Artist talk: Coby Starck

Hi Coby, welcome to Postery! Please tell us a bit about yourself!

My name is Coby Starck. From a young age, I have always been intrigued by art and design — I love how transformative it is and how it can make you feel. Having a vision and seeing it through is the most spectacular thing. Music also plays a big part in my life; my partner is a musician, and we have travelled all over together, which has heavily influenced my work. I live on the west coast of Canada on Vancouver Island, where we are surrounded by ocean and forest.

How would you describe your collection for Postery?

My collection for Postery is bright and fun! I love colour and playing around with shape and form. These pieces would suit any room and bring a little joy and quirk.

How did you become interested in creating?

I am a multi-disciplinary artist; I have always enjoyed making and creating from different mediums. My work is always changing and evolving as I try new things.

What inspires you?

The world of design, colour, travel, textiles. My painting is usually the result of wanting to create the vision in my head. I kind of fell into it out of designing spaces — the two go hand in hand.

Is there anything you would like to communicate with your art?

I think art should make you happy, that's it. It's subjective, so it needs to make you feel something.

Any challenges that you have come across as an artist?

There are always challenges… sometimes working on a piece feels like a struggle, and other times it just flows. I have learned that trusting your intuition is the biggest part of the process, and sometimes stepping away and coming back to a piece can be helpful.

Do you need complete silence, or do you have some music/sounds in the background? What do you listen to?

Music is a must! I like a diverse group of music — from Bob Dylan to St. Vincent, Colter Wall, Holly Humberstone, E.L.O., War on Drugs, Leonard Cohen, Beatles, Father John Misty, Billie Eilish etc… a mixed bag of genres.

What do you like doing when you are not creating?

I like to be designing spaces or daydreaming about the next project, hanging out at the beach, having dinner parties with friends, or hanging out in the music studio.

What does the perfect world look like to you?

The perfect world looks like PEACE. Understanding one another and seeing each other for who they are.

If you could choose to have one superpower, what would it be?

My superpower would be to lift people up and make them feel good about themselves.

What is your big dream?

Maybe having my own TV show transforming spaces with art and design.

Name one item you always carry in your bag/pocket?

My phone, but only for the camera aspect. I like to take photos and document sources of inspiration.

Is there something you'd like to share with those who struggle to find their artistic expression and inspiration, any advice or a word of encouragement?

I would say you have to put yourself out there and keep trying. Take risks — anyone successful has lots of failures, and those failures have a million valuable lessons. Be true to who you are; that's what sets you apart.

Thank you Coby!