Artist Spotlight: Katie Harrington on Wildness, Intuition, and the Art of Feeling
Katie Harrington
At Anne Haas Design, we believe that original artwork isn’t just decoration - it’s an essential part of creating a home that reflects who you are. Each month, we’re spotlighting an artist whose work we love and whose story we think you’ll find inspiring. This month, we're thrilled to introduce you to Katie Harrington, an abstract artist whose practice is rooted in intuition, emotion, and the tactile nature of the creative process.
A Moment of Recognition
Katie Harrington didn’t set out to become an artist in the traditional sense. Her journey began with what she calls a “flash of recognition” - a visceral moment in a friend’s studio surrounded by paints, brushes, and canvases.
“I remember stepping into the space and thinking, this is me,” she says. “I didn’t own any of the tools yet, but I saw myself in all of it. That was the beginning.”
This moment of alignment sparked a creative path that would evolve into a deeply personal and expressive practice—one that embraces mystery, spontaneity, and emotional resonance.
From Museums to Making
Katie’s first memory of connecting with art came long before her first painting. As a child visiting museums in Washington, D.C., she remembers feeling disengaged. And then one sculpture changed everything.
“There was this piece called The Awakening, and we were allowed to climb on it,” she says. “That’s when I connected with art. It had space, movement, texture—it felt alive.”
This early experience set the tone for how she now approaches her own work: with a sense of freedom, physicality, and presence.
The Language of Feeling
Though Katie works across mediums - sculpture, collage, and painting - her work remains largely abstract. It’s not about telling a literal story; it’s about evoking a feeling.
“I’m trying to express something that can’t be put into words,” she explains. “It’s not exactly spiritual, but it is about connection—something deeper than the physical.”
Her pieces are colorful and playful, but there’s a grounded emotionality beneath the surface. “I follow impulses,” she says. “Sometimes a piece feels complete, sometimes it stays open-ended. I let the work lead.”
Rooted in Nature
Nature is a recurring influence in Katie’s work but not in a literal, landscape-driven sense, rather in the wildness it evokes.
“Nature gives me permission to be untamed in my process,” she says. “It reminds me that there’s no ‘right’ way to create.”
When she feels stuck, Katie doesn’t push. Instead, she steps back, sometimes simply hanging a piece on the wall to let it speak.
“That’s usually enough to ground me again—to remember I made something, and it matters.”
Evolution Over Perfection
Unlike many artists who strive for a consistent visual identity, Katie welcomes evolution.
“There’s this relentless thread that runs through all my work,” she says. “Even when I’m experimenting, the thread is always there. The work carries itself.”
This approach mirrors how we view interiors at Anne Haas Design - trusting in process, honoring instinct, and allowing a space (or a piece) to unfold organically.
Art as an Invitation
Ultimately, Katie hopes her art does more than fill a space—it invites people into themselves.
“I want people to feel more alive when they see my work. To feel something wordless and true.”
Her advice for emerging artists is just as powerful for those curating their homes: "Lean into what’s true for you."
“Art isn’t about polish—it’s about presence. The wildness, the honesty—that’s where the magic is.”
Why We Love Her Work
Katie Harrington’s art brings a soulful, layered energy to any space. Her pieces are emotionally rich and visually striking - perfect for clients who want more than just pretty walls. They want depth, texture, and a sense of story. That’s what Katie delivers.
Stay tuned for next month’s artist spotlight—and if you’re curious about incorporating original artwork into your home, we’d love to help you connect with artists like Katie whose work feels just right for you.
