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

Hi Gil, what role has risk played in your life or career?
The biggest risk is not taking one at all, right? Right. Photography was a hobby that I wanted to turn into a career, but was still moving as if it were a hobby and my excuse was “finding a niche”. I took the kind of photos that I’d want to see in the art world, until I pretty much lost creativity due to simply comparing myself to others. It wasn’t until quarantine 2020 were I was able to truly sit down and figure out how I can continue creating inside of the house without any subjects. BOOM, the birth of my surrealism journey. I’m now truly able to create the art, not just photography, that I love to see everyday. It is a different type of lane that not everybody can get, but that’s where more risks come into play. Taking this risk is opening the doors to rooms that I’ve always imagined being in.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I describe my art to be different, fun, and imaginative. Taking on photomanipulation, I was able to create the type of art I feel was lacking from the scene, but still showcase my personality. I take pictures of everything from music shows, behind the scenes, weddings, kids, couples, etc. So me being able to incorporate surrealism in what I already do, is very fulfilling. I’ve learned and overcame a lot of obstacles truly all from experiences in life. I’ve never had a real mentor, so I really do learn my lessons accordingly (lol). Was it easy? Not even a little bit, but I learned and that’s all that matters.

I want people to know that different is everything. Let’s stand out!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Ouuu, so I’m a foodie! I love going out for food and drinks in Houston because it’s really so diverse.

If we’re going to brunch, I’d say let’s go to Gotti’s, The Ultimate Kitchen, Grooves, or Ratio Houston (which I’ve just tried 10/10). I think these places are all black owned as well!
Dinner, as cliche as it may sound, I love me some Pappadeauxs! We’re going at least once lol. Other than that, we’re OUTSIDE! Can’t forget about an Afterhours lounge as well. I’m not even picky, I have fun at them all!
Sunday Funday: I’m from New Orleans, so going to Super Sundays at Bourbon St. Daiquiris to watch the game and hang with my people! Possibly go to Kamp Houston afterwards or maybe Live Oak because between their DJ, food, and hefty drinks you really can’t go wrong.

To my people that want a good workout, but don’t want to be at a boring ole gym: FitGoodsHtx on Instagram. My girl Jessica does Trap Step workouts and it’s so fun! A real calorie burner, but you’re dancing and stepping the whole time with 20 other women. A real good time all around.

I like nice scenery for inspiration as well, so places like Seismique Museum, or Moody Center for the Arts is really nice. Saint Arnold Brewery has a nice scene as well, and maybe ride some scooters around Midtown!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I want to shout out every single person that sends me ideas via email, text, dm of ideas that you know only I can accomplish! This right here gets me going every time. Most times it’s from people who don’t even want me to shoot the idea with them, they just want to see my spin on it. Y’all help keep my ideas sparking!

To everyone who shares my art: most of my clientele is from word of mouth, so you sharing is support and I thank you!

And to my personal circle, I can’t tell y’all thank you enough!

Instagram: instagram.com/gilstarks

Twitter: twitter.com/gilstarks

Image Credits
Alicia Fields MookieTheMistress Devin DeGruy Alexandra Cooper Golden Sioux Indian Tribe Mark Caesar Isis Marbeh Jeanette Green

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutHTX is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.