I’m Katie. UK based artist, print maker, photo taker, SEN teacher, seaside dweller and small business owner. I currently design, carve and pull prints by hand from my little home in Whitstable, with an exceptionally loving French Bulldog not far from my side.
I grew up in a small village in the outskirts of Folkestone, surrounded by my family who were and are all creative in their own wonderfully unique ways. I was always encouraged to draw and paint and dance and sing, finding inspiration in the curious world that surrounded me. Despite feeling in awe of the world, I have always been closely connected to the security and sense of belonging you get from being home, and more recently, discovering that home might not necessarily reside in a single physical place.
During my time studying Visual Arts at college and throughout my time at university, I enjoyed working with textiles, photography and dry point printing, however it wasn’t until a few years post graduating that I began experimenting with Lino printing for the first time, and even later than that, hand embroidery.
Over the years I have been involved in the planning and facilitation of various creative workshops and youth groups, often linking to the local community, and themes of history and the natural environment. These initial experiences lead me to work and train as a teacher, whilst continuing some community projects on the side. My current full time role is teaching Art and Design Technology in a small SEND school, where I am also an advocate for getting children outdoors through a weekly Fishing for Schools programme.
After building a portfolio of work that I’d really just created for my own mental stability and enjoyment, I was approached a few times by people actually wanting to buy my prints, or asking if I would consider commissions. At that time, I had no idea how to say yes to things that scared me – selling myself and my art, and it took me years to find the confidence to open an online shop, or even attend a creative market as a seller. After meeting my partner, who shares my love for mid century furniture, trailer tent camping and vintage french glassware, I realised that my confidence had been low for a while, but he likely without realising, helped me become more positive about what the future could hold. I continued making, opened an Etsy shop, I did a couple of markets – sold barely anything might I add, but was able to be content in knowing it would be a process.
I eventually packed up and moved from one side of the Kent coast to the other, where we managed to buy our first home together and unexpectedly re-homed one beautiful little Frenchie dog. I currently create from the comfort of the sofa, and occasionally the coffee table, but my plans are ever evolving; from dreams of a permanent home work space, to channelling my creativity into positive things within my new community. So if you fancy it, please do watch this space.
By Katie Elizabeth 