Art Chowder July | August 2018, Issue 16 | Page 15

H E L E N P A R S ON S
Art Chowder: Sounds like you made
an impression. If you had unlimited
resources, what would be your dream
project?
helen: With unlimited resources a
dream project would probably involve
large-scale public art. I want art to be
so accessible that it reaches those who
wouldn’t ordinarily come to a gallery
and create an experience that can
transform a landscape. I believe fiber
arts are severely underrepresented in
public art spaces and I’d love to see
more. 
Art Chowder: Do you have artists you
admire or find inspiration from?
helen: My greatest artistic influence
probably comes from the works of
Lee Bontecou. Her use of materials,
compositions and aesthetic feels
otherworldly and yet familiar. I felt
instantly connected to her work and I
aspire to create that same experience
when my own work is viewed. I’ve
never seen Montecou’s work in person
and I would love to. I’ve had a couple of
opportunities and wasn’t able to go.
Robert Grimes is my absolute favorite
local artist and easily in my top 20 of
all time. I am honored to know him
personally and when he stopped by for
the opening reception of my recent solo
show at Kolva Sullivan Gallery, it was
the greatest highlight of my evening,
perhaps my entire year. 
For me, seeing art you love is almost a
religious experience. I grew up going
to all these art museums. I used to cut
school to go to them. My friends would
ask me, “Why are you doing that?” And
I’d respond, “Well, because Alexander
Calder’s having a show, I’m going!” To
me going to see an artwork that you love
is similar to going to a concert. Why
would you NOT go?
Art Chowder: Do you have any
upcoming exhibits we can go to, and
where can we find you online?
helen: I am currently working on a
solo exhibition for Object Space in
Spokane later this year (date to be
announced) and another solo exhibition
at Kolva Sullivan next year. There are
future opportunities internationally that
are in the works and I look forward
to announcing them soon. You can
find samples of past work and my
newest exhibition on my website at
HelenParsonsFiberArt.com and on
Facebook at Helen Parsons Fiber Arts. 
Art Chowder: Thank you Helen, for
sharing your talent with us.
Please visit Helen’s website to keep track of
her work and her upcoming shows.
www.helenparsonsfiberart.com
July | August 2018
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