Artist Spotlight: Nicole Parker
Meet Nicole Parker (she/her), an artist who breathes life into everything she touches! From 2D to mixed media and now, wearable art, Nicole isn't confined by any medium.
In this interview, we'll explore Nicole's artistic journey, her love for sustainable art, and the inspiration behind her stunning runway pieces at our Reuse on the Runway shows!
When did you start working as a multi-disciplinary artist?
I’ve been a professional artist for about 20 years, but most of my work has been 2-dimensional and mixed media. I finally embraced the multidisciplinary approach to art making in 2021 when I decided to design a piece for the ACR Reuse on the Runway show. It was both exciting and terrifying to try to design for a person! I’ve now participated in all 3 fashion shows.
Which aspect of creating is your favorite?
I really enjoy the brainstorming and conceptual aspects but I love searching for, discovering, and collecting all of the bits and bobs that go into the pieces. There’s nothing like finding the exact piece or an object that you envisioned for the creative puzzle.
Where do you get your inspiration?
Inspiration comes from images of historic, female identifying royalty from around the globe and costumes from the Lord of the Rings movies, Black Panther, and Game of Thrones. I’m also very inspired by my mother, all of my grandmothers, and my maternal great grandmothers. Through good times and bad, they did the best with the resources they had and always got their style on! My 98 year old grandma still puts her funky jewelry on every day! Oh yeah, I did also grow up in the 80s, so obviously that sassy influence can appear occasionally.
What is your preferred way to engage with your audience?
Speaking with people face to face is always preferable. In this way we can share ideas and information and experience a stronger sense of community . I used to vend which allowed for more of an exchange and familiarity, but I’ll take folks cheering us on down the runway any time!
How does reuse play a part in your creativity?
It just makes sense. The collage I make is from old magazines and photographs, so much of what I already have just lying around collecting dust. With the accessory and fashion pieces, I use the same concept as collage. Over the years I have collected and been given hoards of jewelry! My mom used to call my collection my “broken babies”, now I call them my “precious”. I combine pieces and redesign to modernize or stylize the looks and fill in my design visions after shopping at ACR.
What compels you to donate to ACR?
We live in a disposable society. ACR not only provides a service that benefits our earth, but also provides a creative space that is accessible, welcoming, organized, and community centric. I really value the direct and indirect support they offer. When you enter the store, it feels like everything old is new again.
Do you have a favorite ACR find? How did you use it?
My favorite find so far is a Black doll for a friend who collects Black dolls from across the decades. She cleaned her up, gave her new clothing and added the little sweetie to her mobile Black Doll and Toy Exhibit.
Where can we find out more about your work?
Instagram has examples of all the mediums that I work in, largely photography based, and I have a slightly outdated website that I’m currently working on updating. Marketing is such a big job to me! It’s hard to be consistent. IG: @nicoleparkerstudios and website: nicoleparkerstudio.com
