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Katie Jamieson

 "My work has to keep changing because we are keeping changing. Nothing is static really. We’re all emotion."

 

Artistic Approach and Process

Katie Jamieson, 2019 finalist in the Emerging Artist Awards, is a Sheffield-based artist known for blending painting, collaging, and sculpture. Her work moves fluidly between 2D and 3D, with texture, color, and line as the defining elements of her creative expression. Katie’s abstract pieces are deeply rooted in architecture, with a strong focus on how nature reclaims industrial spaces. Her process is highly intuitive and experimental, often involving layering acrylic paints, inks, and materials on large canvases. She finds inspiration from photographs of industrial buildings overtaken by greenery, which she captures during her walks around Sheffield.

“I like the rugged landscape of the peaks and the wilderness,” she says, drawing connections between the natural world and man-made structures. The physical act of painting for Katie is intertwined with her practice of meditation, a method she uses to center herself emotionally and creatively. She embraces the unpredictability of her work, allowing "happy accidents" to emerge organically, guiding her artistic journey.

 Artistic Background

 Katie’s journey into art was shaped by the challenges she faced with undiagnosed dyslexia during her school years. Despite struggling with reading and writing, art provided her with an outlet and became her “salvation.” She pursued formal training in Sculpture at Falmouth College of Arts and later honed her craft as a scenic painter at RADA, working in various prestigious theaters. Her move to Sheffield allowed her to establish her own studio and immerse herself fully in her creative practice.

Her background in scenic painting and sculpture has deeply influenced her approach, adding a sense of dimension and texture to her work that echoes the techniques she learned in theatre. Over the years, she has expanded her practice to include hosting women’s workshops in her studio, which combine meditation and art practices as a means of helping women build confidence and express themselves creatively.

 

Inspirations and Themes

Katie’s work is heavily inspired by the city of Sheffield, where her studio is based, as well as the surrounding Yorkshire landscape. She is particularly drawn to Kelham Island, a post-industrial area of Sheffield, where nature and urban decay coexist. "You’ve got this beautiful nature and landscape, but then it meets a city where there’s been quite a heavy industry for hundreds of years," Katie notes, highlighting the recurring theme of nature reclaiming human-made spaces in her work.

Her connection to the natural world also stems from her passion for wild swimming and her love of exploring the Yorkshire coast. She frequently incorporates elements of the landscape into her art, such as shells or branches she collects during her walks. “I put bits of nature in as well. A bit of branch that I like, or shells I’ve collected. It’s something about gathering from our outside world, bringing them into the space but also connecting to my inner world.”

 

Emerging Artist Awards Experience and Working with SCAF

Participating in the 2019 Emerging Artist Awards, organised by the Scott Creative Arts Foundation (SCAF), was a pivotal experience for Katie. It gave her the confidence to approach galleries and engage with fellow artists. “The award gave me confidence in approaching other people to exhibit,” she recalls, emphasizing how the experience expanded her professional network and boosted her self-assurance as an artist.

Through SCAF, Katie connected with a community of like-minded creatives, gaining valuable feedback and exposure. The support she received from the organisation played a significant role in her artistic growth, helping her to push boundaries in her work.

Post Emerging Artist Awards
 

Since participating in the Emerging Artist Awards, Katie has been active in the art world, participating in several solo and group exhibitions. Some of her standout shows include Reclaimed Space at The Tramshed in 2023, Paeon to the Sea at Artizan Gallery in 2022, and the ongoing Metro Tour in 2024. Her work has also been featured in local venues across Sheffield, from galleries to cafes and bars, allowing her art to become part of the city's cultural fabric.

In addition to her exhibitions, Katie has been expanding her skills, learning new techniques, and devoting time to her studio practice. She continues to experiment with textures and materials, drawing on the inspiration from the natural and industrial worlds that surround her.

 

Future Aspirations and Emerging Ambitions

Looking ahead, Katie is excited to explore new opportunities and expand the reach of her work. She is currently applying for art funding to further develop her projects and is eager to showcase her work in larger venues. Additionally, she aims to deliver more workshops, sharing her unique blend of meditation and artistic practice with others.

Reflecting on her future, Katie remains committed to evolving her craft. “My work has to keep changing because we are always changing. Nothing is static,” she says. As she continues to explore the dynamic relationship between nature and architecture, Katie envisions her art taking her to new heights, both creatively and professionally.

 "SCAF gave me confidence in approaching other people to exhibit"