Born and raised in Swansea’s Sandfields, Graham Parker studied at Swansea College of Art, qualifying as a Special Art Teacher. Graham moved away from teaching and, following a successful career in the Public Sector as a Human Resources – Diversity and Equality professional, returned to university as a mature student graduating in 2013 with a BA Hons Degree in Fine Art.
Working within Swansea’s diverse communities has always been important to him and this was recognised when he received the Arts & Business (A&B) Cymru ‘Individual Award’ for “an outstanding contribution to an arts organisation by mentoring an individual working through the Professional Artist’s Programme.”
Graham was appointed joint artist-in-residence for Arts & Humanities Research Council & Arts Council Wales funded ‘Future memory in Place Project’ at National Waterfront Museum 2013 and is co-founder of the 15 Hundred Lives Contemporary Art Collective. He now works from his painting studio in Elysium Artist’s Studios on Mansel Street and has exhibited widely.
Art Practice
SWANSEA Bay’s constantly changing shoreline takes centre stage in Graham’s abstract and seascape paintings. He has an affinity with the sea and aims to capture the joy and spirit of the changing moods of the sea in his paintings.
Applying paint in layers and varying textures enables him to capture the dancing forms within waves and the constantly changing skies and light.
The storms that hit Swansea Bay last year were a stark reminder of the fierce power of the sea. Graham aims to depict that wild, dynamic energy in his paintings and to share that thrill and wonder with those who view his work.”
Graham’s work has immediacy and authenticity. Harmonious wholeness and visual lyricism can be seen in juxtaposition to stark, intellectual, grounded realism in these vibrant painting.
You can contact Graham by email at grahamparkerartist@gmail.com or see more of his work on www.15hundredlives.co.uk or www.grahamparkerartist.co.uk