Erin Starr

AQ is our series of hardcover catalogs celebrating extraordinary women artists. Available on Amazon. Visit the AQ Catalog Webpage to learn more.

AQ Volume IV artist Erin Starr, born in Kansas City, MO, is an award-winning international artist now residing in Rhode Island, USA. During her career, she has shown her work in over 150 shows globally, spanning four continents. Erin Starr is an elected artist member of the Artist League of Rhode Island, Hera Gallery (RI), the National Association of Women Artists, and Shared Habitat Earth.

In 2024, her work was selected for shows in New York City, Santa Fe, NM, Sedona, AZ, Boston, MA, Tokyo, Japan, and throughout Rhode Island. Starr was offered solo shows at Hera Gallery (RI), the Cultural Center of Cape Cod (MA), Roger Williams University (RI), and the Art League of Rhode Island. Her previous exhibits include the Powerhouse Arts in New York City, The Oculus World Trade Center in NYC, The National Arts Club in NYC, the University of Rhode Island, University of Hawaii, James May Gallery (WI), and the Berkshire Art Museum (MA).

Erin Starr has received the following awards: 1st place at the Pawtucket Foundation Prize Show (RI), Bristol Art Museum award (RI), the Global Art Virtuoso Elite Artist Award, International Premier Artist Prize 2024, and the Art of Healing at the SIY Gallery in San Francisco, CA. Her work has been featured in several publications, including Women United Art Magazine, Studio Visit, and Contemporary Art Collectors. Starr’s work belongs to private collections around the world, including South Korea, Canada, Germany, Israel, Belgium, France, Spain, Nepal, and the United States.


http://www.erinstarrartist.com/

What inspired you to become an artist, and how did you decide to commit to this path?

I began drawing as a young child, spending hours creating and learning. Growing up in the Midwest, my interest in art led me to the local art museum, Nelson-Atkins Museum in Kansas City, MO, where I would stroll the rooms and admire the Impressionist, Asian, and contemporary art. In high school, I read the books Dear Theo and Lust for Life about Vincent Van Gogh, whose passion and love for art resonated with my own passion. I knew it was something I truly loved. I continued to pursue art in college, and at this time, I was committed to this passion to create art forever. I have been continually painting for over 35 years now and have shown my work in over 150 exhibitions across 4 continents.


Could you share the story or concept behind your recent work?

My paintings combine abstract beauty with environmental themes, exploring the interconnectivity of the cosmos, nature, and humanity. I like to look at the beauty of the planet from a bird’s-eye perspective and how climate change is impacting our land formations, temperatures, and oceans. I am creating a story of our Earth for the viewer to think about the effects of climate change, but still creating something beautiful. By doing this, I also use a message or relevant facts to go along with each piece to give the viewer more background to contemplate. My technique of layering diverse materials creates a depth and visual perspective. Many of my paintings also have circles as a symbolic meaning of balance and eternity, while asking the questions: What happens when this balance is broken? What is finite or infinite?


What was the most challenging part of your path so far? How are you navigating this obstacle?

My early years out of college came with challenges, financially and finding the time to paint. At that time, I tried to balance a teaching career with motherhood and being an independent artist. During those years, I would paint in the evenings and on the weekends, during in-between moments. For the past twenty years, I have been a full-time artist, which has allowed me to dedicate my time and flourish in my creative experience. Today, I find the most important artistic challenge is to create what I love and simultaneously be my most avid critic. I love to continue to reach for, experiment with, and welcome challenges.


What role does experimentation and exploration play in your artistic practice?

My large studio space at home gives me the opportunity to explore with many materials and on a larger scale. Thinking of my paintings, I try to re-create a part of the Earth, below the surface or above, the oceans, the forest, and deserts. I experiment with different textures and multiple mediums to create this visual perspective. I aim to create an abstract interpretation of what the Earth feels like, not just a visual. Being able to explore is also where my artistic journey evolves over time and takes me on new paths as an artist.


Do you have any start or stop rituals before creating?

Music that evokes emotion related to my work is important during my creative process. Sometimes, prior to painting, I sit in my large chair in my art studio (I call it my thinking chair) and listen to music, putting myself and my thoughts into a place where I can feel the message I am about to create—not just see it in my mind. I also read articles that give statistics and facts about climate change impacts. I will look at images of the beauty of our planet that are being directly affected by climate change, and that will inspire my work. When I feel I am ready to begin painting, I let the process carry me through.


What message do you hope your art conveys to the world?

While we know art is always subjective to the viewer, I welcome and appreciate what others see no matter how different from my intention. I do, however, hope that when someone walks into a room with my art, they feel the presence of the landscapes that surround us, the elements of the Earth, the vibrance of the land, and the textures of the terrain. I’d like viewers to feel that they are seeing a story of our planet. We have all this natural beauty that is in every corner of the Earth, and without human intervention, it has sustained life for millions of years. While we are a fraction of this existence of life, we need to realize that our people have the most impact on the future of the planet. I want the audience to view the land, not the people, and to reflect on this vastness—to witness the dire consequences climate change will have on every corner of the world and every aspect of our existence.


Share a mantra or favorite quote that keeps you going?

“Paintings have a life of their own that derives from the painter’s soul.” — Vincent Van Gogh
“What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.” — Dr. Jane Goodall