HOMECOMING Series
April 2024
On View at Armstrong Gallery April 5 - May 5 305 Knowlton St. Bridgeport, CT
Her first solo show since moving back to her home state of Connecticut, “Homecoming” is Katie Southworth’s celebration of so much more than a move. Themes of independence, openness, transition, softness, and the sublime have made their way from Katie’s newfound lifestyle into this new series, in which she explores what it means to return to the self in a way that yields true holistic health and wellness. Inspired by the self-love of early rising, habitual living, natural dopamine, peaceful solitude, new connections, and vulnerability, “Homecoming” captures what it feels like to be both in power and at peace with unprecedented independence.
Homecoming SOLD
48 x 36in oil and gold leaf on canvas
March 2024
"My favorite quote from Grey’s Anatomy is when Sandra Oh says to Ellen Pompeo “He is very dreamy, but he is not the sun. You are.” Remembering that your relationship with yourself is the longest one you’ll ever have is all the reason you need to prioritize certain things. Invest time in peaceful solitude, adventure on your own, learn things you’re interested in, create something that’s been running through your mind, and nourish your body and mind. Above all, build a lifestyle that both protects your peace and allows you to prosper. Fall in love with yourself, over and over again, as you go through life. That is what I’ve learned this year. And I am home. "
"Rising with the sun is tough for someone who’s never been an early bird. Not only did this new habit keep seasonal depression at bay for me this winter, it also made the rest of my new wellness routine possible, which inspired this entire series."
Alarm Clock
18in Gold Leaf, 3D mixed media, and mirror on panel
March 2024
"A glorious sunrise is the visual epitome of peace, all the while emitting so much energy that it can be concurrently described as all-powerful. I don’t think that’s a coincidence, and I think we humans can learn from that. Maybe protecting your peace is the surest way to remain in your highest power."
Power of Peace
48 x 12in Oil, 3D mixed media, and mirror on panel
March 2024
"I think grace is a key ingredient involved in building new lifestyles. You won’t be able to consistently get up at sunrise right away, and you can’t punish yourself for that. Whatever your goal is, it takes gradual adjustments, patience, reflection, and celebrating yourself for every inch closer you get until you’re there."
Baby Steps SOLD
24 x 18in Oil, 3D mixed media, and gold leaf on panel
March 2024
Ritual: AM
18in round oil, 3D mixed media, and mirror on panel
March 2024
"Habit stacking is tricky at first, but once you do them long enough, you literally fall in love with them. You have something just for you to ground your mentality, regulate your emotions, and jump-start productivity for the day. I never thought I would want to wake up with the sun through the weekend, but here I am."
"Our culture emphasizes exercise for physical health and appearance too much. Nothing is better for your mental health than movement, especially in the morning. As a former mega jock, I have let go of the need to crush every workout, and leaned into any movement I can manage each morning. I love my slow walks just as much as my circuit lifts. I have barely skipped a morning this past month, and my mind has never been more clear, my body has never been more balanced (I’m not tight one day and antsy the next), and most importantly, I breathe so much more deeply and smile much more frequently throughout the day.
Morning Movement
24 x 8in oil and gold leaf on canvas
March 2024
Surrounded
"Ironically, even though I’ve never been more alone, I’ve never felt more surrounded by love and support. I got there by choosing the right environment for my personality and health and wellness habits. By choosing a warm community for my work. And choosing a lifestyle that protects my peace but also welcomes new connections."
24 x 18in oil, 3D mixed media, and mirror on panel
March 2024
Oxygenation SOLD
24 x 8in oil and gold leaf on canvas
March 2024
"One of the five pillars of health, this one is free. Take it! And it’s more than just getting outside. It’s being mindful to breathe deeply throughout the day. It’s downing a whole glass of water first thing in the morning. It’s taking a few ujjayi breaths before going for another coffee or popping an Advil."
Ritual: PM
18in round oil, 3D mixed media, and mirror on panel
March 2024
"I have struggled my whole life with how to end the day. I am a sensitive soul who feels deeply, and my mind is always alive with thoughts and feelings before bed. I’m still working on the nightly routine, but I find my thoughts are best put to bed by keeping a gratitude journal and making a plan for tomorrow. Then either reading, listening to music, journaling, crafting, talking to a friend, playing a game. Anything but TV."
You are Beautiful and Strong SOLD
24 x 18in oil, 3D mixed media, and mirror on panel
March 2024
"The last words my mother ever wrote to me were “you are beautiful and strong”. These days, in my era of unprecedented independence, I’ve been putting in a lot of internal work to live up to that, because I know she cared more about internal beauty and strength. I think that’s why I’ve been spending so much time staring at the sky. To me, sunrise and sunset are when she does the painting, using her signature pinks and oranges, letting me know she’s present, watching, and proud."
Coziness SOLD
"Light a candle first thing in the morning before the sun comes up. Wear fuzzy socks. Have tea at night with mood lighting. Don’t forget the blanket with the book. Downtime becomes restful and restorative when you physically tell your body to let the comfort in with small, simple cues of warmth and softness."
24 x 8in oil and gold leaf on canvas
March 2024
Beauty Sleep
"Sleeping is one of my worst skills. But as I get older it’s becoming more and more essential to my health and wellness. Ironically, changing my days has helped the most. Now that I’m in love with my morning routine, I have to get to bed by the time the moon is bright to make it happen. In other words, the beauty of the day is my inspiration for a good night’s rest."
18in round silver leaf, 3D mixed media, and mirror on panel
March 2024
New Muscles
"As a former gymnast, trust me when I tell you, new muscles don’t show up overnight. They need regular toning, nourishment, and rest. Consistency is key. Big life changes usually require you to build new muscles, and not just physical ones. Mental and emotional fitness are actually more important. And those invisible muscles need just as much consistent attention to grow. New habits, tracking them, and journaling about them are all things that are now a part of my weekly routine and I can feel my mental fortitude toning."
48 x 12in oil and muscle shell on panel
March 2024
Sunkiss 1 - 8 SOLD OUT
"Every time I chase a sunrise or sunset, it’s like a little gift to myself. A kiss of warmth, sublime hope, and affection from the universe."