We recently connected with Parker Turner and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Parker, thanks for joining us today. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

I learned by painting and just being curious and fulfilling the urge to create. I started painting consistently and from that I saw things emerge that I liked, things that I didn’t like. And there’s no short cut to that. There’s no speeding up the learning process. By creating consistently, which is most essential, I honed my craft. The obstacles I faced along the way were the tools for learning.

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 am a full time contemporary artist from Monroe, Louisiana. Currently living in Santa Monica. Mostly working with acrylic on canvas. I didn’t go to school for art. I was inspired by my father’s sketchbooks as a kid. Drawing and painting were his hobbies. My most proud moments as an artist are when people reach out to express to me how they’ve resonated with my work. It still gets me when people tell me they connect to my art outside of myself and my own reasons for painting. My first sales came from social media, but through the community I built in Shreveport, Louisiana. When I first started posting my pieces I was met with lots of support from friends and quickly local businesses reached out to feature my work as an up and coming local artist. It’s my engagement with the local community that helps set me apart, as well as having a unique style that’s recognizable as my own.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

Self-reflection and guiding others to do the same. By focusing on improving mental health and using art as a medium to bridge the gaps within oneself, I learn about who I am through my work. The gratification of completing a project feels like achieving an internal success and overcoming a personal hurdle.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

Inspire others to follow their creative passions and pursue careers in art. I was always told being an artist isn’t a viable career path, but it is what you make of it. There is opportunity everywhere.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @parkerturnerart
• Facebook: Parker Turner
• Other: [email protected]