ARTIST BIO

About Val Parker

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For as long as I can remember I’ve had an interest in painting, a compulsion to explore the beautiful works that the artists of this world have given us as a legacy, and ultimately a source of great pleasure.

I have treasured my visits to art galleries and exhibitions all over the world. Having lived outside of Australia for 21 years I have been fortunate to take art classes with very talented artists who have contributed immeasurably to my fascination with, and love of, painting.

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I have collected and created art for more than 20 years. This is my personal trip down memory lane.

I ask myself the question “what’s the first memory, indication, or spark of interest in art in all its forms that I can recall?” then it dawned on me “colour” I was always attracted to the intensity the drama and the pure joy that colour gave me.

As a young woman of the 60’s the influence of the age and times was for me the Movie Stars, the glamour, colour, and romance, all very exciting. The only concession to emulating that world was my first passion, LIPSTICK. I indulged in buying from Coles as often as possible a new lipstick,

Sunset Pink, Sunset Coral, Passion Pink and so on. This passion led not only trying to look like those glamorous women but to be like them, joining Drama groups, Light Opera Companies. And not least having my wonderful Aunty June make dresses I had copied from the Movies, mostly Grace Kelly, but a little of Doris Day also. It seemed my parents had assisted in this direction with all the years of my Drama and Singing lessons.

The above parts of my life lead to many beautiful, exciting and memorable occasions. With the opportunities for T.V. appearances, Radio, Stage Productions and a special love for Musical Comedy. 

The last I appeared in was staged at the Palais de Beaux Arts Brussels, with the Brussels Light Opera Company.

The younger Val Parker married at 23 years of age and moved to a very quiet country town. Life was full and busy, a wonderful husband and two children. I still nurtured the love and interest in the Arts, performing, directing, and teaching singing and drama as private lessons. I took any opportunity to sign up for whatever courses available in drawing and painting.

In 1980 life takes another road, this time to Singapore for 2 years, England 8, and Brussels for 12 years. During this time the opportunity to take classes, visit the best galleries in the world were boundless, and so I took them. Most memorable were my years in Belgium living in a Flemish Community, everyone paints; even the man fixing the guttering on my roof came from a long line of distinguished artists.

Over the years my lipsticks were replaced with paints, an equal passion I believe. I was so excited to be accepted into a class taught by Angele Hoovelt in Belgium, albeit the classes were in Flemish…

Angele is a noted Belgium artist, a very kind and gentle soul coaching the best from her students.

My paintings leant toward the classic realist style and covered many genres, Landscape, Still Life, and Portrait.

Returning to Melbourne in 2003 after the passing of my husband after 36 years of marriage was devastating. My adult children returned with me and were my strength, grounding and support as they remain today. We shared a painful loss.

A new life was to emerge after about 4 years. Those who have grieved will understand this. I then returned to my painting and joined a lovely group of women in Melbourne headed by Kathryn Tilley. This Group was very eclectic, inspirational and hardworking, named “Sorelli & Friends they were having successful exhibitions of their work in various venues around Melbourne. During my 5 years with the group, I was part of two exhibitions, “In an Artists Garden” and “Paintings of Peru” held in Fed Square Melbourne.  I was the co-organiser of both exhibitions that were in aid of charities. For the Peruvian exhibition we had wonderful support from the Peruvian community and Caritas Australia, proceeds were for The Sisters of St. Josephs for their work in Peru with women. I also acknowledge the mentoring of Kerry Anne Sullivan, a notable Melbourne Artist and a gracious lady. In 2018 I exhibited a body of work based on my passion for Great Ocean Road.

An absence of painting in my life for a few years, the bubble of life severely bruised with my breast cancer. On the other side of the coin, an uplifting of spirits was very welcome with three grandchildren to love.

Another page is turned and here I am painting again. 

My conclusion, “My Journey in Art” continues. I’ve found this desire to create has many rewards among which I consider my painting as a companion, it’s always there for me whenever I choose or need a space to go to. How enriched it has made my life.