Parker Sketch – known for paintings that combine pop culture icons, religious symbols, public signs and other forms of communication – followed in the path of Andy Warhol as he moved from “9 to 5 jobs” in graphic design to creating Fine Art with conceptual substance.  Parker developed his fine arts background while earning his BFA from the prestigious School of the Art Institute of Chicago, majoring in Painting. After earning his degree, he developed his graphic design skills as a production artist for Robert Daskal Studio and Hypnotize Inc where he worked for companies including Motorola, Disney, the Chicago Bulls, and Ford.

Kitten will Pop A Cap In Your Ass

Over the years, Parker enhanced his fine art experience by working at museums, galleries, and frame shops. Currently Parker lives and creates in Orlando, Florida, where he regularly exhibits his work, volunteers for art programs, and is a member of local art organizations. He says, “My paintings vary between emphasizing color, content, and texture, drawing on my experiences to create paintings that give the viewer something new with every viewing.”  The focus of much of his work is communication. Parker explores, uses, re-interprets, and ‘entertains’ by juxtaposing language, logos, icons, and text asking his viewers to create their own connections while questioning the meaning of these ‘well-known symbols.’ The bulk of the work is acrylic on canvas, although some pieces feature collage. Parker readily acknowledges the influence of Pop Art in his work but with the added sensibility – and art history education – of an expressionist’s love of the bold use of color.

Artfire

 
1. Please use your own words to describe your art...
 
My art isn't the easiest to describe. The bulk of my work is acrylic and house paint on canvas. But I sometimes paint on boards and found objects, and my medium occasionally includes spray paint and collage. My art is about communication, and I use whatever language available to me. Because of this, I don’t limit myself to a genre like "Abstract Art" or "Pop Art". I am often working on still-lifes, abstracts, and pop art paintings all at the same time. I’ve heard my art described as "Andy Warhol mixed with Jackson Pollock,” and that is a flattering, and hopefully, accurate description.

Bronze Glasses

 
2. How/when did you start becoming an artist?
 
There have been many different starting points that brought me to where I am now. The first time I referred to myself as an artist was in High School when I started getting compliments on my art and I realized that I was reaching an audience. The point when I started taking art seriously was when I attended The School of the Art Institute of Chicago. I earned my BFA, but didn't really apply myself to my art for about 10 years. During this time I always worked in art-related fields, but pretty much stopped painting. The Artist that I am today decided to pick up a brush again in 2001. Since then, I have been developing my vision and building the drive that is behind my current work.

Prime Directive: Save All Kittens

 
3. From what (or whom) do you draw inspiration?
 
I have a passion for Art History. I regularly read Art History books and fuel myself from those. I also draw heavily from pop culture, whatever is around me. My "heroes" include Andy Warhol, Anselm Kiefer, Jackson Pollock, and many others. And of course, I’m inspired when I see that my art has affected someone. That is probably the greatest drive.

A Peel

 
4. Where are your favorite places to create art?
 
My studio is the only place that I actually paint. But I am always creating; when I am driving to work, or watching a movie, or at the store, or wherever I get ideas, and that is also a crucial part in the creation of art. I am currently working on two paintings that were inspired by a store display at Target. The reference materials are cell phone pictures.

Blend

 
5. What do you enjoy about the act of creating?
 
It is meditative for me. When I paint, my world involves me and the piece … Everything else is pushed out of my brain.

Stars with Monkey

 
6. How can readers find and purchase your art?
 
Facebook is the best way to keep up with my current shows and events. Search "Parker Sketch" and “friend me.” You can also e-mail me at [email protected] for information. I am always showing somewhere, but I also do commissions, and have a wide variety of art available for sale. I actively seek out opportunities to show my work. I regularly have art at Nube Nove Salon in Thornton Park (717 E Washington, 32801), and I will exhibit at the Lee James Gallery at CityArts Factory (downtown Orlando, FL) in April and May. The show is called "Meritage", and is a blend of Art inspired by wine. The Artist Reception will be April 21, which is Orlando’s Third Thursday Gallery Walk from 6 pm to 9 pm. And I always have art up in group shows at various venues throughout town. Facebook is the best way to hear about those events.

Black Keys

Startled

 
7. May I have your most recent “Artist’s Statement?”
 
The goal of my art is to communicate visually. Of course I want it to look good, but art is more than being pretty. Hoping to establish a connection between the art and the viewer, I use all forms of communication, symbols, language, imagery, and color. Because it is about this connection, the genre of my art varies from Abstract, to Expressionist, to Pop Art.

Bubbles Abstract

 
 8. Up-coming exhibits?  

My up-coming exhibitions include:
"Meritage" a blend of art inspired by wine April 20 through May 15th
Reception April 21st Third Thursday 6 to 9 pm
The Lee James Gallery at CityArts Factory
29 S Orange Street in Orlando  32803
 
"Trash" - Art that is made from or is about garbage
A Two-Artist Show featuring Parker Sketch and M Scott Morgan
August 2011
Gallery Q at The Center at 946 N Mills in Orlando FL 32803
 
I will also have an exhibit in December 2011 at The Lake Eustis Museum of Art with Title, dates, and reception to be determined.

Author Josh Garrick is the Florida Arts Editor for Wandering Educators