Currently based in Huddersfield,UK, Patia is an awesome graffiti artist / skate and motorcycle obsessive who works in spray paint, stencilling and hand illustration to create absolutely rad artworks on everything from custom motorcycle tanks to giant murals!
Patia’s custom hand painted Bell Moto-3 helmet design is the stuff of dreams annnnnnnnd we cant wait for her to be at this years Camp VC where she’ll be painting a very special moto mural in collaboration with Devitt Insurance!
Meet Patia, follow her on instagram at @patia.dk and check out her amazing inspired custom painted BELL MOTO-3 below!
AND DON’T FORGET!…
All 4 of the Bell custom painted helmets are up for grabs at this years sold out Camp VC event where we’ll be raffling them off! So make sure you grab a ticket onsite to be in with a chance to bag one!!!
Where are you from originally and where do you live now?
I am from Krakow, Poland and currently live in Huddersfield, England
What first got you into painting?
I was painting and drawing a lot when I was a kid. Then I remember attending some extra drawing and painting courses in my teens. I would draw now and then, but it wasn't consistent. I knew I loved art and motorcycles and dreamed of combining those two one day. I undertook mechanical studies but quit that and finally did a diploma in interior design at the art school. However, I still wasn't sure where I was going. I had a complete lack of self-confidence and was told all my life that you can't be successful as an artist. So, when I left my country to study in the UK, I started listening to myself more. It wasn't until I finally bought my first motorcycle and customized it a bit for my final major project at uni that I truly began to discover my passion. That's when I first painted a fuel tank and exhibited my bike at the final show. I can't believe I managed to do it, with a lot of help from other people. Additionally, while working on my bike, I got into skateboarding, which is how I first painted my own and my friend's skateboards.
What do you love the most about having such a hands on job?
There's a unique sense of connection and authenticity when working with physical materials. The fact that you can create something with your hands feels amazing. There is something about working with a particular object, materials, and tools that makes it a unique experience. Maybe it's being in that zone, feeling connected and away from your phone or computer that makes you feel good, focused, and relaxed. Holding a raw paint and a brush in your hand is a totally different experience than working digitally, although I enjoy using both methods. I feel like there is a different level of satisfaction when you bring a concept to life and see it materializing in the physical realm.
Where do you most get your inspiration from?
Being a female biker, experiencing ride outs, observing landscapes, creating or witnessing funny situations, unexpected conversations with strangers, clients’ hilarious stories, attending custom bike shows, flipping through my old and new sketchbooks, taking photographs and journaling my thoughts. Wherever I go, I like to pay attention to the environment I am in and the things around me. Whether it’s nature, a bike event, or an old sign with some cool typography.
How would you describe your style of work?
My style of work can be described as a fusion of contemporary comic illustration, drawing inspiration from both my background as an interior and graphic designer, as well as my experiences as a female biker. Incorporating clean lines, bold colours, and innovative compositions, my work hopefully creates visually engaging narratives.
Have any other artists in particular been an influence on you?
One of the best sign painters, Rob Walker aka By Umberto introduced me to enamel paints and reverse glass gilding techniques years ago on one of his workshops. That day I saw in his studio a motorcycle fuel tank with a golden stripe done by him. I don’t think he had more projects like this so the chances that I saw that fuel tank there and figured I can use these paints for my project... probably meant to be.
What has been your favourite recent project you’ve worked on and why?
I loved The Dangerous Goose project for an individual client. He had his fuel tank painted in the body shop first in this nice mustard colour for his custom bike and then I designed and painted the goose for him, which was based on his hilarious childhood memory with his father. I am grateful to have worked on such meaningful project. Would love to create more personal projects like this, to hear the story and turn into truly unique artwork, whether it is painted on the bike, helmet, wall, or other canvas.
How does your life inspire your work?
I can’t imagine my life without riding bikes. Something I was told most of my life that I can’t do. And thanks to doing it anyway, I started feeling more authentic to myself and having more self-trust that I can and will go after my desires no matter how many fears my brain will come up with.
That led me to reflect a lot on what does authenticity mean to me and why so many of us struggle to self-express or the imposter syndrome keeps us from doing what we really want. We have all these stories in our heads why we can’t have something or act upon our desires.
So, my recent work revolves around a belief that actually ‘authenticity is today’s luxury’. I had this line written down in one of my journals like years ago. Being able to fully express yourself is directly linked to your mental well-being. I have been through a lot of up and downs, it was really hard for me to open up to the world and I want my work to help people express themselves more fully through truly one-of-a-kind artworks, whether it is capturing a special moment from their lives, interests and themes that they simply feel drawn to or transforming their personal or business spaces, enhancing environments for genuine self-expression with a dose of humour.
Tell us all about your awesome Bell helmet design!
When conceptualizing the design, I wanted it to be empowering for women, sending a message of ‘dare to be iconic’. It all began with the idea of capturing the essence of authenticity, which led me to the well-known lyrics "show your true colours".
From that point, a vision took shape in my mind—a depiction of a goddess's face gracefully unmasking itself from beneath the vibrant parrot's wings. As I delved deeper into the concept, I decided to simplify the design while retaining its essence.
I aimed to create a contemporary goddess, one with a funky expression that feels relatable, fun, and joyous. This contemporary touch was crucial as I wanted women to connect with the design and embrace their own inner strength. It's a reminder that each woman possesses the potential to shine brightly, proudly displaying her most authentic self no matter the fears and judgment. You are an icon. You are worth your every desire. And this world needs you to show your true colours in your own rad way.
What materials did you use to create the helmet? Tell us about your process.
White chalk transfer paper, printer, masking tape, different types of brushes and enamel paint.
What was the process you used to paint the helmet?
Once I finished the design, I printed it out in a size I was happy with and used a white chalk transfer paper to have the outline in place. Then I mixed the enamel paints to get the colours right and started filling it up. The last touch was laying down the dark purple lines.
How long did it take you to create?
About 2 weeks, I think. From ideas, themes, and concepts through improving the final design and deciding on colour palettes to transferring it, mixing enamel paints, and finally painting it up.