Big Feelings make for
bigger paintings
hey there, I’m Marcy Parks.
I am a self-taught artist (although, I prefer to say informally educated) and writer living in Northeast Tennessee. My work tells my story of healing from trauma and examines the generational, and societal, stories I have inherited as a woman, mother, and wife.
My works offer a glimpse into the intimate spaces of my own body and psyche, turning them inside out and bringing them into the light to study the histories, stories, memories, trauma, and, of course, all the emotions tangled and knotted within that have brought me to this moment.
The physical nature of my work is like a form of self-administered EMDR therapy, scribbling stories on a surface then connecting the physical sensations of the grip of a paint brush, the cool and slippery texture of paint on my fingers, the lyrical and gestural motions of applying paint to surface while following threads of thought as they weave and tangle in knots in my mind. Throughout the process of painting, though, the knots begin to loosen and I find the heart of the narratives that have driven me, consciously or otherwise, and like Hansel and Gretel following the trail of crumbs, I make my way back out of the woods to be greeted by the abstract forms, lines, and marks that map the journey to my healing.
I pour all of my feelings out into every painting, always striving to find the fullest sense of freedom in my expression - like the freedom children have when painting.
My art practice requires a deep connection to myself in order to be expressed authentically.
The woods and waters of Appalachia are where I find the deepest connection to myself.
Perfectionism
doesn’t belong in your creative practice.
Perfectionist in Recovery Podcast
The Perfectionist in Recovery Podcast is dedicated to rehabilitating your inner artist and inspiring you to live a more creative life.
Self Discovery journal guide
Filled with a weekend's worth of creative activities to help you reconnect with your inner artist and ignite your creative spirit.
5 Steps to Creating Joy Workbook
A guided workbook to help you craft a daily ritual of joy and infuse your days with more freedom, play, and inspiration.
But it is through the connection to myself that I am able to connect with others.
I am passionate about helping others to connect with themselves both through my art and through my teaching.
