Katie Robinson - Painter

Katie Robinson, a painter based between Alexandra in Central Otago and Devonport in Auckland, shares her transformative journey from a high-achieving academic with a PhD in chemistry to a full-time artist. Her path was shaped by a deep-seated need to reconnect with her creative self, which emerged powerfully after becoming a mother and discovering ballpoint pen portraiture in her late 40s. Katie’s art sits at the intersection of memory, emotion, and mischief, drawing from personal heritage, the landscapes of Central Otago, and stories of objects and people. Her practice evolved from meticulous pen drawings to layered, emotionally charged paintings on found objects and unconventional substrates, often infused with subtle humor and surreal touches like dog vases. A pivotal moment came when a friend battling cancer urged her to 'just do it,' igniting her courage to step into the art world. Now, she leads from the heart, embracing vulnerability and emotional authenticity, while being supported by a close-knit collective, Art of Us. Her work continues to evolve, merging ancestral discovery—particularly her Chinese heritage—with the geology and spirit of Central Otago, creating deeply personal, layered narratives that resonate beyond the canvas.