Today we’d like to introduce you to Gary Parzych.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
I grew up in New Jersey, just outside of New York City. In high school, I was very fortunate because I had an incredible art teacher who supported me and encouraged me to continue studying art. Right now, I am a junior at Massachusetts College of Art and Design. I am a dual major, studying both Sculpture and Art History. I have been working a lot with metal – casting and fabricating. I really love the casting process, as it is so team oriented and it requires a lot of hands and heads. Our foundry casts Aluminum, Bronze, Copper, and even Iron. Casting Iron is a bit different than the other metals because it melts at a much higher temperature. Since I have joined our student group The Iron Corps, I have had so many incredible experiences and met a lot of interesting people. Last spring we took a trip down to Birmingham Alabama to participate in the National Conference on Contemporary Cast Iron Art and Practices, which was full of hot metal and great memories. This past summer I completed a stone carving internship in Vermont. This too had a great impact on me and my art making. During my time there I worked with artists, teachers, students, and others within the stone carving community. From them I learned so many unique skills that have brought me to where I am now. Previously, I was making work about the human body. Recently I have been trying to connect my two interests in Art History and Pop Culture. I am experimenting with different ways of using traditional materials like metal and stone to incorporate popular figures and themes.
Please tell us about your art.
Growing up in a family of medical professionals, I have been making work that deals with skeletal structures, the human body, and the experience of being a body. Recently I have experienced a shift in my work that has changed not only the way I make, but how and why I make as well. I think there is a complex dynamic between my interests and materials. The materials I use influence what I am interested in, but at the same time my interests influence what materials I use. Metal and stone are materials traditionally used throughout art history in sculpture and architecture. I have been using metal and stone to depict popular icons that signify the values that the people of today are enthusiastic about. Sculpture from throughout the ages references figures that are popular during their time of creation. I like to make work that deals with people who are relevant today. My latest work was a steel fountain that features Kim Kardashian crying. Currently I am working on a reliquary box that is inspired by Gothic architecture. My hope is to continue working with these traditional materials and make work that marks our time and documents our lives and the way we live them.
We often hear from artists that being an artist can be lonely. Any advice for those looking to connect with other artists?
I meet the most people when I visit shows or other exhibitions. Don’t be afraid to talk to other people and ask questions! If you see work that you are interested in, find out the artists name and contact information. Also social media is a great way to connect with people who are far away or not easily accessible. Explore posts from local artists and you can find information about exhibitions, events and other art related fun!
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
I will be exhibiting my sculpture “When She’s Sad I’m Sad Too” in The Massachusetts College of Art and Design All School Show at the end of March. I have been working with other students to curate the Sculpture Exhibition of All School Show, which highlights artists working in each department in the school. To see photos of what I have been up to, you can check out my Instagram: @garyparzych where I post frequent updates. I also recently launched my website which I update pretty frequently www.garyparzych.com.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.garyparzych.com
- Phone: 2015662785
- Email: garyparzych@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/garyparzych/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/garyparzychART/
- Other: https://www.garyparzych.com/
Image Credit:
All photos by Gary Parzych
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