PARSKID INTERVIEW

"Parskid explores a haunting, mesmerizing world based upon mythology, folklore, the cycle of life, and the bounds of the imagination. Grounded in nature and myth, Parskid's iconic characters take the viewer on a journey through ethereal, and other-worldly landscapes.
From the brightly colored neon to lush earth tones, Parskid's unique execution of spray enamel, and custom stencils bring life to forests, animals, and the environment as they intertwine with spirits, mystical energies and cloaked characters to create compositions that are uniquely Parskid."

If I was a hoarder, I would collect every inch of Parskid's work forever. From early on, his low-key characters and surreal backgrounds stained me, altering the way I view the layers in the morning sunrise. I am honoured to feature Parskid's work in a solo show at the wallfarmers gallery! He is very kind and talented and will be one of my most favourite artists to exhibit. 

Wallfarmers: Can we get a little intro on you? Where are you from? Where are you now? What do you do?

Parskid: I'm from the Pacific Northwest. I currently live and work in Seattle. When I'm not painting, I curate art shows, and try to enjoy livin' and avoid dyin'.

'Feeding Ground' 2010

How did you fall into the arts? What artists inspired you in your early days and what was it about their work that you liked?

I was into art from the time I was a young kid. So many things have influenced me since then it would be hard to pin point one artist or thing. Everything from comic books, sci-fi & horror movies, animation, graffiti, punk rock, heavy metal, my friends and family have all played part in my artistic development.

'Releasing His Soul' 2010

Current art influences?

I try not to be influenced by other art but more my surroundings and situations in my life and the world inside my mind. 

Do you have a favorite kind of tree or shrubbery to paint more than others?

I like painting spindly trees that seem to have been there for years and refuse to fall. Also, otherworldly plants and flowers but I think I love painting mushrooms the most though.

'Reminiscing About What Went Terribly Wrong'

Primary medium? Are there any colours that you don’t like to use? What/why?

I paint strictly in spray paint applied in different ways at the moment but that might change very soon due to it's affect on my health over the years. I used to not like to use certain colors but now I use just about everything, depending on if it works for the piece. I tend to steer clear from blue a lot for unknown reasons. I think I find it slightly boring or overused. I've been using a lot more fluorescent colors and purples and pinks in the past few years.

What was your first gallery show like? Where was it?

My first gallery show was in Seattle at Consolidated Works(now closed) back in 2000, a "graffiti" type show with some pretty heavy hitters. I was quite out of place.

'Searching For The Sign Directing Me Home' 2011

What kind of creatures are those round face dudes? Are they human? Are they male or female? How have they developed over the years? Do you name them? What was your first little dude like?

It was always meant to be kind of a self portrait of sorts of me as a kid. They have evolved into more creature like characters that are deathly and unfortunate looking but still represent my feelings and situations at times.

They were more child-like in the beginning but have slowly evolved into older more weathered creatures that have more of an cold, evil, skeletal appearance about them. The story is in the paintings and in my mind but is up for the personal interpretation of the viewer.

'Electric Corpse' 2009                      'Formation' 2010

Are your current characters meant to depict death or darkness or is that just my interpretation because I need more sleep?

Definitely my characters often represent beings of death, the after life and other ghostly creatures.

Favourite beer? Or social beverage?

I currently drink more red wine right now but vodka has always been my friend/enemy.

'String Lights' 2006

What’s the best way to spend 24 hours in Seattle?

There are great areas of trees and parks right in the city to explore. It's important for me to be around nature even while being in the city. Being around trains is always nice too but it's been awhile since I've actually walked on tracks but I usually end up living by a mainline or yard regardless so I hear them in the distance. I enjoy walking from one end of the city to the other by myself. Preferably late at night when no one is really out.

What’s your painting situation set up like?

I paint flat on a table in a basement. I call it the Dungeon. It has it charms and also it's drawbacks.

When you travel, what do you do with your free time when you’re not working on a mural or arting for a show?

When I'm traveling and not working I try to visit with friends, enjoy some vegan food, explore the city I'm in, take in some nice views, and walk in the forest or along a beach if there is any.

'Forest Kreatures' 

Did you hand make the plush dolls of your characters? Would you make more?

I have hand made a few personally or they were handmade by friends or family. I'm pretty sure I will never be making them again however.

When’s the last time you made a blanket fort?

I don't remember. Probably quite a while ago, but I made one about once a week as a kid.

'Warning Signs' 2009

Favorite bands/music at the moment?

I've been listening to a lot of Burning Witch, Ufomammut, Electric Wizard, Nortt, Burzum, Death in June, The Smiths, Depeche Mode, New Order, OMD, and Echo & the Bunnymen. Mostly metal and 80's jams.

Best part of your day?

In the evening, relaxing at home, making some food and having a drink, maybe making some art or at least thinking about it, then falling asleep. Mellow yellow.

Harpoon Market apparel shirt (limited few available at the wallfarmers gallery)