Today we’d like to introduce you to Arie Parker.
Hi ARIE, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My name is Arie James Parker. I’m originally from Willingboro. I came down to Atlanta about 18 years ago to seek out a new way of life. Now I’m 36 years old and loving the life I’ve made in this city. Growing up, I’ve always been known as the quirky artist kid. But, I had a hard time making friends sometimes so I often escaped into my inner world. I would sit in my room creating characters and worlds where I felt like I fit in and belonged. When I wasn’t doing that, I was skateboarding and playing in bands.
My parents have always been really supportive of my art and always curious to see what I would do with it. Around 15 years old, I got my first tattoo apprenticeship and over 20 years later I have formed a style that I’m known for that is highly inspired by my love for nature, storytelling, and magic. I am a tattoo artist at Divine Rites Tattoo in the Marietta Square. Around 4 years ago, I chose to embrace all of who I am and began sharing outwardly what I had known for a long time – I’m a transgender woman. It’s important to me to use my skills and talents to be a safe space for my community, and others as well. I was pretty scared when I first came out, but honestly I was mostly celebrated and loved. Some even responded “It’s nice to finally meet you.” I think about how to make the tattoo experience comfortable and accessible for a diversity of clientele.
Outside of my tattooing career, I’m in an amazing relationship with Noël Heatherland who is the Statewide Organizing & Outreach Manager for Georgia Equality as well as an activist and advocate for overall human rights and collective liberation. I volunteer and do what I personally can to support and show up for the LGBTQ+ community especially here in Atlanta. We are also members of “The Collective”- an inclusive church for love and social justice where we volunteer and do community outreach. I’m also re-entering the world of photography after a hiatus and enjoying capturing and documenting life and events in Atlanta. You can follow my photography endeavors on the gram @ariejamesshots You can check out my art designs and tattoo work here: @ariejamestattoos
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I was diagnosed as autistic as a kid and struggle with depression. But, when I’m gentle with myself and connect with my loved ones, I’m always able to pull myself out of it. Being autistic has always been a struggle but my Dad always called it my superpower and used alternative ways to teach me and by adapting to how I learned and communicated, it helped me discover and lean into art. So even though I get really sad sometimes or have feelings of not being like other people, I feel blessed to have had and continue to have beautiful and caring family and friends to show me love and understanding.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
All of my art comes from a very deep place within me. Over the years, I have experienced many religions, cultures, and people especially powerful women along with my love for all things fantasy – these influences are all inspirational to my work. My art tells a story about the world I and others experience often without needing words, and I have created a style that is recognizable as being an Arie James work of art. My work is uniquely mine, and I am most proud of it all being something made by me from start to finish. Especially in these times when everything is slowly being taken over by AI.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
Learn your craft. Be okay with making mistakes. Mistakes make art art. There are no shortcuts. And draw. Draw A LOT.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ariejamestattoos
