ABOUT ME
The Ability to Imagine
Hi, I’m Katia Barria!
I was born in the vibrant city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, but my childhood wasn't spent with sandy toes and ocean breezes. I grew up in the urban outskirts, far from the beaches and tourist spots, in a simple, working-class neighborhood. Back then, the idea of making a living through art seemed like a distant dream—there weren’t any artists around me, just everyday people working hard to get by.
But even as a kid, my imagination was my superpower! I spent my days drawing, reading, and creating poems, stories, and entire imaginary worlds. Although I couldn’t run around much due to fragile health and chronic respiratory issues, I learned to soar in my own little bubble.
I ended up studying Fashion Design at a university near the beach—a world away from where I grew up. Every day, I’d make the long journey to class, dreaming of a reality where someone like me could make it in such an elite field.
And guess what? I did it! I graduated, moved to São Paulo, and spent 15 years working in the fashion industry, landing gigs with some of the biggest companies in Brazil. I traveled the world and had a very corporate job—but it wasn’t the creative, glamorous life I imagined.
Eventually, burnout hit, and in April 2012, I decided to take a gap year and move to London. That’s where everything changed. I found love and rediscovered my passion for art and drawing—things that truly make me happy. I enrolled in Illustration at the University of Hertfordshire, became a Print Designer, Illustrator, and even learned to tattoo.
Since 2019, I’ve been working as a tattoo artist, transforming stories, fantasies, and emotions into art on people’s skin. My imagination has always guided me, and it’s brought me right here, doing what I love.
The ability to imagine brought me here.
MY INSPIRATIONS
Ever since I discovered Surrealism, I’ve been completely captivated by this artistic movement! Some of the artists I admire most are surrealists—Dorothea Tanning, Dora Maar, Frida Kahlo, Remedios Varo, Magritte, Dalí. These artists truly embody imagination!
I’m in awe of their ability to create dreamlike images and imaginary realities that seem to emerge straight from the unconscious. Their courage to craft images that evoke discomfort, excitement, and curiosity is something I deeply admire.
Maybe that’s why I’ve always been drawn to the bizarre, the mystical, and the inexplicable. Even as a child, I was obsessed with horror movies (though I’d have to drag my sister with me to the bathroom in the middle of the night because I was terrified—haha).
Certain themes always find their way into my work: eyes, hands, mystical characters, women underwater, nature, and, of course, cats. I’m fascinated by them all. I love diving into fantastic stories and parallel universes—anything that sparks the imagination.
Another piece that holds a special place in my heart is Ophelia. The melancholy, the attention to detail, the raw depiction of nature, water, death, and agony—all resonate deeply with me. The Pre-Raphaelite movement, with its intricate beauty and emotional depth, is another significant passion of mine.
Living in the UK is truly a balm for my soul. I’m surrounded by so much that inspires me—museums, ancient and gothic architecture, vintage shops... I’m absolutely crazy about vintage! These are just a few of the things that spark my creativity. My favorite museum is the V&A, and I make it a point to visit at least once a month to keep my inspiration flowing.
And then, there are the clouds. I’ve always had a deep love for the sky, the clouds, and the moon. Growing up without the internet, I spent countless hours (seriously!) gazing at the sky and imagining different shapes. I used to say I wanted to be like the clouds—ever-changing, free, without a fixed form. I even have "as a cloud" tattooed on my arm as a reminder of that dream.Just like those clouds, I strive to remain free, adaptable, and always open to new possibilities. My art is a reflection of that freedom—a blend of the past, the mystical, and the boundless imagination that has shaped my journey. And I can’t wait to see where it takes me next.
