Starla, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
Here are a few fun facts about me and how I started my journey as an entrepreneur and artist.
1. I worked for a publishing company at the same exact office that Office Space the movie was filmed in. My company went bankrupt and moved us into this building to save money and gave us all red staplers and used DVDs of the movie to lighten the news. I also literally worked with memos and formatted 2000-page credit union and bank training manuals to keep them in compliance. I painted at night and was literally painting myself out of a cubicle.
2. The building beside us caught on fire and we all evacuated like the movie. This was during a time when our jobs were being outsourced and the “Bobs” were coming into the office daily.
3. Instead of going to a hypnotist (like the main character in the movie) I went to a pastor to overcome fear of pursuing my dream as an artist. The next day, after 8 years of cube life, I was able to quit my job and two months later was discovered by Anthroplogie. Three months later the previous company I worked for went under.
4. Anthro launched products with my art on them and I continued to sell paintings.
5. I’m going five years strong and learned a one second choice of faith can change everything.
Can you give our readers some background on your art?
I’m a painter and paint thick oil paintings that resemble tapestry and embroidery but are made with oil paint. When someone tells me, my work made them feel joy that is the best compliment. I paint my prayers. The art I create is literally a prayer made into a painting.
In your view, what is the biggest issue artists have to deal with?
Copyright infringement!! I have had it happen to me almost daily for over 2 years. I’ve actually had other companies steal my images online, photoshop my signature out, and put it on their products.
What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
You can find me on Instagram @starlamichellefineart. Online at www.starlamichelle.com or take a road trip to Austin and come see my work in person!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.starlamichelle.com
- Email: info@starlamichelle.com
- Instagram: @starlamichellefineart
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/starlamichellefineart/
Image Credit:
Laura Morsman Photography- For photos of “Boujee the Unicorn” & “Eagle’s Wings”.
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