Originally from the East Midlands, Jo Starkey grew up in the countryside outskirts of Nottingham.  From an early age, she had a keen interest in the arts, and spent her secondary school years training to be a dancer. However, her love for painting eventually overtook her love of dance, and from 16 she decided to focus on becoming an artist. After completing art college in Nottingham, she moved to London, slowly forging her career as an artist by exhibiting and selling through local and national galleries. 

As a nature lover, she tries to depict the essence of nature and its magic, predominantly painting on silk, which when applied with a batik effect, creates a great backdrop. She builds up layers, using various different materials, creating texture and depth, giving a three dimensional feel. Many of her paintings feature textured wild grasses, with accents of gold and silver. She generally works from her own photographs she says she enjoys putting her own interpretation on a natural scene, giving it a contemporary feel.