Cat In The Water (O Gato Na Água) Artwork

I was born and raised in Porto, Portugal, where I continue to live and work today. I'm a self-taught artist and mother of three daughters. My artistic practice is rooted in wood — a living material that already holds memory, rhythm and texture within it. Much of my inspiration comes directly from the natural grain of the wood itself. I often see creatures or forms hiding in its lines and curves, and my role is to help reveal them, sometimes by sculpting, other times by drawing or painting directly onto the surface. I use carving tools and acrylic markers, combining sculpture and painting into wall-based pieces that feel tactile, emotional and intimate. While I haven’t received formal artistic training, I have spent years exploring and developing my own techniques. Each piece I make is unique and handmade.