Meet Katie Homan of New Bremen, Ohio

Today we’d like to introduce you to Katie Homan.

Hi Katie, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
At the risk of being labeled a liar, I’m confessing that I was an unwitting student of the arts for over 15 years but was guided through remarkable lessons by teachers that never spoke a solitary word to me. I absorbed the voices of color thanks to the tutelage of orange poppies, the language of lines due to a vase of arching calla lilies, and the secrets of scale were taught by the giant fanning leaves of a palmetto palm. Truthfully, the foundation of my art practice is one that is made of tulips and snapdragons because I was a florist long before I was a painter.
You might assume that the botanical world and the art world would have poetically blended at some point over the years, but that’s not how the story curved. I picked up a paint brush for the first time in my lifetime just a week after shuttering my business. Painting was going to be a temporary activity; a form of therapy, or a chance to doddle away newly found free time. What I failed to predict in those early months was the kindness of a gallery in Dayton, Ohio willing to chance an area in their back hallway on my work. That first, generous opening was vital. It led to my studio in Dayton, Ohio and work exhibited in various parts of the country such as Miami, Fla; NYC; and Columbus, Oh. Tulips and roses did not teach me that precious momentum can be started in the humble hallway of a gallery. I learned that every opportunity is golden and should be appreciated with sincerity.
A handful of years have passed, and my current studio is a light-filled space in the upstairs of an old carriage house. It’s admittedly quieter and romantically rural, which suits me and the way I work. In this moment, there is an old record of Don Williams (look him up) playing on the turntable and my French bulldog, Herb, is drunk on sunshine in the window. I am elated to be progressing on a collection of exuberant paintings in my Soles series and delving into textile design titled Juicy Fruits. In honor of my art professors, I plant tulips just outside the studio door.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
For a brief time, I struggled with my education and gave it permission it to define me. The fact that I hadn’t attended a fine arts school was something that created fluttering insecurity within me. My Dayton studio was surrounded by a beautiful community of fellow artists, who not only encouraged and emboldened me, but gave me the gift of seeing myself through a different lens. They changed those paralyzing feelings of doubt. I was taught that there are only 2 true ingredients of an artist: ideas and approach. I couldn’t be more grateful for this knowledge.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Those that are drawn to serene and minimalistic art will likely bristle at the sight of my work! My loud painting style is characterized by vivacious colors, intentional symbols, strong lines, and a “sing-song” type of movement. I tend to repeat a handful of images throughout my different collections, such as linked necklace chains, summer fruit, lush foliage, striped snakes, and ribbony bows. My walk with Christ greatly influences my style. I push myself to create work that is unexpectedly modern, exuberant, and flourishing in faith.

How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
Unimaginably beautiful things can bloom from a collaboration. I’m thankful to have been involved in numerous projects and I always welcome a discussion.

Reach out to me at katiehomanart@gmail.com

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.katiehomanart.com