Meet Trailblazer Sarah Tinsley Parker

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sarah Tinsley Parker.

Sarah Tinsley, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Growing up, I was always interested in art. I was not the greatest student but found through creating different pieces, I found my voice. In school, you would find me doodling in the pages of my English journals. I was never the child going to the ice cream parties for making all A’s due to my lack of concentration and comprehension disability. I even had a teacher once tell me I would never amount to anything. You would think those words alone would stop me in my tracks. Well, they did not. It was those very words that I carried throughout my college career and into my professional career. I continued creating by attending Georgia College and State University where I received a bachelors in Arts with a concentration in Fiber Arts. Not only did I find my place in the art community, but ended up graduating Cum Laude. Who would have thought a girl that “would never amount to anything” would pull that off? Throughout college, I began painting professionally. I never thought in a million years I could turn my artwork into a business. Little by little, I began building my business.

After spending a year post-graduation in my hometown Macon, GA, it was time for me to move more outside of my comfort zone. I decided to move to Atlanta, GA and began working as a full-time nanny for two wonderful families. During this time, I worked with several young children who were going through their own struggles with learning disabilities. It was during the five years in Atlanta, that I began using my art abilities to aid in the children’s hindrances. I realized I was on to something with using art as a way to heal and minister to others on how to communicate in a different way. I took yet another leap of faith and went back to graduate school for Art Therapy. I had so many people telling me “you’re not going to make enough money, what is art therapy and why does it matter, this doesn’t sound like a good plan.” Once again, I took those words and used them to drive me forward. I ended up graduating in the Fall of 2017 once again Cum Laude. Currently, I reside in Macon, GA working as an Art Therapist in Behavioral Health at the Coliseum Hospital. I utilize art as a form of communication for the patients I work with to create and have a voice to speak about their mental illness struggles. When I am not at the hospital, you can find me painting away in my studio in Downtown Macon creating artwork to reach the soul.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Oh no! The road was not smooth at all. I struggled with teachers telling me I would not amount to anything to others telling me I was not good enough. My greatest advice is to have confidence in yourself. Not everyone is going to like your business plan, product, or even you. And that’s ok. Everyone has likes and dislikes. Just know that you are continuing to work on the best version of yourself and that’s all that matters. I would also say the struggle is what makes the whole process worth it. If everything was given to you, do you think you would appreciate it as much? Probably not. Be grateful for the courage you instill in yourself to get up and try.

We’d love to hear more about Artist Parker.
My artwork is ever-evolving, but currently, it is all about reflection. You will find that I do an array of different pieces ranging from nude figures, architecture, landscapes, and abstracts. Over the past two years, I have done an intense reflection on my life and how to be more mindful of the past and allow the present to unfold naturally. In every original work created for my shows, I take thoughtful consideration about how I can be more vulnerable and transparent through my imagery. Each piece has a unique story and speaks about different emotions stemming from actual events in my life. I believe it sets me apart from others due to not creating just to sell products, but to really have meaning and a message which people can connect with. When it comes to art therapy, I love to create an environment for all ages to freely express without judgment. I welcome anyone who thinks they are not “good” enough and challenge them to break down the barriers holding them back.

We’re interested to hear your thoughts on female leadership – in particular, what do you feel are the biggest barriers or obstacles?
Well, there definitely still is the stigma of gender roles. I think as more women begin their own business and speak out about wanting to have a place at the table, things will shift more in the right direction. Think about the mom down the street who has a full-time job, comes home from work to do all of the laundry, feed the children, and tuck them in for bed, and prep for the following day. She is the definition of a leader. She works two full-time jobs, but maybe only gets recognition for the 9-5. In the art industry, I have had the privilege of being mentored by several female artists who are thriving and growing continuously. With more women taking a stand for equal rights, it no longer becomes something that can be overlooked, it becomes a movement.

Pricing:

• Artwork ranges from 8×10 $125 to 48×60 $1800
• Art Therapy Sessions range based on time: 45min session $50, 1 hour $60, 1.5hr $75

Contact Info:

• Website: www.artistparker.com
• Phone: 478.952.3600
• Email: stparker3@gmail.com
• Instagram: @_artistparker
• Facebook: @artistparker

Image Credit:
Personal Photo: Tyler Shores, Photos: Sarah Tinsley Parker

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