ABOUT STARLING AND SEA

Art rooted in heritage, home, and the beauty in everyday details.

MEET THE ARTIST

Hi, I’m Katie, the artist behind Starling & Sea. I’ve lived in the Tidewater region of Virginia my entire life, growing up in Portsmouth and now raising my family in Virginia Beach. I’ve always been someone who is inspired by the little things: the way light hits the water, the texture of branches, the colors found in a bird’s feathers. Those small details in nature continually inspire my work and the way I see the world.

BRAND STORY

THE MEANING BEHIND THE NAME

Starling & Sea was born during a season of deep change. My maiden name, Spacek, means “starling” in Czech, and after my dad passed away, a flock of starlings filled the trees outside my window. It felt like a meaningful sign- a moment of connection just when I needed it most.

From far away, starlings appear simple, but up close their feathers shimmer with unexpected color and depth. I’ve always loved that image. My Tidewater roots mean just as much to me, which is why “Sea” anchors the name.

Together, Starling & Sea represents heritage, home, creativity, and stepping into a new season while still feeling my dad’s presence in the small, beautiful moments.

ARTISTIC BACKGROUND

A LIFE OF ART & STORYTELLING

I’ve been drawing and painting for as long as I can remember. Over the years, I built a thriving art business through my original brand, Gentle Road, where I create highly personalized watercolor commissions like career story paintings, love stories, family trees, custom maps, and home portraits.

My work through Gentle Road has been featured in Oprah Magazine, Glamour, The Knot, Wedding Wire, and Whoopi Goldberg’s “A Very Whoopi Wishlist.”

STARLING & SEA TODAY

A NEW CHAPTER OF CREATIVE WORK

Starling & Sea grew out of a desire to create something alongside my custom commission work, a more relaxed, coastal-inspired brand filled with prints, apparel, market pieces, and creative goods. Everything here reflects the colors, textures, and rhythm of the place I call home.

Both of my brands share the same heart:
honoring stories, celebrating meaningful moments, and creating artwork that feels personal and heartfelt.

CLOSING

I’m so glad you’re here.

I hope my work brings warmth, connection, and a touch of coastal comfort to your home and your life.