit of a meditation break, so to speak."

"I love going swimming in the lakes in Sweden during the summer and ideally ending it with a sauna session, constantly jumping back into a cold lake. You come out feeling the most refreshed after, and I absolutely love that feeling."