Artist spotlight : Vitória Catarina
ARTIST STATEMENT:
My work explores emotion, transformation, memory and identity through tactile and expressive textile art. Inspired by emotions, personal and collective experiences and Brazilian cultural influences, I use tapestry and tufting as a way of translating feelings, reflections and psychological experiences into physical forms.
For me, art is deeply connected to authenticity and human experience. Many of my pieces are born from moments of vulnerability, change and emotional reconstruction, transforming difficult emotions into visual narratives centred around resilience, healing and self-discovery. Colour, texture and composition play an important role in communicating these internal processes and creating an emotional connection with the viewer.
As both an artist and someone with a background in Psychology, I am particularly interested in how art can communicate emotional depth, create reflection and encourage new perspectives. I see my work as an extension of myself and of the experiences, memories and cultural elements that shape my identity.
Vitória Catarina
1. Inspiration & Style
What initially inspired you to become an artist, and how did you develop your unique artistic
style?
Answer:
I cannot really say exactly when or how it started, because I feel that art has lived within me
for as long as I can remember. Since I was very young, I loved drawing and painting, and
over time art grew within me almost as something inherent to who I am. I have tried to
distance myself from it before, mainly for professional reasons and because where I come
from art is often not valued, but it was impossible. It feels like trying to remove a part of
yourself that is deeply connected to your existence.
I have explored many artistic forms throughout my life. For a long time, drawing with graphite
was my favourite form of expression, but when I moved to the UK I discovered tufting. From
there, I began researching and studying textile and tapestry art more deeply, and I found
myself within it. Through tapestry I am able to express and give voice to my feelings,
thoughts, reflections and experiences. To me, art is authenticity, and I believe it should come
from human beings who genuinely feel it within themselves.
2. Creative Process
Do you have any rituals or routines that help you get into a creative mindset when starting a
new project?
Answer:
I really enjoy being connected to nature and to the present moment. I try not to spend
excessive amounts of time on social media, and instead I focus on reconnecting with myself,
my emotions, and experiences that have affected me in some way. By connecting with those
feelings and reflections, I am able to let my ideas flow naturally and represent them through
tactile artistic forms.
3. Artistic Influences
How do you balance historical or artistic influences with your personal style, and how do
these influences manifest in your work today?
Answer:
My influences come largely from my personal experiences and from collective experiences
that have caused me discomfort, reflection or emotional impact. I am also inspired by
Brazilian cultural elements, affective memories, colours, sounds, and sensory experiences
that hold emotional meaning to me and form part of my artistic identity. My art is an
extension of myself, and as a Brazilian artist I feel it is important to communicate part of that
identity through my work.
4. Emotion & Expression
How do you use your art to evoke emotions, and what role does emotion play in your
creative process?
Answer:
Emotion is one of the main elements within my creative process. Many of my works, both in
tapestry and drawing, were born from emotions and reflections connected to collective
experiences or personal moments that deeply affected me. A lot of these creations emerged
from difficult emotions, and through creating art I realised it was possible to give new
meaning and perspective to painful experiences. Even if something was difficult, it may still
have been important in bringing that artwork to life and helping transform that feeling into
something meaningful.
5. Standout Projects
Can you share a project that stands out to you and describe the creative process behind it?
Answer:
One project that stands out to me is called “Renascimento – Rebirth”. It was created during a
period in my life when I no longer knew who I was, where I was going, or what to do next.
When I discovered a new way of making art, I also began to understand my own process of
transformation and realised that I could not escape from art because it is part of me.
The piece begins with a small blend of colours, representing the many different moments a
person may experience in life. It then moves into a very intense red section with loose and
uneven threads. This symbolises the darkest and most chaotic moments someone may go
through, as though everything is disorganised and emotionally bleeding, metaphorically
speaking.
As the eye moves upwards through the piece, the red gradually softens into a colour
gradient, and the structure becomes more organised and defined. This represents the
process of rebuilding oneself, reconnecting with life and with one’s own identity. At the top of
the piece there is a lighter form resembling a flower, sun or star, symbolising healing, hope
and achievements. However, the centre remains coral-toned, representing the fact that
obstacles will still exist, but it is always possible to rebuild yourself and be reborn whenever
necessary.
6. Feedback & Growth
How do you incorporate feedback from critics or audiences into your work, and how do you
balance this with your own artistic intuition?
Answer:
I listen to and welcome feedback that I feel relates meaningfully to my type of work. Although
I understand and trust my own artistic process, I respect different perspectives and I am
open to constructive criticism that helps me improve and evolve as an artist.
7. Motivation & Inspiration
How do you stay motivated and inspired, even when facing creative blocks or challenges?
Answer:
One of my greatest challenges is being able to make a living from my art. Unfortunately, we
still live in a world that, in general, does not fully understand or value art and artists as they
deserve to be valued, especially if you are part of a minority. I try to keep my head up,
surround myself (both in person and online) with uplifting environments and creative people,
and continue understanding more deeply what art means to me and how creating art keeps
my soul alive. One thing I never lack is creativity for new pieces.
8. Exhibiting Work
How do you feel about exhibiting your artwork with The Holy Art Gallery, and what does this
opportunity mean to you?
Answer:
This was my first experience exhibiting my work, and it was incredibly rewarding to see my
artwork displayed on a wall and people engaging with it. It is a very fulfilling feeling to know
that your work is being seen and has the possibility of reaching and connecting with more
people.
9. Future Goals
What are your long-term goals and aspirations as an artist, and how do you plan to achieve
them?
Answer:
My plans, or rather my biggest dream, are to be able to live from my art. I want to continue
professionalising my practice with better tools and a dedicated creative space of my own,
such as a personal studio. I would also love to connect with more clients and galleries that
genuinely resonate with my artistic vision and work.
10. Audience Connection
What do you hope viewers take away from experiencing your art, and how do you aim to
connect with them on an emotional or intellectual level?
Answer:
I hope my art can reach people on both superficial and deeper levels, emotionally,
intellectually and psychologically. I would like my work to communicate possibilities of
change, transformation, perspective, self-worth and collective awareness. Through
exhibitions, social media and other opportunities, I hope my art can reach places I could
never reach alone and positively impact many souls along the way.
