Interview
Starkita Newman
Born in Los Angeles and living in Southern California, Starkita is first a singer then a painter, and a mother and hard worker in between. Multiracial sophisticated, diverse, eclectic, and free-minded Scorpio. A four-time college attendee and independent Songstress striving as a single mother and multi-faceted ex-model.
Starkita is a Hollywood concrete rose who is set to plant new roots in the south with multiple streams of talent. She is a dream chaser having survived COVID, fires, floods, and homelessness. Since she was 11 years of age, Starkita has been singing in choirs, groups, bands, and studios across LA, Houston, and Dallas. She started painting when she was 16, and hustling art since eight years old.
This Lone Star College attendee is currently streaming on multiple platforms and still recording and painting in the DFW.
What is your background and how did you start your journey?
“My interest in fine and street art began in elementary school. I became an excellent art class student until the end of high school. At eight years old, I started selling sketches of Disney characters at Burbank Elementary School in Long Beach California.
My first art exhibition was in apple valley California. Art is my place of peace, away from all social activities. It was, and still is, my best friend.”
What inspires you most?
“Musicians who create around love energy. My biggest inspiration is love and human interactions when in love. My own life experiences are my biggest inspiration.”
What themes do you pursue? Is there an underlying message in your work?
“I enjoy pursuing abstract and mixed-media themes. My messages are diverse, from self-love to human appreciation of artists and other humans—respect for humanity and appreciation of god’s creations.”
“My work is eclectic, diverse, and emotional. Sometimes dark but always passionate.”
How would you describe your work?
“My work is eclectic, diverse, and emotional. Sometimes dark but always passionate.”
Which artists influence you most?
“Picasso, Basquiat Khalo & Newman.”
What is your creative process like?
“My creative process is often random and emotionally dependent. The best art comes from my emotional state and mental place.”
What is an artist’s role in society and how do you see that evolving?
“I see my role as an artist who represents God in my best manner and abilities. I think we must display the beauty in creations as our gifts from a higher power.”
Have you had any noteworthy exhibitions you'd like to share?
“Most of my noteworthy exhibitions are artwork displays in the private homes of celebrities.”
Website: www.atikratsart.com
Instagram: @atikrats
