Jim Parks
There is a force — a creative urge — that overtakes some artists when they work. I am one of those artists. When I sit down to work, I feel a sense of extreme focus coming on. “Trance” might be a more descriptive word. I’ve heard it described as a “state of “flow.” It’s as if thoughts and feelings and all the world’s concerns begin to fall away, and there is nothing except the next operation this project requires.
I have noticed that this force is a better painter than I am. Better sculptor too. This force is often insistent on how to proceed, even if my personal desires say otherwise. Sometimes this force is so insistent that I need to step aside and let it take over.
On those occasions when I CANNOT let go of control, when I have to do it “my” way, the force says forcefully, “Sit down, shut up, and hand over the paintbrush!”
I must obey.
When the work is finished, it’s as if I am free to step out of the partial coma I’ve been in. I lean back back and look at at what’s been created. I’ve never been disappointed. A tweak is required here and there, perhaps, but the force has had its way with me, made me submissive to its whims, and used my hands to create something remarkable.
May you find the art pieces herein to be remarkable as well.
– Jim Parks
Phone: 847-328-4556
Website: jimparksartist.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/
Shop Evanston Made: Jim Parks
In the News:
Art of Making Art: Jim Parks – Evanston RoundTable, September 22, 2022
Daily Northwestern – City Art Map featuring Jim Parks mural October 25, 2023
Roundtable- Evanston Roundtable-Jim Parks- Native-Creative, June, 24, 2024