Katrina Barber: The Calm Creative Redefining What It Means to Be an Emerging Australian Artist

Artistic brilliance is often associated with dramatic personalities, but emerging Australian artist Katrina Barber is a refreshing exception. Calm, joyful, and deeply connected to her creative process, Katrina has carved out a unique space in the art world—one that not only showcases her talent but also redefines how we view communication and inclusion in contemporary art.

At 37, Katrina’s works have been featured in multiple exhibitions across Western Australia and beyond. Her vibrant personality shines through her art and in her own words:

“I like it when people like my art because they talk to me about it. That makes me happy. I like getting money from art because I can buy more art materials. I love getting my photo taken – that’s fun. I just like sharing my art with other people.”

Overcoming Barriers Through Art

Born deaf and with an intellectual disability, Katrina grew up in Cunderdin, a small town 156 km east of Perth in Western Australia's Wheatbelt region. While she was introduced to Auslan (Australian Sign Language) early in life, frustration with not being able to grasp it led to her pulling away from verbal and signed communication.

“I didn’t communicate much with people. I could say ‘toilet’ and follow directions, but no one really understood me.”

Instead, Katrina found solace in creativity. Art became her language—a way to express emotions, thoughts, and stories when words fell short.

Finding Her Voice Through Creativity

Katrina’s artistic journey took a significant turn in 2005 when a local coordinator suggested an art class in Rockingham. That simple suggestion changed everything. She quickly flourished, revealing a natural talent and discovering a profound way to connect with the world around her.

“Everyone there liked my art that I made. I felt happy they like my art. I used art to communicate with others as I didn’t have many words to talk. I painted my feelings and ideas.”

It was during this time she met Julianne—her mentor, friend, and advocate for over 14 years. With Julianne’s support, Katrina revisited Auslan and began using technology and visuals like photos, catalogues, and her iPad to aid communication.

“We need to be more open to taking time to listen to people who may not communicate the way we expect or understand.” – Julianne

Art as a Professional Path

Katrina’s talent caught wider attention when she was invited to participate in the As We Are Art Award, celebrating artists with intellectual disabilities in Western Australia. This milestone led to a major opportunity: her inclusion in the Here&Now13 Exhibition at the Lawrence Wilson Art Gallery, University of Western Australia.

From there, Katrina's art career blossomed. She earned a residency in Mandurah and was later invited to hold a solo exhibition in Melbourne—marking her emergence in Australia’s mainstream contemporary art scene.

Today, Katrina works from a grant-funded art studio in Fremantle, collaborating alongside other artists in a creative, supportive environment.

“I like working there as there is lots of space and I can make big things. I have lots of ideas of art I want to make there.”

Exploring Light and Emotion Through Mixed Media

Katrina continues to evolve as a multidisciplinary artist, experimenting with acrylics, pastels, textiles, and more recently, sculptural forms using wire and light. Her signature style incorporates glow-in-the-dark elements and illuminated features—visual metaphors for emotion and energy.

“I love lights. I like to see how I can make art with them. Many of my paintings are about light and feelings. My signature is using light or exploring how lights can look if they are painted.”

Looking Ahead: Art Inspired by COVID Communication

Though a 2020 group exhibition in Applecross was postponed due to COVID-19, Katrina channeled her creativity into a new installation. Inspired by pandemic signage—X marks, arrows, and visual instructions—she explores the overlap between these universal symbols and her personal communication methods.

“It’s like my communication,” she says, “but different.”

Final Thoughts: Championing Inclusion in the Arts

Katrina Barber’s story is one of resilience, talent, and the power of art as a universal language. Her work not only captivates audiences visually but also starts conversations about accessibility, inclusion, and the many forms that communication can take.

As an emerging artist in Australia with a unique voice and vision, Katrina reminds us that creativity knows no bounds—and that art, at its core, is about connection.

Final Thoughts: Championing Inclusion in the Arts

Katrina Barber’s story is one of resilience, talent, and the power of art as a universal language. Her work not only captivates audiences visually but also starts conversations about accessibility, inclusion, and the many forms that communication can take.

As an emerging artist in Australia with a unique voice and vision, Katrina reminds us that creativity knows no bounds—and that art, at its core, is about connection.

If you’re inspired by Katrina’s journey and want to learn more about how inclusive support can empower people to thrive, contact your local Just Better Care office today to explore personalised disability and lifestyle support services in your area.