The Daily Muse: Starla Michelle Halfmann, Artist

Starla Halfmann is a professional Austin artist and Texas native. She received her Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Design Communications from Texas Tech University. Her art and design interests are varied but her focus is on pushing the limits of impasto style paintings combined with mixed media. Intuition, emotion and a spiritual connection all play an integral part in the creation of each painting.

Currently, Starla’s work is featured in Anthroplogie, Greenbox Art + Culture, and Skyline Art Editions.

“I love what I do and try to maintain a child-like wonder in my work. I grew up on a farm in West Texas where the only access I had to art was a “P” encyclopedia. At four years old, I would thumb through “Paintings” thinking “Anyone who can do this has got to be happy all the time!” I chased butterflies, collected shells, glass, rocks, – whatever I found interesting and beautiful. My grandmother’s antique broaches and lace scarves were intricate treasures. I felt magic all around me. My parents and their friends thought I would be a vet because I loved animals so much – one of the reasons why I paint them so often. What I find funny is even when I’m not creating a painting with animals they still show up hidden in my abstract paintings. On most days, I still feel that magic and wonder when I paint. To be able to create freely and express oneself fully is truly a joy and blessing that I never want to take for granted.”