We were lucky to catch up with Katina Douglas recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Katina, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
I found my purpose in art through my own healing journey. For years, I struggled with trauma, but in 2020, at age 47, I discovered healing through painting. I began painting my anxiety, fears, and growth, and soon realized I was transforming—healing in real time.
Sharing this journey with others meant embracing vulnerability and confronting the beliefs I was raised with: that what happens at home stays at home, that therapy is for the weak, and that sharing your story requires caution. But I now know that everything I’ve endured is meant to help others. Therapy can be life-changing, and sharing our experiences can be a powerful tool for healing—not just for ourselves, but for those who resonate with our stories.
Beyond being an artist who expresses my journey on canvas, I’m also an ambassador for Tellapy, a space where women can connect with others who have faced similar challenges. Being part of this movement means the world to me.
There are times when I wonder if people grow tired of hearing about my healing journey, but a conversation with a dear friend—Dr. John Lewis, a doctor and educator from Emory—changed my perspective. He told me that my art and journey remind him of Basquiat. He reflected on how the world saw Basquiat’s struggles with mental health, but we never got to witness his healing. He said that the beauty of watching my journey is that people get to see me healing and growing through my art. That was such a powerful compliment—one that solidified my purpose and deepened my commitment to sharing my story.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I am a mother, grandmother, artist, art teacher, and storyteller who found my purpose through my own healing journey. My work is deeply rooted in emotion, expression, and the power of transformation.
I began painting in 2020 at the age of 47 as a way to process trauma, anxiety, and fear. Through that process, I discovered healing. My art is more than aesthetics—it’s about storytelling, resilience, and connection.
What excites me most about my work is its ability to move people. I believe art has the power to heal, inspire, and spark conversations that might not happen otherwise. My style is free, expressive, and deeply personal—I prioritize feeling over perfection. I embrace acrylics, oil paint sticks, and any medium that allows me to communicate emotion. To me, art is limitless.
Beyond creating, I find immense joy in teaching art history, artists, and techniques to my elementary students. Watching them grow into confident artists is one of the most rewarding aspects of what I do. I want them to understand that art isn’t just about skill—it’s about self-expression, exploration, and telling their own stories.
This year has been particularly exciting. I signed with The Violet Theory Art Company and debuted my solo exhibition, Insouciant Grace, on March 15, 2025, in Atlanta, GA. This deeply personal exhibit reflects my journey of healing and self-discovery through art and featured special guest EMRemix—a group of doctors using music and art to address inequities in healthcare. I also had the honor of showcasing my work at the Kufa Gallery in Wynwood during Art Basel Miami. Additionally, I was invited to participate in the EmpowerHer art exhibition, curated by Tisha Smith at the Emma Darnell Aviation Conference Center during Women’s History Month—an incredible honor. And now, I’m thrilled that my art will be available for purchase on Artsy.net.
It has been an incredible year of learning, growing as an artist, experiencing new things, and meeting amazing people.
People often ask why I chose the name Insouciant Grace for my exhibit. Insouciant means carefree, unbothered, and lighthearted, while Grace represents divine favor, elegance, and the ability to move through life with forgiveness and peace. Together, they embody the state of being I have finally reached—a place where I understand that God has me, and I am resting in His perfect peace.
I hope my work inspires others to embrace their own stories, find healing through creativity, and know that it’s never too late to step into their purpose.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Looking back, three qualities that were most impactful in my journey were vulnerability, persistence, and faith. Each played a critical role in shaping not just my art, but my ability to grow, heal, and connect with others through my work.
Vulnerability – For years, I was taught to keep my struggles private, but I learned that true healing comes from sharing our stories. Being open about my journey—my pain, fears, and growth—allowed me to create work that resonates deeply with others. My advice: Give yourself permission to be seen. Whether through art, writing, or any creative expression, don’t be afraid to share your truth. It will connect you to the right people and opportunities.
Persistence – There were moments of doubt, rejection, and fear, but I kept creating. I painted even when no one was watching, and I pushed forward even when I questioned my path. Persistence is what turns passion into progress. My advice: Keep showing up. No matter how slow the journey feels, every step forward matters. Growth comes from consistency.
Faith – I wouldn’t be where I am today without trusting that my journey had a purpose, even when I couldn’t see it clearly. I leaned on my faith, believing that God was guiding me through every season. My advice: Trust the process. The path may not always be clear, but if you stay true to your purpose and keep moving forward, the right doors will open at the right time.
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
Yes! I am always looking to collaborate with organizations that focus on wellness, healing, and mental health. My journey has shown me the incredible power of art as a tool for healing, and I would love to partner with organizations that align with this mission.
With my background in education and art, I want to create spaces where people can explore their emotions, process their experiences, and find healing through creative expression. Whether it’s through art workshops, speaking engagements, or community programs, I am passionate about sharing my story and guiding others in using art as a pathway to healing.
If you’re an organization or individual working in the fields of mental health, wellness, trauma recovery, or creative therapy, I’d love to connect and explore ways we can collaborate. You can reach me on Instagram at @katinadouglasartist. Let’s create something meaningful together!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @katinadouglasartist
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tina.d.douglas.9/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katina-dent-douglas-5b25bb140
Image Credits
Eli Douglas
Chilly-O
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
