Today we’d like to introduce you to Whitney Parker.
Whitney, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Well, when my husband and I bought our first home, I quickly found myself wanting to fill the walls with art that brought me joy. I loved the idea of having one-of-a-kind, original pieces, but curating a collection of artwork immediately was not feasible. It will take time and I look forward to adding pieces over the years to complete this vision.
In the meantime, I decided what better way than to start decorating with my own art?! So, I pulled out my paint and brushes and started experimenting. I wanted to tie in different aspects of my background and expertise to the art itself, which is what led me to finishing off the pieces on the sewing machine. I have come to utilize the stitches much as a painter uses their brushes, creating depth and movement with the thread.
My background is rooted in fashion design with a focus on bridal. After graduating from Savannah College of Art and Design, I moved to New York City to work as a wedding gown designer. I was in the bridal sector for the majority of my career, which is where the sewing element of my work comes from.
Moving around the country over the last 15 years has brought a thoughtful perspective to my art and the way I approach life in general. Being in California, much of my inspiration comes from nature. The environment and sustainability is very important to me, so it plays a significant role in my work. Being surrounded by vast mountain ranges, morning fog rolling over the hills and sunset beaches – it is no wonder it is the catalyst for my art.
I try to bring a unique take to my art thanks to my non – traditional background (i.e., I did not study to be a painter!). I use an array of materials starting with acrylic and watercolor paints and unstretched canvas. I typically incorporate hand-painted and handmade papers as well as gold and silver leaf and finish off every piece on the sewing machine with my distinctive signature touch. I try to infuse depth, texture and a sense of fluidity into all of my pieces.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I have had my share of ups and downs in the time since starting my art business. I had a pretty incredible start being fully booked with commissions my entire first year. I sold out of my website launch and received incredible feedback from customers and perspective clients. After the holidays of year one, there was a BIG drop in commission requests and very little movement when I launched a new collection. It was extremely humbling. I had to reevaluate the way I viewed success and how I wanted to work on the growth for my business. I have come to realize that the beauty of setting goals and working to achieve them is the journey along the way.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a mixed media abstract artist using watercolor, acrylics, canvas, papers and my sewing machine. My unique background, I believe, sets me apart from other more traditional artists. My work is really a process, taking many steps and a lot of hours to complete a single piece. Small details are very important in all aspects of what I do and I hope that this eye for the finer points is apparent. I think starting a business is so intimidating for anyone in any industry, so I am proud that I am not only doing the creative part that I love but finding time to learn about running a successful small business.
We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
“It’s okay to get lost every once in a while, sometimes getting lost is how we find ourselves.” – Robert Tew
During the Covid-19 lockdown, I found myself in a bit of a funky headspace from time to time. I was struggling with not feeling like myself. It was impacting my creativity and feeling like I needed to force myself to find inspiration.
One day when some of the restrictions had been lifted, I was on a hike. Halfway up the hill, there was a clearing to an incredible view where the rolling green hills merged into the backdrop of mountain ranges and up to the most beautiful blue sky.
Immediately, I stopped and thought: wow. That was it. Simple. Stunning. And I was grateful. I was peaceful. It was in that moment where God showed me this world is a big, beautiful place. I found perspective and gratitude in that time and that is what I aim to constantly strive to remember when things seem to heavy. I want to be purposeful in realizing life is about the small moments.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.artbywhitneyalyssa.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artbywhitneyalyssa/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/artbywhitneyalyssa
- Other: https://www.pinterest.com/artbywhitneyalyssa/
Image Credits
All artwork photographs were taken by Whitney Alyssa. The headshot was taken by Rosa Delgado
