1. How did you develop your specific artistic style of dark surrealism and abstract expressionism? In my "Art of the 20th Century" undergraduate class, I learned about various art movements that piqued my interest, including German expressionism, the Art Deco movement, and abstract expressionism. I also learned about the artistic technique of chiaroscuro which fascinated me, the dichotomy of light versus dark. I was also introduced to the film Metropolis (1927) which solidified my love for Art Deco, German expressionism, and chiaroscuro. All of these influences form the foundation for my love and style of dark surrealism and abstract expressionism. 2. Can you describe your creative process when it comes to creating a new piece of artwork? When it comes to photographic subjects, I essentially capture what I feel in the moment. It's a difficult process to describe if I'm being honest. For photographers, I can only imagine that an object, person, or landscape has a certain appeal to them if in the right light, angle, etc, and can jumpstart that creative energy. The process honestly varies depending on the environment and subject. When it comes to fine art or digital art subjects, I will usually have a few general ideas floating around in my head for a few weeks, which will flesh themselves out the longer I ruminate on them. I will usually decide during this time if it will be a fine art or digital art piece. I will then sketch my idea in a notebook or in Procreate (depending on the decided medium) and the piece will come alive from there. Currently, I have two series (one digital, one acrylic) in various stages, along with one standalone acrylic piece that I just started. 3. What draws you to capturing life's fleeting moments in your art? This goes hand-in-hand with my answer for Question #2. It depends on the environment and subject. I think all artists experience a spark of creativity when they see something in the correct circumstances and they want to capture it - it's in their very nature. If you go back to that exact object/person/landscape on a different day, the day an artist may see it could be wildly different and the creative spark, that fleeting moment, is gone. You have to seize it when the moment strikes you. For example, my exhibition piece "Mr. Tombs" was captured for a totally different reason, but once I went back to review it more closely, I saw its artistic quality. 4. How has your artistic journey evolved since you first started with charcoal and soft pastels? My journey has evolved dramatically. Prior to and during my undergraduate studies, the mediums I utilized were strictly charcoal and soft pastels. Toward the end of my schooling, I enrolled in a Digital Photography course which introduced me to Adobe Photoshop, expanding my artistic skills. My freelance art venture from 2008-2013 utilized these digital skills immensely, as I did some digital projects for the independent music scene (flyers, promotional pieces, social media logos). I continued to strengthen my skills in all of these mediums as time, career, and life allowed. Between December 2016 and June 2018, I attended weekly classes at a local art studio, where I learned acrylic painting and those skills were added to my repertoire. In November 2023, I decided to restart my art venture on a very part-time basis by opening two e-commerce artist shops where I could sell select works in various products, and give me a chance to create new works as well. This quickly evolved from strictly e-commerce to showcasing my work in online publications and exhibitions (which I have never done before). 5. Are there any specific artists or art movements that have influenced your work? As partially mentioned in my answer to Question #1, I was fascinated by the German Expressionist, Art Deco, and Abstract Expressionist movements. Another influence was German expressionist and surrealist movies, including Häxan (1922), Metropolis (1927), The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari (1920), and Vampyr (1932). Finally, Aubrey Beardsley's illustrations for Salomé, specifically The Climax, fascinated me. 6. What do you hope viewers take away from your artwork? I want my viewers to interpret the works for themselves. While I may have a vision of the work itself, I think it's interesting to hear what others may believe the work is saying or trying to achieve emotionally. 7. Can you discuss any challenges you have faced as an independent artist? How have you overcome them? The biggest challenge I've faced as an independent artist is overcoming the obstacle of having confidence within myself. I graduated with a bachelor's degree in Art, but did not pursue an art career and have not been serious with art for a number of years. I did some freelance work between 2008 and 2013, but stopped due to conflicting obligations. I restarted Starina's Art as I felt the artistic urge again and could not ignore it. Experiencing impostor syndrome as I see my art venture start to take off has been a real thing, but as I've gotten older, I've learned (with other things), that this is something I need to do for myself and not others. As I share my works, my progress, and my accomplishments, I am extremely grateful for those who share in those experiences with me. Nothing else should matter. 8. How do you use photography and digital photography in your artwork? How do these mediums enhance or complement your other artistic pursuits? I see photography and digital photography as a complement to my art, as it provides me an additional medium to build my portfolio and share my art with others. 9. How do you approach incorporating simplicity and peace into your art, especially when working with dark or abstract themes? A great example of this is cemeteries and graveyards. I actually just self-published a virtual exhibition in early December entitled Graveyards don't fascinate most people... which examines the beauty and peacefulness of these environments. From my perspective, most associate death with cemeteries and graveyards, but my photographs attempt to capture the opposite. It's all about perception versus perspective, and challenging those perceptions. (the link for the exhibition is here: https://www.artsteps.com/view/657124680279990715babdf6) 10. What advice do you have for aspiring artists who are trying to find their own unique style and voice in the art world? I feel that I am still trying to find my own unique style and voice. An artist acquaintance of mine, Steven Archer, recommended a book to me entitled Art & Fear: Observations on the Perils (and Rewards) of Artmaking. This book helped me in quelling my challenge of confidence within myself, and creating to create. I would pass on the valuable advice that was given to me - create as much as you can. Look at your influences as reference points, as they can help strengthen your skills as you recreate their style(s). As you do this, you can build your portfolio. Once you build your strengths and build your portfolio, then the real work begins. Try to emit the emotion you are feeling as you work so your audience can experience it.