Meet Michael Parks | Paint Contracror & Visual Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Michael Parks and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Michael, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
My journey into the creative realm, still in its infancy, has been shaped by a series of defining moments, each one guiding me to its inception. It began with a deep-seated yearning for something more, a desire to invest my heart into a pursuit that my professional life alone couldn’t satisfy, a craving only a passion-driven endeavor could fulfill.

For three years, I embarked on a soul quest, albeit with my gaze turned away from fine art painting. In the realm of art, my aspirations were around music, unaware of what awaited me.

During this period, my life was touched by profound personal challenges. My fiancé’s son was navigating the complexities of schizophrenia, and my mother’s mental health was in decline, necessitating a greater presence from me. It became clear that a significant change was on the horizon. Then, on a day that felt marked by destiny, it was as if an artist took up residence in my soul, guiding my hands and heart to co-create with the tools before me.

In essence, this new chapter of my life, this venture into the world of fine art painting, was conceived out of love. It was a response to life’s trials, a beacon of light in times of darkness, and a testament to the transformative power of love and the arts.

Please tell us more about your art. How did you get to where you are today professionally. What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your art and story?
I believe my art captures the soul of mankind, the essence of an individual, And the vision of celestial spheres.

The “Mastery Of Fate” series has both esoteric and exoteric meanings from one angle the images signify points in my personal life that create a journey of wonder, pain, loss, death, life, love, mystery, and fate. The other is laced with hidden meaning filled with loving intentions.

Each original is unique in that they have a symbol that is strategically placed on each piece and a cipher on the back that contains the hidden name of each piece to which I hold the key but reveal the secret name to those who purchase the original only.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
That’s easy, we would eat at Atlas Pizza and Dads for sure, we would have the best cocktails at Little Spirits, catch a show at The Masquerade, and hit the nightlife at District. All great places filled with great people

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
special thanks to Vic Jordan for providing me with a place to create in silence, to my wonderful children who inspire me to grow continually, to my beautiful fiancée Bethanie Loudermilk, whom I can’t imagine this journey without – she’s angelic, and to The Quinlan Visual Art Center for allowing me to have my first solo show.

Website: michaeloriginalart.com

Instagram: michaeloriginalart

Image Credits
Bethanie Loudermilk