C. Parlette

He went on to earn a degree in Anthropology from UCLA and then began working as a commercial diver. He later moved into a career as an ocean lifeguard. He also spent time exploring remote and exotic parts of the world, including working for FOX Sports as an underwater cameraman. During an eight-month stint living in the Peruvian Amazon, Casey discovered a new species of fish which was later named after him: Rivulus parlettei.

BD Outdoors is pleased to share with you the works and story of Casey Parlette, an extremely talented sculptor and outdoor naturalist. A southern California native, Casey grew up exploring the local hills, waters and wildlife. He drew inspiration from these elements and began to sculpt at a young age.

This immersion in nature has become the source of his sculpting inspiration. He primarily recreates marine subjects from a variety of mediums, often using a combination of wood, bronze, brass, steel, titanium, abalone, mother of pearl, stone, concrete and more. Using traditional blacksmithing techniques for the metalwork in his pieces, he carves, hammers, forges, heat tempers and welds his materials into the final form. Casey applies a respect for the elements in their natural states and utilizes naturally-occurring patterns to enhance the accuracy of a subject. “Many times, the nature of the wood defines the sculpture,” says Casey.

“Every now and then you come across a piece of wood that has a certain life in it; you look at it and see the sculpture in there. Then it’s about cutting away the excess for everyone else to see.”

Casey also uses various metals colored by heat to create nature-inspired jewelry pieces. For example, heating titanium creates amazing one-of-a-kind color patterns that compliment his natural designs.

Casey had been putting in a 40-hour week on his art for years in addition to his work as a lifeguard, but for the past year Casey has made the leap-of-faith to pursue his art fulltime. “I’ve been doing more corporate and public art pieces as well as work for hospitals, too. I enjoy all of it and it’s very nice to be able to focus on my art,” said Casey.

You can see for yourself that Casey’s artistic style creates remarkably naturalistic and beautiful artworks.

You can admire his work, contact him, or locate more exhibitions on his website CaseyParlette.com.