How did this all begin?
When my husband and I bought our first home, I quickly found myself wanting to fill the walls with art that brought me joy. I loved the idea of having one-of-a-kind original pieces, but curating a collection overnight was not exactly feasible.
So I pulled out my paint and brushes and started experimenting. I wanted to tie in different aspects of my background and expertise, which is what led me to finishing the pieces on the sewing machine. I have come to use the stitches much like a painter uses their brushes, creating depth and movement with thread.
Hi there! I'm Whitney, a sewn abstract mixed media artist living in the San Francisco Bay Area. Art and design have always been a part of who I am, and that passion eventually led me to study fashion design at the Savannah College of Art and Design, where I found my footing as a creative. After graduating I headed to New York City to work as a wedding gown designer, spending nearly a decade in the bridal industry, and it was during that time that sewing truly became embedded in everything I create.
I was born in South Carolina and raised in Georgia, and over the years life has taken me to a lot of places. From Charlotte to Savannah, Philadelphia to the San Francisco Bay Area, each chapter has shaped the way I see the world and ultimately the way I make art. I met my husband in high school and we have been side by side through all of it, raising our two daughters and building a life together along the way.
Living in California has had a profound effect on my work. The mountain ranges, the morning fog, the way the light hits the coast at sunset, nature is woven into everything I create, and so is a deep respect for sustainability that shows up in both my art and my everyday life.
My background is anything but traditional for a painter, and I think that is exactly what sets my work apart. I start with acrylic and watercolor paints on unstretched canvas, layering in hand-painted and handmade papers, touches of gold and silver leaf, and finally my signature element, machine stitching that adds depth, texture, and movement to every piece. Each material is chosen with intention, and every artwork is finished by hand.
Thank you for taking the time to learn a little bit about me and my passions that guide my work.
Now how about some fun Q&A?
Full Name?
Whitney Alyssa Parker
Audio or Physical Book?
Umm, I need both! I listen to books while creating, but love nothing more than being consumed in a page turning book.
Enneagram Number?
3 w 8
Morning Person or Night Owl?
Night Owl
TV or Movies?
TV! Give me a good binge worthy show any day. But also love me some reality shows...Survivor or Top Chef anyone?
Coffee or Tea?
Water and Red Wine
Hobbies Other Than Art?
Braves Baseball - yes, I have found a way to make that a hobby - haha!
Exercising with Peloton
Treasure hunting at thriftstores
Contact Me
Quick note: my initial emails have a habit of sneaking into junk folders, so be sure to check there if you do not hear back from me within a couple of days!
