It is not often that we get to meet our artists in person before they officially launch in our ranks, but what an absolute JOY it was to meet (and spend time with) the absolutely wonderful Katie Howson at our pop-up in Charlotte in November. A true light in every sense, Katie radiates warmth, creativity, and an infectious passion for her work. A native of Charlotte, North Carolina, Katie specializes in mixed media. As a former creative director and sometimes-copywriter, Katie’s work centers on a fascination with the space between language and meaning. It is in this liminal space where opportunities for connection, empathy, and understanding arise. The use of symbology, bold color, rich texture, and grid-like compositions is characteristic of her work in exploring this concept.Katie brings her immense talent, as well as genuine kindness and authenticity, to her work and life, inspiring everyone around her. Is it surprising that we've been counting down the days until her Well + Wonder debut on Wednesday (10 am Eastern - don't be late)! Fall in love with Katie just as we have by reading her responses to our new-artist interview, Pardon Me, Katie Howson?
What is currently on your nightstand?
“Rebel Folklore” by Icy Sedgwick, “Nothing to See Here” by Kevin Wilson, a bundle of sage, and a framed photo of my daughter really committing to the princess bit.
Who is your biggest influence as an artist and why?
Hilma af Klint. I’m fascinated by her history as a Mystic and what we might now call an Intuitive. Her work is really an expression of the evolution of her belief systems, her values, and her connection to divinity. Through symbols, color systems, and geometry, we get to be witness to the ebbs and flows of her unique spirituality. I’d wager that most artists feel closest to something divine, sacred, or simply their highest vibration when in the flow of painting. It’s the most incredible feeling in the world, to me. And Hilma af Klint’s work is instantly transportive to that sacred place.
Tell us about your childhood. What is the most memorable moment as a young person?
Standing barefoot in the surf with my brothers at the beach, feeling the tides shift between our toes.
If you could only have one supply in your art studio, what would it be and why?
Molding paste. Texture is Queen, and often the difference between an image and a piece of art.
What is your favorite room in your house? Describe it.
My five year old daughter’s room. It's nestled into the top floor eaves of our 100+ year old house, with her bed built into a dormer window. The walls and angular ceilings are covered in a lavender and cream ditzy floral wallpaper that feels both whimsical and timeless. A super cushy Moroccan rug in bright purples, pinks and turquoise adds some funk to a room for a very spunky kid.
What is your biggest score online?
A vintage caramel-colored marble drum coffee table from Patina in Durham, NC, right off of Instagram.
What is the benefit of buying art through a collective? What do you recommend for those that are new to buying original art?
Art collectives feature art that has been pre-curated by trained eyes. Both new and experienced collectors can trust that they will find something that speaks to them.
If you have the entire day to spend in an art museum, which one and why?
Blanton Museum of Art, Austin, TX. It’s so experiential. The collection feels deeply diverse, in mediums, subject matters, and in perspectives. It’s the only museum I’ve ever publicly cried in.
What is your favorite hotel and what makes it special?
The Haymarket Hotel in London, founded and designed by designer Kit Kemp. From the art collection to the bursts of color and pattern, every is a feast for the eyes.
If you were a lipstick color would you be red, pink, or clear and why?
I’m more Chapstick than lipstick, but if pressed, I would be pink. Because I can’t help but put a little bit of pinks in everything I make. As a color group, I treat pinks like neutrals.
I can never get on a plane without….
Headphones. I will listen to music all the way through a long-distance flight.
How did you get into the world of art?
I don’t know that there is a World of Art. I’d like to think that there’s a creative inclination within all of us; it just comes out in different ways. So in a sense, all the world is Art! I first felt deeply connected with that part of me in elementary school. Lucky for me, the connection came back in adulthood, and here we are!
What do you do to relax?
Go outside, touch grass, and sky gaze.
When do you get the biggest surge of inspiration?
Travel, nature, and rich conversations with friends.
Prediction for the Color of 2026?
Richer yellows like ochre, marigold, and the dynamic color of a lens flare in photographs. Growing up in the 90s, I remember buttery yellow everywhere. The 90’s have made a comeback in fashion, so maybe we’ll see yellows mature into those deeper hues in 2026.
What is your idea of a date night? Dinner and a movie or dancing all night?
Going out to see live music with a requisite giant beer, followed by a greasy midnight snack and a stand-up comedy special on the couch.
Tell us about your favorite painting that you have created.
After my daughter was born, I painted an abstraction of her birth story. Every few years, I paint over or update it to reflect where we are in our relationship. There are so many layers now, I love that it’s a piece of living history.
One piece of advice for buying original art?
Art is more feeling than seeing. It doesn’t have to match your interiors, just your energy. I’m a big believer that when you collect things you truly love, they will always flow together. They’re connected by something much, much bigger.
