Hi, I’m Katie!
I’m a multidisciplinary artist, illustrator and creative educator based in Bournemouth, UK. My practice has always been driven by curiosity, people and a love of making things. I’m happiest when I’m learning something new, experimenting with a different material or finding a creative way to connect with other people.
My background is in Fine Art and education, having spent 13 years working as a secondary school art teacher. Alongside my own practice, I now run creative workshops for adults and young people, creating relaxed, welcoming spaces where people can experiment, learn new skills and enjoy making art without worrying about getting it “right”. In 2023, I also had the opportunity to volunteer teaching art in Zanzibar, an experience that strengthened my belief in the power of creativity to bring people together.
My own work spans Fine Art and Illustration, with watercolour at the heart of much of what I do. I love exploring different materials and processes, from painting, printmaking and digital illustration to ceramics and textiles. I’ve made my own wedding dress and bridesmaids’ dresses, customised denim jackets, upcycled furniture, made outdoor cushions and, for more than ten years, have run my own face painting business, working at children’s parties, festivals and events.
I’m endlessly inspired by people, their stories, identities and the things they are passionate about. Whether I’m creating a portrait, developing an illustration, teaching a workshop or painting a face at a festival, I love the opportunity to make something that connects with someone.
My curiosity has taken me all over the world, including studying at the Nanjing University of Art summer school programme in China in 2026. I’m a huge lover of travel, but I’m equally happy exploring closer to home - particularly the Highlands of Scotland, where I was born. When I’m not making art, you’ll probably find me hiking through the Dorset countryside, cycling along the beach, moshing and crowd-surfing at a music festival, or spending time with my husband, my two brilliant teenage stepsons and our very cute (but very grumpy) cat!
I’m always looking for the next thing to learn, make, experience or get excited about.
Exhibitions
2026 - Postgraduate Degree Show, Arts University Bournemouth.
2025 - 'Beneath the Surface' - Solo Exhibition, Lighthouse, Poole.
2025 - 'At Home', Patch, Bournemouth.
2024 - 'Drawing Down the Moon', 54 the Gallery, Mayfair, London
2023 - 'Atmosphere', The Gallery Upstairs, Upton Country Park, Poole.
2022 - 'Flow', Mill Street Gallery, Bideford, Devon.
2007 - 'Creationism', Truman Brewery, Brick Lane, London.
2007 - 'Vivid', Staffordshire University, Stoke-on-Trent.
Commissions
2025 - 'Furniture Mews' private mural commission.
2020-25 - Small to large illustrations, painted canvases, wedding and anniversary portraits for private clients.
2021 - Brace for Impact, album cover art for band, Kill the Colossi.
2021 - The Tinkers of Tanglewood, children’s book illustrations for author, Ella Marer.
Workshops
2024-2026 - Monthly Art Workshops at La Mia's, Poole; Sophie's Ceramics Pottery Cafe, Shaftesbury and Blandford; BEAR Cafe, Wimborne; and St Peter's Church, Poole.
2015-2019 - Larmer Tree Festival, art workshops for children and adults
Teacher of Art and Design
2020-2024 - Magna Academy, Poole, Dorset.
2025-2020 - Budmouth Academy, Weymouth, Dorset.
2013-2015 - Freman College, Buntingford, Hertfordshire.
2012-2013 - Poole High School, Poole, Dorset.
Education
2026 - MA Illustration, Arts University Bournemouth.
2013 - Qualified Teacher Status, Wessex Schools Training Partnership.
2007 - BA (hons) in Fine Art, Staffordshire University.
2004 - AVCE in Art & Design, Bournemouth & Poole College.
1996-2000 - Ashdown School, Poole, Dorset.
Collaborator
2011 - Grand Grotesque Parade, The Girls (Zerelda Sinclair and Andrea Blood), Bournemouth Arts by the Sea Festival.