Today we’d like to introduce you to Starla Michelle.
Starla, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
I knew I could paint from age thirteen but didn’t know how or why. I used to get out the “P” Encyclopedia at age 4-5 and look up paintings thinking “Whoever can do this has got to be happy all the time!” I majored in Design Communications at Texas Tech University. I shelved my dream of being a full-time artist and decided to follow a more practical route. My first “real” job ended up being a desktop publisher at a publishing company. The company I worked for went bankrupt and moved us into the same exact office that “Office Space” the movie was filmed in. They gave us all red staplers and used DVDs of the movie to celebrate. A year after that the building beside us caught on fire, and we all evacuated like the end of the movie. At this point, I felt exactly like the main character. In the movie, he goes to a hypnotist to get over being at his job. Through a series of serendipitous events, I found a pastor instead who counseled me on the fear. The next day I was able to quit my job after eight years to pursue my dream of being a full-time artist. The last day of my job was the day before my birthday and the first day of my career was on my birthday. This was a birthday gift to myself. Two months after I quit Anthropologie discovered me and started licensing my artwork for their products. Three months after I quit the company I worked for had to close its doors. Life is strange. I’ve been a full-time artist for six years now.
Can you give our readers some background on your art?
I paint my prayers. I paint what inspires me in creation. I don’t enjoy painting structures or buildings. Mainly, I’m drawn to organic shapes, animals, and telling stories through animals. The message I hope people take from my art is joy, wonder, hope, and healing.
Do you think conditions are generally improving for artists? What more can cities and communities do to improve conditions for artists?
I think Instagram and most social media platforms have made it much easier to make a living as an artist and get exposure; however, it also is a double-edged sword because of copyright infringement. After being discovered by Anthropologie, I began to get copyright infringed almost daily. This has been challenging and can be very difficult to prosecute.
To help artists thrive, I think networking groups, city-sponsored events, possible local artist unions(for healthcare, legal help, mentorship) and also grants would all be beneficial. Plus finding more ways to incorporate for paid city projects including mural work, sculpture, etc., Art in public places to make the city beautiful, encourage interest in the arts, and help provide work.
What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
Anthropologie in Austin owns some of my larger originals. I represent myself, and all of my collection can be found at www.starlamichelle.com, on Instagram @starlamichellefineart, on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/starlamichellefineart/.
If you enjoy my art and want a print or an original that is how you can support me!
I also have my first book out called “Alphabet Kingdom”. It can be found on Amazon, Barnes, and Noble.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.starlamichelle.com
- Email: info@starlamichelle.com
- Instagram: @starlamichellefineart
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/starlamichellefineart/
Image Credit:
Interior Design Brette Jaques Photograph Kendall Stoy (Interior shots)
Laura Morsman Photograhpy
Getting in touch: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
