We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Chase Parker . We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Chase below.
Chase, so great to be with you and I think a lot of folks are going to benefit from hearing your story and lessons and wisdom. Imposter Syndrome is something that we know how words to describe, but it’s something that has held people back forever and so we’re really interested to hear about your story and how you overcame imposter syndrome.
My journey in art began from a lowest low out of nowhere. I was just fortunate enough to recognize the opportunity. I had just gone through several life altering events that left me with nothing. Together, my daughter and I had to start life over. I had just gone through a divorce and was financially struggling. I converted our extra bedroom to a craft room for my daughter to create and just be a kid because that’s what made me happiest as a child. I made a piece of art in there for our kitchen and a friend liked it so I made her one. From a social media post of that I got my first commission and another and another. It felt like a fluke, people were paying me for something I created. It took me a bit to realize everything I’ve done over the years lead me to this moment and this path. The universe has always pushed me in this direction so I may as well admit it, I’m an artist.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
My art quickly morphed from the typical pop culture pieces that we’ve all seen over and over again into me, something that is a piece of me. I wanted to stand out in a crowd that seemed to follow closely together. I had to step outside of my comfort zone and open up to any criticism that might be thrown my way. It was uncomfortable but exhilarating all at the same time. I created a sculpture that represented something my daughter was going through and it took flight literally and figuratively. It was a butterfly sculpture that represented the growth and perseverance she was going through and it resonated with many other people. Since that sculpture I’ve made many more and won a national competitions with that style.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
As an artist the art industry is comprised of about 70% networking and 30% creating. I worked in a salon for 18 years prior which gave me the skills to hold conversations with many different types of personalities. That has undoubtedly helped me navigate through the art industry and my art give me the confidence to accept the “no’s” and move on to the next. As an artist you have to be able to accept rejection and keep moving forward with your only focus on getting a “yes”.
Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?
The simple answer is, me. I’ve gone through so many failures but learned from every experience. I haven’t had an art class since elementary school. The knowledge I’ve gained from learning from my failures has helped me tremendously in my creations in art. Knowing how to manipulate acrylic for instance was learned from creating a windscreen for a motorcycle 20 something years ago. The knowledge of making molds for sculptures was learned years ago when I had to make a part for a swimming pool pump. Everything I’ve done throughout the years has led to this.
Contact Info:
- Website: artcparker.com
- Instagram: @Art_CParker
Image Credits
Photo of me Photographer: Chip Weiner
