By: Yohana de la Torre

Multi-depth is what figurative abstract artist Timothy M. Parker is going for in his work.

Born and raised in Ohio, Parker studied art at Parsons School of Design in New York City. He worked as an artist, illustrator and creative director for 22 years before moving to Florida in 2003.

He explains his interest in art as something that came natural at a very young age. With time, Parker began exploring and experimenting with various types of mediums that have made his art constantly evolve.

“My paintings often take on lives of their own,” Parker says. “I explore the interaction between texture, brush stroke, color, the human figure and other forms [in my art]. I strive to create paintings that at first glance exhibit a multi-depth work of art that can stand on its own and upon a closer look, one can find a figure or figures intertwined.”

Figurative art is derived from real life objects or subjects. By definition, these subjects are made into something representational. The art form is based upon an understanding of abstracted figures and shapes which converge to give the pieces multiple dimensions.

Parker’s work contains his own style. Often times, the pieces appear to have been designed independently from line, shape, color, and perspective, but in all reality each of these elements play a critical role in the image.

Take “Refraction” for example. The piece gives a sharp contemporary twist to traditional figurative art. Color and shape form a relationship in the work of art. The fragmented body, the intense natural colors and the hints of drama define Parker’s style.

That style is one with unifying threads and an incredibly modern approach. Whether it’s the richness of its abstract qualities or the deep concepts of the figures, the artist’s paintings convey a distinct, inventive and forward-looking style.

The collections have a repetitive pattern that give them expressive power and critical meaning. Each piece is an attempt at rekindling an expression, so to speak.

With every brushstroke, the expressions are alive in Parker’s art. And the meaning and force behind the pieces transfer the artist’s boldness.

“Synchronicity” demonstrates that boldness and captures that palpable way in which Parker is recording life. It also shows his genuine spontaneity and his uniquely self-reveling emotional sense.

“The inspiration for my work is the beauty of the human form and the

- Catch up with Timothy M. Parker’s work at the 2010 ArtFest Fort Myers on February 6 & 7 or visit www.timothymparker.com!