Can you tell me about your background and how it influences your work?
My name is Katarzyna Barré. I am Polish-French, but in my heart, I feel like a person without barriers or borders – simply a colorful citizen of the Earth, curious about the world and its social and cultural diversity. However, I cannot ignore my origins, as they have shaped who I am today.I will start with my childhood and the beautiful culture of Poland – its folklore and colors, which still live within me. To these, the French culture was added, giving me wings and a desire for growth.
Which artists have had the greatest influence on your work?
There are many artists I admire. I really love 19th-century art. There are artists I often think about, including Stanisław Wyspiański, Claude Monet, Vincent van Gogh, Ilya Repin, Camille Claudel, and Anna Bilińska-Bohdanowicz.
Share your favorite medium with us.
I love oil painting, but I also enjoy drawing with pastels, an ordinary pencil, and watercolors.
Where do you get your inspiration?
My inspiration lies in my memories and nostalgia for Poland. I love folklore, its forms, and its colors. I am deeply in love with Polish nature, and I also adore flowers. Inspiration often arises in me when I see photographs on Facebook or Instagram. I really enjoy portraits—faces are a great source of inspiration for me because they hold stories. I try to perceive the beauty and emotions within them.
Describe how important art is for society.
Art has been and always will be very important—it is a gift. It holds immense power, gives meaning, helps, builds, and offers various ways to express what we feel. It strengthens bonds, heals, teaches, and serves as a form of dialogue.
How do you define success as an artist?
For me, as an artist, it is very important to grow and to be able to work in various forms of art, but not only that. I have realized that it is also crucial to learn to share, to pass on knowledge, to help others, and to have the courage to fight for social values. Today, I believe in my abilities as an artist. Through art, I have found myself and a sense of purpose that makes me truly happy. For me, real success would be making a living from art. I have always heard that it’s impossible, but now I am doing everything I can to change this belief that has held me back for so long.
Does art help you in other areas of life?
Yes, definitely. I have been drawing since childhood—there’s something to it. It helped me escape my reality. My geography teacher noticed it and knew how to guide me in this direction. I am very grateful to her for that. I finished school and had my first exhibition in Paris. Unfortunately, I lacked confidence and left it all behind. After more than 10 years, I returned and started creating again. Today, I don't want to make the same mistakes and regret it. I believe in myself and am happy that I have such opportunities. Art has also helped me open up to others and share emotions in various forms, and I can still say that they have been positive. I was always told that it's hard for artists to find work. I decided to create it by offering art lessons. I want to grow and hope to have the chance to collaborate and create. I believe there are many opportunities for artists.
How do you develop your artistic skills?
There are so many problems, suffering, hatred, jealousy, diseases – the list is long. Personally, there is one social issue that I can't understand, and it hurts me. It is racism. That’s why I love painting flowers and symbolically comparing them to people. At least I would love to. A bouquet of diverse flowers is so beautiful, interesting, and it smells so lovely. Look at the meadows – there is so much beauty and poetry in them. If there were only one type of flower, what sadness that would be.
How can your work influence social problems?
There are so many problems, suffering, hatred, jealousy, diseases – the list is long. Personally, there is one social issue that I can’t understand, and it hurts me. It is racism. That’s why I love painting flowers and symbolically comparing them to people. At least, I would love to. A bouquet of diverse flowers is so beautiful, interesting, and smells so lovely. Look at the meadows – there is so much beauty and poetry in them. If there were only one type of flower, what sadness that would be.
How do you navigate the professional art industry?
I have had the opportunity to participate in various exhibitions, both international and global. I am very grateful. There is a lot of work involved in exhibitions – preparations, communication, organization, and finances. But it’s worth it, because it brings so many wonderful emotions and beautiful encounters.
What parts of professional art do you like most and least?
The greatest joy comes from the moment I can create. I also love exhibition openings, but it is difficult and sad when no one adopts my work. I also love sharing my passion with other artists. Of course, contact with people who view my artwork is very important—it is a deeply intimate moment, yet also rich, full of emotions, unique, and incredibly fascinating.
What do critics and collectors say about your work?
I had the opportunity during the exhibition at the "The Galerie Stainer" in Vienna to have some positive exchanges with a critic. During the exhibition in Versailles, France, I had a long and honest discussion with a man with whom I agreed on many points.
What factors influence the price of your work?
As of today, I try to invest in materials of very good quality, and of course, hard work matters too. I strive to be fair.
What are your ultimate career goals?
There are so many, but again I will talk about finances – there are many things I can’t accomplish due to financial reasons. Of course, I really want and need to develop as an artist. I would love to collaborate with renowned brands, open my own gallery. I would love to collaborate with literature, be a full-time artist. Maybe someday I’ll have that opportunity?
How do you manage work-life balance as an artist?
I have a lot of support. My son also draws, and my husband supports me as much as he can. We are a good team.
What would you like to say to other artists?
Believe in yourself, you shouldn't compare. Each of us is different, and that's beautiful, interesting, and inspiring. Diversity is strength and wealth.
