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Welcome
Working today for a better tomorrow
My art uses mixed media to investigate social issues, cultural identity, and collective memory. By weaving together everyday materials, I tell stories often forgotten, overlooked or erased. My work can be spiritual, emotional, or purely aesthetic, but also philosophical— asking questions rather than offering answers.
About Parrish Monk
my Vision
Conceptual & Reflective
I love to create. My work cannot be placed in a single defining box or category. My work can be minimalistic or busy and boldly overstimulating. My work lives in the vast spaces between mediums—where paint, ink, paper, fabric, and upcycled objects converge to create layered visual narratives. My mixed media work often explores the dualities of life and living, inspired by the natural cycles of growth and decay, as well as the interplay between chaos and order, the visible and the unseen. I use mixed media to explore politics, emotion, memory, identity, and the constant reshaping of personal history. Each piece is a fragmented archive—stitched, torn, reassembled—to suggest that truth and reality are often incomplete, evolving, and constantly shifting. Imagination, creativity, and the organic flow of energy are vital to my process. In the tactile acts of my creative processes and experiences, my creativity becomes a way of thinking, healing, questioning, and provoking deep, reflective thought.
Commissions
When I do entertain a commissioned project, I like to get to know the client and get a clear picture of their vision. I take a collaborative approach to every project, working closely with my clients to understand their needs and vision. Once the vision is clear, I do my best to make sure that a client loves their commissioned work and is fully satisfied. I am comfortable and humble enough to admit my limitations, and in rare situations, say, "I can't fulfill your vision". In that case, I will guide a client to other creatives that can likely meet their needs and desires.
"Be Unique, buy original"
My trademarked motto, "Be Unique, buy original," denotes that fact that I do not make prints of my artwork. Since November 2011, my clients and collectors have benefited from purchasing affordable original artwork. In 2025, as I venture into the creative digital space, I am capable of producing unique digital assets and creations (e.g., logos, clipart, t-shirt designs, customized children's books, whimsical pet portraits, et cetera) that can be, by their nature, printed or duplicated.
Upcoming events
Open Studio: Sol Ben and Parrish Monk Studio #7
Modern mixed media art from Parrish Monk in
Studio #7 at Gallery on First
Join us every third Saturday of the month from
6-9pm for Open Studio at the Gallery on First
Emerald Awards 2025 Visual Artist of the Year nominee
I am humbled to have been nominated for the Emerald Awards’ 2025 Visual Artist of the Year by one of my supporters and collectors. While I am surrounded by many phenomenal artists here in Seminole County, Florida, and beyond, there are only four nominees in this category at this time. The winner will be determined by popular vote (i.e.,
I am humbled to have been nominated for the Emerald Awards’ 2025 Visual Artist of the Year by one of my supporters and collectors. While I am surrounded by many phenomenal artists here in Seminole County, Florida, and beyond, there are only four nominees in this category at this time. The winner will be determined by popular vote (i.e., one vote per email address). Voting ends on 9/15/2025.
I would deeply appreciate your vote, based not on my art alone, but also my commitment as an adult educator since 1998, as well as decades of community service, philanthropy, and helping to empower others. I appreciate your support and thank you in advance for your vote.
You can cast your vote at: https://www.radiantlyblack.com/emerald
Feel free to share this post.
You can see some of my artwork at @galleryonfirstsanford or on my website at www.parrishmonk.com
Gallery on first upcoming events
Gallery on first upcoming events
September 20, 2025,
Opening Studio Night
Saturday 6PM – 9PM
Come wander through working studios, meet over a dozen local artists, sip a drink, and take in the creative vibes of Historic Downtown Sanford.
Whether you’re an art lover or just curious, you’re welcome here. No RSVP needed. Just stop by, bring a friend, and let the art surpris
September 20, 2025,
Opening Studio Night
Saturday 6PM – 9PM
Come wander through working studios, meet over a dozen local artists, sip a drink, and take in the creative vibes of Historic Downtown Sanford.
Whether you’re an art lover or just curious, you’re welcome here. No RSVP needed. Just stop by, bring a friend, and let the art surprise you!
Can’t wait to see you there! 💬🎉
211 East First Street
Sanford, Fl 32771
My Background
My Inspiration
My Background
I am not sure what box I would fit into. I am an artist and artisan who is not married to one style, one medium, or a singular theme. I am not wired that way. I have always been creative. However, I am what many would consider a late bloomer. While I have taken a few art courses in middle school up to college, I am largely a self-taught
I am not sure what box I would fit into. I am an artist and artisan who is not married to one style, one medium, or a singular theme. I am not wired that way. I have always been creative. However, I am what many would consider a late bloomer. While I have taken a few art courses in middle school up to college, I am largely a self-taught artist and artisan. This has served me well over the years.
I have been a gallery owner, gallery artist, and a working and vending artist since 11/2011. I have accepted the label as a mixed-media artist to make things easier for the media, jurors, and the general public.
The labels... The small box... I am simply a creative enjoying this gift in this life, while I can. With over 713 sales of original art across the globe, it has been a great experience so far. But growth and evolution as a creative require change.
However, I have kept my day job as an educator. Why? Because I am passionate about promoting equitable access to quality education and helping to change the lives of others.
I am also an adult educator with a background in teaching non-traditional adult learners on a collegiate level. I have taught, and currently teach, business management, HRM, developmental math, finite math, psychology, entrepreneurship and much more.
While I have a BS in Psychology, MBA in HRM, and my Doctorate is in Education Leadership, I recently added a BFA in Graphic and Web Design to my resume. Now, because it feels inevitable, I am embracing the use of AI in my creative endeavors. Soon, my wild, wide-swinging, winding pathway will make perfect sense to many others, and more importantly, to myself.
Stay tuned as I chase my dreams of being a graphic novelist, curriculum designer, and children's book author.
My Medium
My Inspiration
My Background
I use many different mediums, such as acrylics, water color, ink, old sheet music, impasto, pastels, clay, metal, resin and wood. I incorporate and infuse a lot of upcycled objects into my artwork.
I primarily sell original art. There seems to be a lot of people who get my weirdness and unconventional approach to how my creativity manifes
I use many different mediums, such as acrylics, water color, ink, old sheet music, impasto, pastels, clay, metal, resin and wood. I incorporate and infuse a lot of upcycled objects into my artwork.
I primarily sell original art. There seems to be a lot of people who get my weirdness and unconventional approach to how my creativity manifest itself. For me, contrary to the recommended best practices, working in a single medium or a singular style is too restrictive to my artistic process and goes against my creative nature. I am just not wired that way; and I wont "...blame it on my ADHD, baby" (lyrics from the song "Sail" by AWOLNATION).
While I may consider myself as a visual artist or a mixed-media artist and even an artisan or crafter at times, my mentors told me that I can be and do whatever I want.
My Inspiration
My Inspiration
My Inspiration
I have always been creative. I am inspired by the world around me including nature, politics, spirituality, and even other artists and artisans. However, I am not sure if this is normal, but my brain is constantly coming up with new ideas. Sometimes, the ideas flood my mind with way too much.
Many of my pieces are purely created as a de
I have always been creative. I am inspired by the world around me including nature, politics, spirituality, and even other artists and artisans. However, I am not sure if this is normal, but my brain is constantly coming up with new ideas. Sometimes, the ideas flood my mind with way too much.
Many of my pieces are purely created as a derivative of my imagination and not directly influenced by external sources; this makes my work unique and also justifies why, up to this point in my career, I do not make any copies or prints of my work. This may be a bad business decision but, c'est com si, ce com sa (it is what it is).
I love to push the boundaries, break rules, experiment, and learn from my mistakes. I learn more from these experiences when I just go with flow and am intentionally/unintentionally just fully present in the moment.