We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Parris Douglas a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Parris , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?
I developed my artistic ability through repetition. Once I became more comfortable with my craft, I sought out more seasoned and established artists, asking as many questions as I could. When I was around 8 years old, I would trace Dragon Ball Z characters from my folders, repeating these techniques for years until I discovered other artists like Ernie Barnes and Vincent van Gogh. Looking back, I realize that a formal art education might have provided a stronger foundation. Schooling can offer the structure needed to transition to the professional level more smoothly, along with access to a stronger networking pool. While I wouldn’t change my path, I believe formal education might have shortened the journey to becoming a professional artist.
I’m happy with where I am because I know where I started, and I know there’s more to come. I had to figure out what I wanted from life before fully committing to this career. To young artists, I’d say: move with intention. Make your decisions, don’t look back—it saves a lot of time and stress. As my momma always said, ‘stick to the script.’ As long as you figure it out, it doesn’t matter how long it takes. Your time will come, believe that.
I feel, critical thinking is the most essential skill when pursuing a career. You’ll always encounter challenges in both your career and life. It’s our job not to react impulsively but to respond thoughtfully, approaching each situation with a clear mind rather than acting out of emotion. Building our dreams takes time, but everything we’ve worked for can be destroyed in a single moment.
One major obstacle to furthering my education in art was myself. During and after college, I often second-guessed my abilities for many reasons. I didn’t believe what I wanted could actually be achieved, especially where I’m from—where those who accomplish great things often come from more stable homes and complete families. But my family and I make it work. My mother and sister play crucial roles in encouraging me to leave home and chase my destiny. They support me when I needed it and offered guidance when I’m not making the best decisions. I’m grateful to them for them.
When I finally decided on a college path, I couldn’t afford to complete the journey. However, I didn’t use that as an excuse. When I returned home, I focused on my dream of taking my art to the professional level with what I had. I didn’t start with much, but I continued to strive for what I wanted. Throughout this journey, I’ve been told “no,” disrespected, and even used, but it didn’t make me bitter. I’ve always embraced challenges and worked to prove to myself that I deserve the life I’m chasing.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I’m a multidisciplinary artist from New York, determined to make my mark.
I categorize my work as Afro-surrealism, my work touches on the beauty and nightmares of trying to grow in a big city. According to my mother, I started creating at 3 years old. One day, I was causing havoc around the house while she was sewing. In frustration, she handed me a marker and paper, telling me to look out the window and draw the church across the street. A few minutes later, I returned with something that looked like the church, and she was shocked . She had no idea I would actually listen and create something so it was a sweet surprise for her. From then on, she supported my artistic journey in every way she could, from bringing me art supplies to offering unbiased critiques.
Since then, I’ve explored various mediums—creating paintings, graphic works, clothing, sculptures, and more.
What sets me apart is how I perceive the world and translate that perception back to my audience. Some say my art can be intense at first sight, but the motifs in my work often touch on mental health and the beauty found in difficult situations around the city.
While I’m proud of all my work because it stems from a metaphysical place made tangible, my art collectively represents the idea of never giving up. Even when life throws obstacles in our way, I/WE NEVER GIVE UP! If I had to choose a standout moment, I’m most proud of my upcoming sculptures. Created after one of my art works called “We get scared too” This is the first time my art will be experienced beyond a flat surface. It’s a statement of my commitment to leaving a lasting impact on this planet. It took time to reach this point, so for me, these sculptures are a significant milestone in my journey.
On August 30th, I’ll be showcasing my sculptures and new work in my solo show, *Concrete Dreams.* I’m excited because all the work in my studio will come together to create a world for people to step into, giving them a deeper perspective into my mind and showing how I see the place we’re from. I can’t wait to build with everyone that day and make our own history when it comes to the culture.
Can you share your view on NFTs? (Note: this is for education/entertainment purposes only, readers should not construe this as advice)
I believe NFTs are the future—if used correctly! Last year, I had the opportunity to work with a tech platform, and I learned a great deal about this topic. It can be challenging for traditional artists to grasp the concept and bring their fan base over, but when handled correctly, NFTs can have a significant impact.
Many people associate NFTs with making money, but they have far more potential beyond just generating income. NFTs are not only for art; because they’re encrypted, they can also be used for things like hospital records, event ticketing, and representing real-world assets etc.
With proper strategy the power of NFTs goes beyond money. They offer a new way to engage with your audience. However, I would advise anyone interested to do thorough research before jumping into it.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
The most rewarding thing for me while creating is finding peace. The city is so hectic—there’s always something happening, constant movement. We’re all exhausted, but we can’t stop. That’s why we’re the city of hustlers. But no matter what’s going on, you have to believe in yourself. I can truly say I’ve found myself through my art.
Lastly , I love how my art brings people together, creating genuine human connections. Seeing smiles, inspiring others, and building a sense of community has been an invaluable part of my journey, and for that, I am truly grateful.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @Paint_douglas
Image Credits
Kenyatta Meadows @yattabombata
Terell Lewis @iamnaturell