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Ukrainian-born artist Svitlana Parks showcases the unique possibilities of wool as an artistic medium through intricate portraits displayed in her “Inspired by Wool” exhibition at the Live Oak Art Center.
Parks intricately layers and arranges dyed wool strands held in place with various techniques to create portraits she said viewers cannot believe aren’t paint. The textile medium captured Parks’ attention and love after she had been struggling to connect with traditional mediums like oil, watercolor and acrylic paint. She described feeling drawn to wool’s interesting texture. “I’m a kinesthetic person… I became a massage therapist because I like touch,” Parks said. “The texture…is like warm, and it’s like 3D.”
Parks said she struggled with feeling like an artist while experimenting with mediums and learning how to work with wool. She first only called herself just a beginner, but after 11 years as a wool artist, Parks said she has learned a lot and that art fills her up inside.
“Now, I can say that, yeah, I’m an artist because I got a lot of experience already,” Parks said. “I got some skills. I learned some. I can do, not everything… I am artist, but still learning.”
Parks recalled one of her first small exhibitions being in a Russian pharmacy in Katy. Parks moved to Columbus from Ukraine almost a decade ago, leaving behind her work as a pharmacist. She now runs her own small business as a massage therapist. Parks previously collaborated with other Ukrainian artists in January for a large collection at the Live Oak Art Center where she sold 13 of her 35 pieces. “Inspired by Wool” will be Parks’ first solo exhibit at the center.
“I’m excited…I spread around all my flyers and invited people because I want to be successful,” Parks said.
“Inspired by Wool” will and more. The Live Oak Art Center will host a reception for the exhibition on Friday, Dec. 12, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. for art lovers to view the collection, meet the artist and enjoy free wine and refreshments.
Svitlana Parks stands with her wool artwork on display for the “Ukrainian Women: Voices from Ukraine – Her Art, Her Vision” exhibition in January.
be on display through Jan. 31 and features 85 pieces depicting portraits, wildlife, plants
