We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Claire Parrish a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Claire, thanks for joining us today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

The first time I knew I wanted to explore life as a full time artist was in November of 2020. I was living in my hometown, Jackson, Mississippi, during the beginning phases of the pandemic. Shops and public spaces were closed with only a few exceptions here and there. I found myself with ample amounts of free time on my hands, so I began to create. I used every ounce of energy I had exploring shapes, color, and composition in my tiny little first studio in my parents house. I made messes that will be there for years to come. Within that messy space, an artist was born! I created my first every collection and sold every piece to people within my community. Seeing how art can bring joy to people amidst a scary and sad time of life gave me the motivation to continue with this craft. Covid was my kickstart as an artist,

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers

Artist Statement Whenever I go out into alpine meadows, scrambling peaks, babbling streams, or dense forests, I feel content as I am surrounded by beauty that is untouched by man. There is a certain peace and connection with the Creator that cannot be matched. I want to honor the land around us by creating visual pictures of the sensations and feelings nature provokes. Sometimes I interpret this in a more literal sense, but most of the time, I try to provoke feelings within abstraction using color and various techniques to transport the viewer out of the four walls the piece is contained in and into the wonders and serenity of the outdoors.

I strive to honor nature and partner with the elements through my process while honoring the integrity of the beauty around me. The creative process begins with a watered down layer of acrylic in which I allow gravity to do its job. When I choose my composition I sacrifice detail and structure in order to improve the overall effect of the composition. It is the effect of nature that is important and not the descriptive detail of the landscape.

Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?

I wish I had learned about the Artist Trust and how to apply to grants. Artist trust is a great resource for artists residing in Washington. They have upcoming opportunities, artist meet ups, and host their own grant opportunities.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

The goal or mission that drives my creative journey is time spent outside. I am always desiring more time spent outside and making the connections with those that will appreciate or join me in those endeavors. My work directly relates to the mountains, meadows, and rocky trails. I have the pleasure to be able to study these natural scenes for my art, but also for my own person endeavors in rock climbing and mountaineering. I want to honor and partner with nature to the best of my ability. Leave no trace principles are very important, so when I do have the opportunity to take my studio to the mountains, I am always mindful of the impact I make and do my best to make it zero.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.claireparrishart.com
• Instagram: Claireparrishart