We had the good fortune of connecting with Debi Starr and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Debi, what’s been your favorite thing to do during quarantine?
During quarantine I created beauty as well as sought out beauty around me. I painted pieces with the intent of showing new work rather than simply completing commissions from clients. I looked inward to create outward. I walked Shiloh around the marina each day and felt gratitude for my serene surroundings, cleared my mind of the chaos going on in the world and spent the days making the most beautiful flowers bloom across my canvases.

 

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My art reflects my life at the time it is created. There is an ebb and flow to it. It changes constantly as does life. To repeat the same style, subject or technique is like hitting a reset button much like the movie, Groundhog Day. I prefer to play with different materials, try new techniques and approach each blank canvas with a fresh attitude. Watching paint mingle on my surface is satisfying and rewarding. My imagination has no boundaries and creating beauty nourishes my soul. During this quarantine period I started a new series called “In Bloom – Up Close and Personal”. Inspired by the works of Georgia O’Keefe, I created beautiful flower paintings focusing on the beauty of the blossom up close, intimately. A bloom is soft, delicate and feminine, yet strong, and can weather a storm. I found peace while blending color amongst the folds of the petals during a time of chaos and uncertainty in the world around me.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If a friend was visiting I would definitely want to show them a good time. First, I would show off the area where I live. We would definitely take a walk around the Waterford and Watergate Marinas while enjoying the sunshine and beautiful views. I’m sure a golf cart ride to Opus Ocean Grille for a martini on the patio would be in order. Merlion in Seabrook would also be on the agenda! It’s the best Thai food EVER, the owners are very dear to me and my art decorates all of the walls in the restaurant. We would definitely have to go into town and check out The Heights… do a little shopping and gallery hopping. A day in Montrose would be nice with lunch at Niko Nikos and a trip to Trader Joe’s. I’d also love to check out The Color Factory. I have never been and it would be something different to experience together. Back on my side of town we would probably have breakfast one day at Skippers in Clear Lake Shores and take in some live entertainment at T Bone Tom’s in Kemah. Maybe I could arrange a boat trip with friends to TopWater Grill to top it off??? Pun intended 🙂

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My friends, family, clients and designers support my need to create. Their love for me and my work nourishes me and my creativity.

Website: https://debistarr.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paintingsbydebi/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debi-starr-81b85a16a/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/debrajacestarr
Other: https://fineartamerica.com/profiles/debi-starr