An inspiring artist with a mind that bears witness to new creations born from inspiration, Starr revels in the natural environment. Having discovered from childhood a surreal language of artistic form, Starr realized her view of the world was different. It was an extension of this one into an alternate reality where, empowered, she explores her creative side taking someone elses trash and making it into treasured forms. By trade a graphic designer and photographer, Starr decided nine years ago it was time to widen her horizon and picked up metal working and woodworking skills.
Twisted Metals, is the up-cycling business Starr began in her back yard after her husbands job relocated the family to North Carolina. Derived out of a need to fight the rising costs of child care, Starrs hobby of tinkering soon became a booming business with current works available for purchase from about 30 different retail locations worldwide, at Patina Home and Gifts, and on etsy.com.
Her story is an interesting one. As a child growing up, the Shenandoah Valley and Blue Ridge Mountains were her stomping grounds. Not a girlie girl, she didnt enjoy playing dress up and having tea with her dollies. She loved playing in creek beds catching bugs and critters and engineering objects made from Legos or anything else she could find.
Because the natural world is an important aspect of her work, Starr spends a lot of time hiking and kayaking looking for the odd piece of driftwood or naturally shed moose antler needed to complete a piece. Vintage silver plated flatware from the 1800s is used to make her one-of-a-kind Spoonfish Chimes, jewelry, ornaments, and other oddities, so Starr scourers antique markets and art shows looking to buy vast amounts.
Each piece is handcrafted and unique. By using antique spoons, Starrs pieces tell a story. She explains that they get to speak a history rather than be discarded, destroyed, and forgotten. I have a passion for making art that will last for generations to come. Days are long, usually working 8-10 hours a day, seven days a week. But the job isnt boring; it includes many perks allowing her husband, Joe, and their children to join her on these adventures.
Experimenting with different types of media is something Starr has always done and enjoyed. Encouraged by her husband, Starr tries her hand in what most consider a traditionally male dominated art. With one liners like Lifes short, Weld in heels to Silly Boys; Power tools are for Girls Starrs determination is not taken lightly. If she doesnt have the skill set to complete a project, she sets out to learn it. Her approach to art constantly evolves and grows; its an extension of self. I have the ability to simply look at an everyday object, to see its true potential while looking past what it is but more importantly seeing what it can become, explains Starr.
Her pieces range from Spoonfish chimes, moose antler and driftwood chimes as large as six feet across to nautical items, vintage spoon jewelry and ornaments, rustic items, unique garden décor, living walls, rare plants and even custom made items. Twisted Metals is all about new creations. I am constantly adding to and evolving my shop, says Starr. As the spring and summer seasons approach, she will begin incorporating new and unique sources. I love doing this, says Starr. I love getting out there with my hands and creating these new things. Twisted Metals is not only a business, but its a world where Starr can combine her love of nature first experienced as a child running through the hills of Virginia with other like-minded individuals who realize the importance of nature and its simplicity and for those new to this type of art who also seek to connect with nature.
See Nevas work online at www.etsy.com/shop/nevastarr
