About Me

‘Regal Tiger’ - my first Paint By Numbers created in 2004

An Unexpected Journey

Here’s my truth: In the beginning, being an artist wasn’t part of my life plan.

I spend the early part of my career studying a Psychology degree. It was fascinating - and I enjoyed it initially - however a few years in my soul grew restless.

Then at 26, I picked up a paintbrush and something magic happened. Art bridged the gap between my clinical studies and my creative desires.

 

Art initially became a hobby for me, and while I felt in my heart that I truly belonged in the Creative Industries, my ‘pragmatic brain’ convinced me to continue my Psychology studies

‘Afternoon Nap’ - another Paint By Numbers created in 2005

‘What You Resist, Persists’

 

I eventually deferred my course and decided to enjoy life for a while. I worked, travelled - and somewhere in there I got married and we built a house together.

Finding my life partner and travelling together

Taking a long over-due break away from study

At peace with myself in Bali

‘I needed to give myself permission to change direction’

It was in my late 30s that my journey took an unexpected turn.

After undergoing IVF, my body needed to heal. I took some time to allow myself to recover - and did some soul searching. I felt I need to find purpose and give myself permission to change direction. Once again, art appeared in my life and soothed me in so many ways. I painted, smudged and collaged to my hearts content. Art brought me what I was craving: connection, healing and freedom.

I realised I was investing in a degree that was no longer bringing me joy.

Knowing it in my head was easy; saying it aloud was the hard part.

Taking time out to reflect and heal

Art reappeared in my life and helped me in so many ways

Becoming…

 

In 2020, I enrolled in a Bachelor of Design, majoring in Visual Arts.

I then began the incredible process of transforming our spare room into an art studio.

I am incredibly grateful

The start of a new beginning - commencing my art degree

I love creating with my hands - and soft pastels is the perfect medium!

Professional Biography

Katie Brooks was born in Perth, Western Australia, in 1981. She gained a Bachelor of Design (Majoring in Visual Arts) from LCI, Melbourne in 2024 and now works from her studio in Perth as an artist and creative designer.

Her work explores themes of nature, light and human connection. She has commissioned various pastel and mixed media pieces including Keywest (2021), Barrel Wave (2022), Krystina’s Roses (2022), and There’s Always Hope (2022).

In 2023, Katie participated in the Joondalup Community Art Exhibition, showcasing her artwork titled Lucky Bay. The piece was well received and sold during the event.

In 2024, Katie was commissioned by AVC Composites, based in Bibra Lake, to create a pastel painting of an Airbus A320 Neo. This project showcased her artistic talents and subsequently led to additional work, including the development of the company website.

Additionally, in 2024, Katie developed a Capstone Project titled Learning to Live Softly. This collection consisted of over 20 artwork pieces, each representing her personal journey and the transformative path that ultimately led her to become an artist.

Katie has an innate sense of creativity, and loves being out in nature capturing photographs for future artistic inspiration. In addition to her artwork, she has a passion for astronomy, writing and music, along with travel adventures with her husband and their two puppies.