Katrina Barber was born with a range of intellectual and physical learning disabilities as well as complete hearing impairment. Despite these unfortunate setbacks, Katrina has become one of Western Australia's most important abstract/multi media artists.

Born on August 10th 1983, Katrina's humble beginnings began in state housing in the lower working class suburb of Hilton, just on the outskirts of Fremantle, Western Australia.

Born to single mother Deborah, Katrina has 3 older brothers with all children being from separate fathers. Her brother Ronald ended his life in 2014 at the age of 37, after struggling with addictions and while living with Katrina and her mother.

Growing up, Katrina's family relied heavily on government welfare and food assistance programs to survive.

Being deaf and intellectually disabled set Katrina back tremendously. Life is not easy and can be extremely dangerous living as a young deaf and disabled girl in social housing.

When Katrina was 4 years old, she was hit by a careless driver while she was wondering on the road unsupervised. The effects of the impact still show in the swollen bridge of her nose and indents above her eyebrows.

Simple tasks, such as brushing her teeth, Katrina finds challenging and struggles with to this day.

At 9 years of age, Katrina, her mother Deborah and two of her brothers, Ronald and Neil moved to the lonely little wheatbelt town of Cunderdin, 156 kms east of Perth.

Despite her unfortunate circumstances and setbacks in life, Katrina Barber has emerged as an inspirational artist with the incredible ability to express her personality and inner emotions through vibrant and soul-driven art pieces.