Teresa De Cata is a Berlin-based South Italian painter whose work serves as a primary vehicle for emotional expression and reality-facing rather than escapism. Her artistic practice is deeply rooted in empathy and personal history, drawing influence from early childhood mentorship and contemporary cinema. Characterized by a solitary and meditative process, her work translates internal emotional states into specific palettes and forms, prioritizing the intrinsic value of the creative journey over the final commercial product.
I am Teresa De Cata, a south italian painter based in Berlin. Since when i was a kid, my dream was to create something, i always tried to express myself in every possible form. As a teenager i was always the “coloured hair” one or “the extravagant outfit” in the room. Growing up i understood how to channel my energy and my words. So i paint because i need but at the same time because i want to.
Art is always been a form of expression, a way to feel understood and to make other people feel seen and heard. Empathy plays a big role in my art: communication is the key. This is not an escape, it is more a way to face reality and accept it.
At the beginning of course, i was always unsure about my works, i was always thinking that was not enough and adding stuff. I would say more you have experience and self confidence, more you understand how to communicate with your works. I literally talk with them and i know when it is time to stop; it somehow pushes me away and i respect that.
Sometimes when i feel unsure, i remember that couple who taught me to draw when i was 9, they got this small atelier in my hometown and i went there for one month, i learned how to draw, paint and model ceramic a little bit and this really made my character. I still remember the smell of the linseed oil and it is the same that now hugs my art studio and it’s funny and sweet at the same time.
Definitely yes, especially during the first steps (brainstorming, gesso, sketches), after the first layers it is fine to have someone with my in the studio and talk but i prefer to listen when creating. I am a huge fan of podcasts.
Being an artist means that your life itself is kind of your work of art so of course also your works are going to be influenced by your daily life.
I really like the movie “The substance”, somehow the message represents how i felt for years, a parallelism between monster and performance.
Patience and being alone. When it’s time to create it’s just you and the easel and this is scary. I take this time to meditate and think a lot.
I have noticed that my mood influences the perception of colours and shapes: if i am sad, my palette is gonna be more greyish, if i am calm maybe i am also less scared to be wrong and i use vivid colours.
Of course, i paint because i love to paint and not because i want to see the ended result. I think i lose a bit of myself when i end a painting, especially if this is sold. It’s like giving birth and then selling a piece of you and your emotions. Every painting is a journey and a path full of emotions and when it’s over, also a small chapter is.
I think they are mostly admiring my art and skills but for me it is really “easy” and banal so i use to humble myself.
Never let someone humble you but stay humble to keep learning. Express yourself, your canvas is going to forgive you every mistake. Be kind with yourself and with others and don’t be scared to dare.