A Model Artist

Meet Parker Heath - featured artist for the 3rd Annual Coronado Art & Wine Festival, though Art & Coffee may be more apt…

“I got really into visiting specialty coffee shops when I was studying ceramics at college,” Parker begins “I love to use unorthodox raw materials and, surrounded by all this natural, earthy material, I started experimenting with coffee grounds, introducing a sculptural quality to my two-dimensional work. Now it’s my trademark!” He runs a hand over the chalky white ridges of his canvas. “I joke that this is my scratch’n’sniff collection! Really there is no scent, but it’s fun and unique and allows people to crack a smile."

Being named as a featured artist for a festival brimming with Burgundy and blanc de blanc is giving Parker further ideas. “I’ve been wanting to paint with wine - maybe staining the canvas with red or tinting with white ”

Today Parker is sipping in the sunshine at Coronado’s Tavern, with the weathered wood and worn rope of their street-level terrace making the perfect backdrop to his “Modern Primitive” art collection

“I describe my work as having a primal essence, embracing imperfections and irregularities, but also tying in contemporary values. It may seem chaotic at first glance but I’m fascinated by the calm quietness of this muted color palette I’ve grown up around it in San Diego - from the desert to the beach ’

Speaking of beaches, Parker says Coronado is his coastline of choice

“I just hop on the 5 South from Banker’s Hill and I’m here in minutes In the summer I feel guilty spending too much time indoors so I’ll bring a kettle bell and work out on the sand The beach is so massive here I can always find an area to myself.”

Parker glances towards the Del, happily nostalgic as he recalls over a decade of family visits to the ice skating rink during the holidays. In a few days Parker will be creating some treasured new memories at the festival (which features food and wine from the Del!) with a piece of his work showcased by a Christie’s auctioneer in the VIP lounge But he will also be chatting with art-lovers at his booth and offering a special way to cuddle up with his creativity - blankets!

“I love the idea of accessible art that is useful and can be enjoyed every day.”

This concept has evolved into wearable fashion pieces inspired by his love of vintage cardigans, a fun insoles collab with Vans and, just last month, a bespoke rug collection with Californiabased Creative Accents, “bringing another dimension of functionality!”

All this at age 25!

Parker beams as he takes a final sip of wine - I think we can agree, this is a very good year!

parkermadeshop.com coronadoartandwinefestival.com Saturday May 11th from 12-5pm