We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Debi Starr. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Debi below.

Alright, Debi thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Earning a full time living from one’s creative career can be incredibly difficult. Have you been able to do so and if so, can you share some of the key parts of your journey and any important advice or lessons that might help creatives who haven’t been able to yet?

I was born a creator. I started drawing and painting at a very young age and knew I was destined to be an artist. In nursery school, sitting in circle time, Ms. Anne asked each of us what we wanted to be when we grew up. I immediately responded, “An artist!” I never changed my mind nor my path. My parents were very supportive of my passion and allowed me to take art lessons as much as possible. They allowed me to paint my first mural on my bedroom wall as a preteen and always trusted my opinion on colors and interior design decisions. I chose to audition for the High School for The Performing and Visual Arts and was accepted based on a portfolio review. I soaked up everything I could in the Art Department. I was a painter, a sculptor, an illustrator and a potter. From there, I went to The School of the Art Institute of Chicago and further developed my passion. I finished at Houston Baptist University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts and Art Education.
I began teaching Elementary Art to students K-5 for Fort Bend ISD. I loved sharing my talent with my students. I also taught art classes out of my home to kids as well as adults. My garage was my studio and my home was my first gallery, showcasing my works. I had incredible paintings hanging, fabulous faux finishes and murals throughout. That is how my “business” as an artist started.
I began taking commissions on paintings, murals and decorative finishes. Word of mouth is the best referral! I started having solo art shows and receptions at various local establishments, mainly wine bars. I started working with interior designers creating custom pieces of art for their clients. My original paintings hung on walls of beautiful homes and businesses. They were featured in many magazines displaying the interior designer’s decor. I created many pieces for many former Houston Texans including Chester Pitts, David Carr and Jason Babin. It was extremely rewarding and exciting.
The most devastating occurrence in my art career was when one of the wine bars showcasing my work burned down in a fire. My paintings were covered in soot, damaged and ruined. It was heartbreaking.
In 2012, I started joining artist groups, participating in shows around Houston and got accepted into my first gallery, The Starving Artist Gallery in Montrose. It was that day in March that I met Nikki Araguz Loyd and William Loyd, the owners of the gallery. I became immersed in the Houston Artist Community and it felt AMAZING!
In 2014, I opened my own gallery and studio in Clear Lake Shores. I showcased my own and other local artist’s works, hosted art receptions, taught classes and offered workshops. William Loyd was my first “featured artist”, paying it forward for the opportunity they had given me at their gallery. It was my happy place filled with natural light, positive energy and creative juices. I was asked to start painting the Seabrook Pelicans. I started showing and selling my work in local establishments on this side of town and continued taking on commissions, LOTS of them.
In 2017, I had to close my gallery for personal reasons. Although it was hard emotionally, I did not allow it to hurt me artistically or professionally. In fact, it pushed me to get accepted into more galleries, participate in more shows and take on new roles as an artist.
Now, I am not only an artist creating art to show and sell. I am also a performer, live painting at various events, fundraisers, wine tastings and celebrations. My paintings have raised thousands of dollars for many charities and organizations. I have also recently become affiliated with an art publishing company. I look forward to walking into a retail store and seeing prints of my works for sale! In addition, I am expanding into the digital art world. I am learning to paint digitally to grow creatively. My journey continues to be ever changing and I love it! My advice to other creatives is to Never Stop Creating! Keep your passion ALIVE!

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your background and context?

I can literally paint anything. My specialty is my diversity! I am skilled in many mediums, styles and techniques. I paint figurative works, portraits, pets, abstracts, florals, seascapes, landscapes and animals. I use acrylics, oils, inks, charcoal, metallics, mixed media and epoxy resin. I create custom art for your space based on your color palette, preferences, decor and furnishings. I can create fine art on canvas, plexiglass and panels or murals directly on a wall. I can provide live painting entertainment for your next event. The painting can become an auction item, a celebration gift or a memorial for a special occasion. A live painting at a baby shower could become decor for the nursery. A live painting at a bridal shower could become home decor for the happy couple. A live painting at a birthday party or anniversary party can become a special gift to the celebrant.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being creative in your experience?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is to create something out of nothing. To start with a blank canvas and turn it into a beautiful piece of art that is admired, cherished and loved is magical. When my painting speaks to someone or connects to them in some way it always brings goosebumps. That is the best feeling.

Alright – so here’s a fun one. What do you think about NFTs?

Honestly, I am confused by NFTs and on the fence. On one side, I don’t understand the desire for them, the value to them or the use for them. On the other side, I am ready to jump on board so that I don’t miss an artistic opportunity. I have been doing some research and have even talked to someone to work with on them. Our world is changing rapidly and virtually. If we want to continue to grow we have to continue to learn. I need to research this a little more.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://debistarr.com/
• Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/paintingsbydebi/
• Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/debrajacestarr
• Linkedin: http://linkedin.com/in/debi-starr-81b85a16ao
• Twitter: http://twitter.com/StarrDebi