Karolina Di Duca is a Polish-born visual mixed media artist and graphic designer based in Ireland.

Her work is driven by a passion for colour, texture and storytelling, bringing together different materials and creative techniques to create expressive and visually engaging pieces.

What’s a typical day in the studio like for you?

No two days in my studio are ever quite the same. My mornings usually start with a coffee and a moment to plan the day, but once I step into the studio, creativity tends to take over. I might be working on a new mixed-media piece, experimenting with alcohol inks and acrylics, preparing a commission, framing artwork or developing ideas for an upcoming exhibition or workshop.

There is also a very practical side to being an artist — answering emails, preparing materials, packing orders, working on designs and managing exhibitions. I often move between being an artist, designer, teacher and business owner all in one day! What I love most is that there is always something new to discover, and even after years of creating, I can still walk into the studio with an idea and have no idea where it will take me.

What do you like most about your work?

What I love most about my work is the freedom to create and the endless possibility of experimentation. I never want to be limited to one technique or material — I love combining colours, textures and unexpected elements and seeing how an idea develops into something completely unique.

I also love the emotional connection that art creates. Whether I’m making a piece for a collector, creating a commission, or teaching a workshop, it’s incredibly rewarding to see how art can make someone feel, inspire them or bring joy into their everyday life. For me, that connection is what makes being an artist so special.

What do you like least about your work?

What I like least is probably the business and administrative side of being an artist. There are so many things that happen behind the scenes — emails, paperwork, marketing, packing, shipping, applications and organising exhibitions — that take me away from the creative process. I would much rather spend those hours in the studio experimenting with new ideas and creating.

At the same time, I’ve learned that these less creative parts are an important part of building a sustainable career as an artist. They can be challenging, but they also give me the freedom to keep creating and sharing my work with a wider audience.

What’s your favourite craft item in your home?

My favourite craft item in my home is probably one of my own handmade pieces — something that reminds me of the creative process behind it rather than simply being a beautiful object. I love surrounding myself with handmade things because they have a story, character and a sense of the person who created them.

I’m especially drawn to pieces with interesting textures, colours and little imperfections. For me, that’s what makes handmade art so special — it feels alive and personal in a way that mass-produced objects simply can’t.

Tell us about the first craft item you made

One of my earliest craft memories is making little figures and decorations from whatever I could find at home as a child. I remember being fascinated by the idea that a simple piece of material could become a character or a little world of its own. I would spend hours drawing, cutting, gluing and shaping things, completely absorbed in the process.

Looking back, I can see how much that childhood creativity shaped the artist I am today. I still love experimenting with different materials and turning simple ideas into something unexpected and unique. In many ways, I’m still that little girl who just wants to make things with her hands.

Where do you get your inspiration?

I find inspiration everywhere — in nature, colour, textures, places I visit and the people I meet. I’m particularly drawn to the colours and patterns I see around me, whether it’s a landscape, an old building, a piece of fabric or something as simple as the changing colours of the sky.

Travel is a big source of inspiration for me too. Visiting new places, seeing different cultures and exploring galleries always gives me fresh ideas. Sometimes I don’t even realise I’m collecting inspiration until I’m back in the studio and suddenly find myself combining colours, textures or ideas from different experiences.

I think that’s what I love most about being an artist — inspiration can appear anywhere, at any time, if you stay curious and open to it.

What’s the most challenging part of your craft?

The most challenging part is probably knowing when to stop. As a mixed-media artist, I work with layers, textures, colours and different materials, and there is always a temptation to add just one more detail! Finding the right balance and knowing when a piece is truly finished takes experience and a lot of trust in my own instincts.

The other challenge is that every piece is unique, so there isn’t always a predictable process. Sometimes a work develops exactly as I imagined, and sometimes it takes a completely different direction. I’ve learned to embrace that uncertainty — often the unexpected results are the most exciting.

Have you ever had a “happy accident” while making something?

Absolutely! Some of my favourite artworks have started with something going completely differently from what I planned. This happens especially when I’m working with alcohol inks and acrylic pouring, because the materials have a mind of their own. A colour can spread unexpectedly, a layer can react in a surprising way, or a texture can appear that I never intended.

Instead of correcting it immediately, I often stop and look at what the artwork is trying to tell me. One of the most important lessons I’ve learned as an artist is that not every mistake needs fixing. Sometimes the unexpected moment becomes the most beautiful part of the piece — and that’s where the magic happens.

What made you choose your discipline?

I chose mixed-media art because I’ve never wanted to be limited to one material or one way of creating. I love the freedom of combining different techniques, textures and materials and seeing how they interact. My background in fine art and graphic design naturally led me towards an approach where I can bring together colour, composition, texture and storytelling.

For me, mixed media feels very personal because it reflects how I see the world — layered, colourful and full of unexpected details. I can start with an idea, experiment with different materials and allow the artwork to evolve naturally. That freedom and sense of discovery is what keeps me passionate about my discipline.

What would you say to anyone thinking of becoming a DCCI member?

I would definitely encourage anyone considering becoming a DCCI member to go for it. Being part of a professional creative community can make a real difference, especially when you are working independently. It gives you opportunities to connect with other makers and designers, discover events and opportunities, and feel part of a wider creative network.

For me, being connected to the Irish craft and design community has been valuable not only professionally but personally. Being an artist can sometimes feel like a very solitary journey, so having a community around you, sharing experiences and supporting one another, is incredibly important.

Favourite book?

One of my favourite books is The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry. I love its simplicity, imagination and the way it reminds us to look beyond what we see on the surface. There is something very magical about the idea of creating your own little world and finding beauty and meaning in small details.

I think this connects strongly with my work at didART Studio. My art is often about creating little worlds through colour, texture and layers, and inviting people to slow down and discover the details. The same feeling is also at the heart of my Little Dearies fairies — tiny characters with their own personalities and stories. For me, art is often about seeing the magic in the small things.

Favourite film?

One of my favourite films is Amélie. I love its whimsical visual style, beautiful colours and the way it finds magic in ordinary, everyday moments. The whole film feels like stepping into a little illustrated world, which really speaks to me as an artist. I think that same feeling is reflected in my work at didART Studio. I love creating colourful, joyful pieces filled with little details that make people stop, look closer and hopefully feel something. Like Amélie, my art is about finding beauty, imagination and a little bit of magic in everyday life.

Best concert you have ever been to?

I’m particularly drawn to instrumental music, although I have to admit I haven’t been to a concert in a long time! I love music that can tell a story without words — through melody, rhythm and atmosphere. Instrumental music has always been especially inspiring to me because it leaves so much space for imagination and emotion. These days, I often listen to instrumental music while working in my studio. It helps me switch off from the outside world and become completely immersed in creating. I think a live instrumental concert would be a wonderful experience for me now — especially after such a long break!

Favourite meal?

My favourite meal has to be Italian food — I absolutely love it! There’s something about a simple, beautifully prepared Italian meal that makes me happy. Pasta, fresh ingredients, herbs, good olive oil and lots of flavour — I could never get bored of it. I also love how Italian food brings people together. For me, a great meal is not just about the food itself, but about sitting around the table, having a conversation and enjoying the moment. It’s one of those simple pleasures that always feels special.

What do you listen to?

When I’m working in the studio, I mostly listen to instrumental music. I love music without lyrics because it helps me concentrate without distracting me, while still creating an atmosphere around me. Depending on my mood, I might listen to piano, classical, cinematic or ambient music. Sometimes I also put on a playlist and completely lose myself in the process. I find that music and art work beautifully together — both can express emotions without needing words.