Artist Bio
Katie Southworth is an award-winning, internationally collected abstract artist, author, advocate, and public speaker currently based in Bridgeport, CT. Originally from Darien Connecticut, she graduated from Colby College in Waterville Maine with Bachelor’s degrees in Studio Art and Psychology. Katie discovered her signature style her senior year of college, the same year she unfortunately grieved the sudden loss of her mother. She was the recipient of the Charles Hovey Pepper Prize for her body of work featured in the 2016 Senior Capstone Exhibition. She went on to receive her Masters in Teaching at the Tufts School of the Museum of Fine Arts in May 2018. In August of 2021, after three years of teaching elementary art for Boston Public Schools, she began pursuing her fine art career full-time. She moved her practice to Connecticut in July 2023.
Over 300 of her original works are in private and public collections across 50+ cities around the nation and abroad. Katie’s work has been exhibited at international art fairs including Aqua Art Miami (Art Basel Week), and featured in international, local, and fine art publications including Vanity Fair London, Colby Magazine, and Create! Magazine. Katie has delivered Keynote Speeches about her life and work at Gradutation Ceremonies and Mental Health Organization fundraisers, including Wave Strong's inaugural event in September 2024.
In April 2024 Katie published her first book, Dr. Roy G. Biv; Healing One Colorful Painting at a Time, An Artist's Journey to Hope and Joy. It is currently available on Amazon in hardcover and paperback.
Katie shows her work in her studio, online, in exhibitions, and at art fairs across the country, and donates a percentage of sales to The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention annually.
Subscribe to her email list here for early access to new releases and shows. Follow her journey and learn more on instagram @katiesouthworth_art.
Artist Statement
My work harnesses the healing power of color to promote mindfulness, joy, and mental well-being. I am inspired by emotion, memory, nature, and anything that makes me feel healthy. Color is my language, and my meditative process is my self-care. I strive for a harmonious balance of calming minimalism, captivating color complexity, and uplifting vertical line. Once I achieve that, a story or mood can emerge.
I title each painting after it is done. I listen to the story and then decide if it relates more to a memory, a human process, or a vision for the future. The last step of my process involves writing a brief statement, which helps me discover what each painting is truly about. Most viewers also have their own unique associations when engaging with my work. Through this practice, I have found that my work exposes the deeply personal nature of color as it relates to cognition, emotions, personality, and culture.
I hope my paintings serve as uplifting visual aids for mindfulness and intrinsic contemplation. I share them to provide a moment of peace, positivity, and pause for others, as they do for me. Ultimately, my mission is to foster a brighter, mentally healthier future for all. This higher purpose of my work is dedicated to my mother, Ellie. In honor of her, a percentage of all sales are donated to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
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My Studio
Bridgeport, CT
Currently, my studio in The Knowlton is accessible to visitors by appointment only. To schedule a time to come visit, email katiesouthworth.art@gmail.com
305 Knowlton St
Bridgeport, CT