We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jody Parmann. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jody below.

Jody, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear about the things you feel your parents did right and how those things have impacted your career and life.

Growing up at the bend on a rural dead end road, I once wanted to fly a kite but we didn’t have one. So, my dad and I used what we found around the house—garbage bags, tape, yarn, and sticks—to make our own. It was too heavy to fly, but dad taught me that not succeeding on the first try was okay. This was my first lesson in creativity and solving problems, laying the groundwork for my journey into art. (Picture book of story here: https://jodyparmann.art/3d-flip-book/the-kite/)

Both of my parents worked hard; dad in a factory and mom as a waitress. After dad passed away when I was seven, things got even tougher financially. Mom, now a widow, was raising my sister and me. She had a knack for drawing and I’d watch her for hours, fascinated as she sketched portraits. Despite being recognized for my artistic talent in school, by ninth grade, I was disillusioned by our financial struggles and saw art as a dead end. I pushed back on taking art classes, convinced that art wouldn’t pay the bills.

However, the competitive spirit got the better of me during an annual high school art competition. Though I didn’t win, my piece caught the eye of our art teacher who questioned my absence from art classes. My teenage self bluntly told him I saw no future in art. But he saw potential in me, giving me the freedom to explore my ideas, nurturing my talent patiently over time. By senior year, I was winning awards for my art.

A pivotal moment came with the chance for a portfolio review at a prestigious art college in Detroit. Despite our financial constraints and her fear of highway driving, my mom took me to the college. Her determination showed me she believed in my potential, a realization that deeply influenced my path.

Sadly, my mom passed away when I was 19, but the resilience and belief my parents instilled in me guided me to pursue a career in the arts. I studied graphic design, ran a successful freelance business, and now serve as vice chair on the Blue Water Arts Committee of the Community Foundation of St. Clair County, Michigan. Over the years, I’ve pursued many forms of art, including painting, sculpting, and mixed media. My art was featured in Port Huron’s Sesquicentennial event. I led a project to train muralists that resulted in over 36 murals, rehabilitating a dilapidated tunnel in Port Huron: https://jodyparmann.art/making-muralists/ And once, in 2019, I was honored at an event where a print of my work was gifted to Margaret Atwood, the author of The Handmaid’s Tale (https://jodyparmann.art/2019/11/30/an-incredible-tale/)

My parents’ greatest lesson was allowing me to experience failure while always believing in my potential. This belief in perseverance and creativity is what I strive to pass on to my own children, teaching them that it’s not about how often we fail, but how we learn and grow from those failures.

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My creative journey has taken me through numerous paths and projects, making it a challenge to encapsulate all my experiences succinctly. However, you can explore the breadth of my work on my website: www.jodyparmann.art

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.

I chose to study graphic design in college, viewing it as a more practical option than dedicating myself solely to fine arts. To my delight, I discovered a passion for it. My fascination with computers and their vast potential for creativity has made me an enthusiast for everything digital—from typography to photo manipulation, digital painting, layout design, and logo creation.

However, it’s my fine art projects that truly enrich my spirit. Through these, I find a deeper, more meaningful way to communicate my experiences and emotions than any other method.

Being a single mother of two, my artwork often reflects the challenges and experiences unique to my journey as a woman and parent.

My artistic expression is eclectic, spanning various mediums. I experiment freely, letting the nature of what I wish to convey guide my choice of materials and techniques.

You can explore my entire portfolio on my website: www.jodyparmann.art. I’m also active on social media, with a presence on Facebook and Instagram. For those interested in owning a piece of my work, prints and other items are available in my REDBUBBLE store: https://www.redbubble.com/people/jayellepea/shop?artistUserName=jayellepea&iaCode=all-departments&sortOrder=relevant. Additionally, I’m excited to announce an upcoming exhibition at the Exquisite Corpse Coffeehouse in Port Huron, set for March 2024.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

Moving forward, the most effective support society can offer to artists and creatives, in my opinion, lies in transforming our educational approach. The current educational system in the US falls short in nurturing creative exploration, favoring instead rote memorization and singular correct answers. A shift towards teaching problem-solving skills—which are at the heart of creativity—is essential. This change isn’t just about cultivating future artists but about instilling resilience in children. Regardless of the profession they choose, their capacity for creative thinking will be an invaluable asset.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

My goal is to open up opportunities for creatives in my area.: https://www.facebook.com/groups/119213625990773/?ref=share_group_link

Our community is brimming with talented and inspiring individuals who are just looking for ways to link up with opportunities, potential collaborators, buyers, and supporters. This group serves as a bridge for them to make those connections.

Similarly, I champion the cause of public art. Its power to inspire, educate, and be accessible to everyone is something I deeply admire.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://www.jodyparmann.art
• Instagram: @jp_jodyparmann
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jlphossain
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jody-parmann?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
• Twitter: @bittybaddies
• Youtube: @jlparmann
• Other: https://www.redbubble.com/people/jayellepea/shop

Image Credits
The images that have me in a black & white striped shirt should be credited to Brittiany White.