Today we’d like to introduce you to Starla Halfmann
Hi Starla, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
This is the story of how I got started as a full-time artist…
I worked in the same exact office that “Office Space” the movie was filmed in and like the character I experienced the same feeling of dread going into my job. If you’ve never seen it I highly recommend it. Eight years into my job, in the summertime, the building beside us caught on fire and we all evacuated just like the end of the movie. (NO one was hurt thankfully.) MY coworker pulled up the scene of the movie as we were literally in the same spot watching the building on screen in flames and watching in real life the fire trucks and such in front of us. At this point, I thought “eh Life imitates art I need to find a hypnotist to get over the fear that’s keeping me at this job just like the guy in the movie.” Through a series of serendipitous events I found a pastor instead. We met and he counseled me on the fear and prayed with me and let me know God had plans. The next day I walked into my job of 8 years thinking it was going to be a normal day. Little did I know that I would put in my notice in that day to quit after bowing my head and asking God for the courage. I felt a wave of courage come over me and I made one of the best choices in my life that day. I chose faith over fear. I told God I’ve sat in this cube for 8 years crying to you about wanting this dream. If I were to die today and you asked me what I did with the talent you gave me and I said I cried everyday and did nothing because I was too afraid that wouldn’t be a good answer so I’m going to take you at your word and take a step of faith because I know you’re a rewarder of faith. The last day of my job was the day before my 33rd birthday and the first day of my career as an artist was on my birthday as a gift to myself and as a step of faith in the right direction. Two months later Anthropologie discovered me on Pinterest and then a month after that the company I had worked for closed its doors for good. I’ve been full-time for the past 12 years. I’ve had many ups and downs and struggles but it’s taught me so much about faith and relying on the Holy Spirit versus my own logic.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Copyright infringement has been a huge challenge for me. I have been dealing with this for the past seven years. It’s difficult but I’ve experienced some breakthrough and like to help other artists who deal with this. Ironically,my most copyright infringed painting is named “Rampart” which means protection.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I would like to work more with children’s hospitals and just this past year I was able to create two large paintings for two different hospitals out of state. I was so happy about that!
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
I’ve had quiet a few people ask me if I’m nervous about AI taking the role of an artist. I truly am not because AI doesn’t have a heart or soul and the best thing about art is the connection between an artist/artist inspiration and the collector.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.starlamichelle.com
- Instagram: @starlamichellefineart
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/starlamichellefineart/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/starla-halfmann-8b251a24/
Image Credits
Laura Morsman Photography
