(also titled: ‘Into the storm’)
Katia is a fictional character created by Bianca very early in her paintings. She looks different in each, but often wears red. She looks nothing like the artist, but is somehow her alter-ego. How?
'I found myself painting and feeling this 'in-my-dreams' version of me and she was doing things that I couldn't do. Painting her gave me the courage to embrace whatever I aspired to be - a happier more fulfilled version than when I first started.'
Katia usually appears in painting metaphors as in ‘Hope and Beauty’ above. In the full painting Katia is walking into a storm armed only with Beauty, the ability to find beauty which is really a skill, and Hope as represented by the sunflower (beauty) and lantern (hope) in hand.
In another painting Katia is serenely floating underwater holding on to hope in the form of a lantern that still glows underwater, hence the title: ‘The light that never dies’.
'The feeling was one of serenity in the conviction that no matter what happens things will turn out ok and as they should. Perhaps a lesson learned, a growth opportunity, usually a wiser Katia and me. This is also a reminder to let go, to not be anxious over things I cannot control.'
So why the name Katia specifically? Have you ever been called Katia?
'No. When I was 13 I read a book called Katia's Dreams. It was a translation and I don't know who the author is or the original language. I admired the main character - feisty and courageous, rebellious, but with integrity. These qualities helped her survive a tragic accident and eventually thrive despite becoming paraplegic. Somehow that story, which I barely remember the details of, has stuck with me, even though I thankfully have never suffered such tragedy.'
So how does Katia relate to promoting art and this website?
Going from a career in corporate IT to painting and promoting art has been a big shift! One that has required me to draw on courage and inspirational characters. I'm still new as an artist and self-promotion is not easy for me. However, I have experienced first-hand the health benefits of art and creativity and am driven to help others find it if I can, and to help support artists generally.