having to step away for thirty minutes to an hour . Then when I came back , I would find that my little cup of pigment had evaporated enough that the color was noticeably different on the piece . Then I ’ d have a line with one shade and the next line with another shade . I didn ’ t like the clear distinction , so I started to paint in a more sporadic way . You know , like one shade here and another there . Then it didn ’ t matter if the color changed through evaporation or if I gradually changed the color over time because I appreciated the subtle variation that was achieved throughout the pattern .
“ I think in a way it relates to biophilia , which kind of goes back to the architectural concept of bringing nature into a building environment and why that is psychologically beneficial . The epitome of biophilia is like a planted or green wall . It ’ s also the use of elements such as natural stone , natural wood , or natural images . I ’ ve been fascinated with the idea of finding the distinction between a tan wall versus one of natural wood and I think that is where subtle variation happens .”
Photo by Keely McCaire Photography
Parker would know about nature , as both of his parents were ( at times ) park rangers . His mother was a ranger before he was born , and his dad remained a state park ranger throughout Andrew ’ s childhood . He grew up hiking , fishing , and camping — a passion he ’ s carried into adulthood and is passing along to his kids . Of course , it also shows up in his art and he credits his parents for building such an interest within him .
“ My dad loved to camp and fish , and I remember sitting on the beach of the lake waiting for the fish to bite and we would just draw whatever we saw : fish , bugs , trees , etc . My dad had taken some art classes and my mom signed me up for art lessons too . So , between that and those learn-to-draw books my whole childhood was full of art , which I did all through middle and high school .
“ Then , working in construction near the end of high school , I became interested in architecture and went to college for it . At that point , my artistic aspect shifted to drawing buildings and architectural graphics . When I moved to Houston
“ Midday ” - Detail Mixed media ( India ink , acrylic , paper collage , pen & ink ) on Arches watercolor paper | 22 ” x 30 ” | 2020
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