Artist Statement
Kimberly Parnell I AM a woman, mother, grandmother and daughter; a sister, friend, and student, oh…and a man’s ex-wife. With all of these “titles,” I find that the idea of being an artist is one of the most intriguing of them all. Having been an established hairstylist for more than twenty-nine years, I have practiced 3-dimensional artwork at its best. The blessing of a natural instinct allowed for an uplifting and rewarding career, one with many “masterpieces.” I suffered a severe spine injury seven years ago, which caused a significant amount of nerve damage to my predominant arm and hand, which forced a sudden career change. Because I thrive on a tangible mindset, the ability to transfer a three dimensional world into a two dimensional work is a struggle, but I continue to challenge myself. My hands are a “sensory tool,” i.e… When I touch, feel, or manipulate the materials which I am working with, I feel more confident with my decisions of design. However, I recently found that oil painting is quiet relaxing and has become somewhat therapeutic for my soul. I am currently practicing different brushstrokes and techniques for creating landscape paintings. I have also been experimenting with a new material for sculpture, by allowing myself to utilize the “hair that I cut,” as a medium for casting multiple wax forms, possessing a unique texture. The work of Picasso has always intrigued me, beginning in my teenage years, simply due to his stylized version of the human figure, as well as his non-objective and abstract paintings. The use of line is interesting to me, and at times, I am completely unaware that I’m obsessively doodling geometric boxes by the hundreds. The contrastingly different style of Norman Rockwell is rather endearing to me, and the subject matter of his work is rather “monumental” and representational of my own childhood. Based on the natural ability to sculpt my visions, I am beginning to research various types of medium and materials to create my work. Things of organic nature are seemingly innate, and I tend to be drawn to a neutral, earthen tone, but with a burst of vibrant color. Taking things apart, “salvaging the parts,” then constructing something entirely different excites me! The majority of my ideas are usually inspired by an occurrence, experience, or encounter of my personal life. My children and family consume a considerable amount of my focus; therefore, I have found it rewarding to incorporate them into my work.
