Today we’d like to introduce you to Starr Perry.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
I was quite precocious as a child, and dressed my mom, coordinating her clothes and accessories at 5 years old. In preschool, a pint of bright red tempera paint spilled onto the table where I sat with others. The little girls sitting with me jumped up shrieking, while I ran my fingers through the paint, drawing patterns and thinking about what colors would pair best with the red. My teacher Mrs. Helpler, was not amused. At that moment, I knew I wanted to create art.
I experimented with art throughout school, and hoped to study art in college, but my parents forbid art as a career path. They wanted me to have a stable profession, so I graduated college with a BA in language and moved from Ky., to Nashville TN for my first job.
I continued my love and studied all styles of art wherever I was – museums, churches, cathedrals, any spaces that had geometric architecture (another love). I slowly began experimenting with shapes and forms on my personal time, nights, weekends, thinking about what made art interesting and meaningful for me and how to put that down on paper, or canvas, or wood.
The exploration and love of art, particularly in abstract expressionism, continues today as I study at UTA at their Arlington campus and prepare to apply for the Master of Fine Arts program.
Please tell us about your art.
I incorporate Archetypes in my work, layering symbols into everything I use in composition, even simple marks and shapes. Renowned Psychologist Carl Jung talked about archetypes as universal, archaic patterns and images that derived from the collective unconscious, and my favorite author, global mythologist Joseph Campbell referred to artists as the modern shaman.
I choose symbols with multicultural significance, such as circles (a favorite motif), or mandalas utilizing patterns in circular form. Writer and global thought leader Caroline Myss teaches that knowing our archetypal patterns is the beginning of understanding why we are the way we are and
I relate to the archetypes of the Artist, the Mystic and the Rebel.
I prefer canvas for my working surface, though I have worked on metal, on wood panels and bare walls. I usually start new pieces after prayer and meditation early in the day, and begin new compositions writing meaningful words or quotes in charcoal and chalk.
I then begin drawing out the composition, alternating symbols, and marks with opaque color with transparent colors, so there is a contrast of color, texture and movement in each layer.
Choosing a creative or artistic path comes with many financial challenges. Any advice for those struggling to focus on their artwork due to financial concerns?
I struggled in my college days to find time to study art, working 3-4 part time jobs to pay for school as I attended, and purchasing supplies when and where I could.
My family was completely against me going into the arts, so any art books or supplies had to be purchased from my own funding. I learned to be a coupon queen, set aside small amounts of money that didn’t go to the college for classes or other books and supplies, so I could buy paint, brushes, canvas etc., only when there were sales.
Once I graduated, I went into a profession and informally studied art at nights and weekends, continuing to buy supplies when there was time and money, but I never gave up my interest or love of art, just continued my quest of experimenting, learning and painting.
30 years after getting my BA degree in language, I’m now a part time student at UTA Arlington, studying the subject that I love – it’s worth everything I have done to get there.
Stay the course. Be focused. Be determined and patient, Study, and above all – Practice EVERY DAY…every artist must paint, or sculpt, or make glass, ceramics…whatever your art of choice, take every class, talk to every instructor, and every working artist and LEARN. You and your art will be stronger, better and deeper because of it.
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
My portfolio can be found at www.abstractzebra.com.
Currently I’m working on a new series to go into the Franklin Gallery just outside of Dallas, with the installation dates tentatively set for late May/early June. There will be updates on social media for Abstract Zebra (https://www.abstractzebra.com) as well as through personal social media.
Contact Info:
- Address: One Montgomery Plaza
2600 W 7th St., Suite 2834
Ft. Worth Texas 76107 - Website: www.abstractzebra.com
- Phone: 817-875-5363
- Email: abstractzebrainc@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/starrcoveyperry
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/abstractzebra
Image Credit:
All artwork Starr Perry
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