Katie Howes

Bio

Working across large-scale sculpture, mixed media and canvas, Katie is known for transforming familiar forms and cultural references into bold, highly individual works of art. Her distinctive visual language combines vivid colour, street-art influences, typography and iconic imagery with luxurious materials and meticulous hand-finishing. Her practice is deliberately unrestricted by a single medium or style. Spray paint, crystal embellishment, metallic leaf, sculptural detailing and layered mixed media are brought together to create pieces that are tactile, expressive and unapologetically contemporary. Music, fashion, British culture, nostalgia and iconic personalities frequently run through Katie's work. Rather than simply reproducing recognizable imagery, she reinterprets these references through her own visual language, playing with contrasts between nostalgia and modern culture, luxury and rebellion, glamour and grit. There is an unmistakable edge to her work. Pieces can be playful, provocative and occasionally controversial, balancing humour and a sense of mischief with craftsmanship and highly considered finishes. At the heart of Katie's practice is a commitment to individuality. Many works are created as unique one-of one pieces, individually conceived and extensively finished by hand, ensuring each has its own identity and presence. Katie works from her studio in Leicestershire, creating original works alongside private commissions for collectors and distinctive spaces.

Statement

I have never wanted my work to fit neatly into one category - and I've definitely never wanted it to be for everyone.

I love creating completely different things and working with different materials. One piece might be a sculpture, the next a canvas. I use everything from spray paint and graffiti-style techniques to crystals, gold leaf and resin. I don't have rules about what I can or can't use.

My signature is less about one particular subject or medium and more about attitude. The common thread is the contrast: luxury against street art, glamour against grit, nostalgia made
contemporary, something recognisable made slightly rebellious. There's usually boldness, humour or attitude somewhere in it - often all three.

A lot of my inspiration comes from things I genuinely love: music, fashion, iconic people, British culture, words, nostalgia and pop culture. I like taking something familiar and putting my own spin on it, rather than feeling like I have to stick to one particular style or subject.
There is a naughty, rebellious and unapologetic streak running through everything I create.

Sometimes it's subtle; sometimes it really isn't. My work can be playful, provocative and occasionally a little controversial - and I'm completely comfortable with that.
I don't believe art needs to please everyone. Mine isn't for everyone, and it isn't meant to be.

I'd rather create something that sparks a reaction, starts a conversation, makes somebody laugh or even divides opinion than create something safe that simply disappears into the background.

Ultimately, I want my work to have presence. I want it to feel cool, bold, luxurious and a little rebellious. Something beautifully made, but never too polished to have personality.
Provocative luxury. Unapologetic by design.
Not simply art that decorates a space - art that owns it.