R. Nelson Parrish truly believes that growing up in Fairbanks, Alaska has formed who he is today. “It is the best place in the world to study color”, he says. With a love for the outdoors and going fast, Parrish came to Park City, Utah as a youngster to pursue his passion for ski racing. He now splits his time between the mountains and the beach. He describes himself as a color theorist and finds inspiration for his artwork from elements in his natural surroundings and landscape to his experiences from ski racing and surfing. His work captures those ephemeral, visceral moments or “zen moments” in life and translates those experiences into an object. These objects or works are comprised of bio-resin, pigmented resin, racing stripes, wood, and fiberglass, resulting in a hybrid of painting and sculpture.

R. Nelson Parrish received a BFA from the University of Nevada-Reno and an MFA from the University of California-Santa Barbara, with a small stint at Deakin University in Australia to pick up surfing. Parrish currently has his work on display at Gallery MAR on Main Street in Park City. His notable collectors include actor Rob Lowe, entertainers John Legend and Chrissy Teigen, and NBA superstar Kyle Korver. His first solo museum exhibition was at the Kimball Art Center. He has gone on to have notable exhibitions at various galleries and museums worldwide, some include the BMW Welt, Munich, Germany; Sheppard Gallery, Reno, Nevada; Edward Cella Art+Architecture, Los Angeles, California; and the United States Senate, Washington, District of Columbia.

Art Adventures from the Bio-resin Artist
Obsessed with Outdoor Adventure:

1. Your work with bio-resin is beautiful. How does Park City and Summit County inspire your work?

Skiing on a good powder day, biking in the area, sitting in the water and watching the light reflect off of the lake and the clouds go by at Priord Lake in the Unitas – it’s about going out finding those experiences, wherever they may be, and translating those visceral moments and experiences into an object.

2. WHERE IS YOUR FAVORITE SPOT IN SUMMIT COUNTY TO RESTORE YOUR THOUGHTS AND UNWIND? WHY?

All of Summit County…so many places to go to… the Unita Mountains are probably the closest you can get to pure wilderness, outside of Alaska – hike in a few miles and you can have your own private lake. Going to the top of Guardsman Pass Scenic Backway to enjoy the fall colors. Having a coffee at Atticus on Main St. Sitting in line at Silver King Coffee Co. Even coming up Hwy 224 and looking up the canyon, mellows me out.

3. WHAT MAKES PARK CITY SPECIAL FOR YOU?

Park City is world-class, yet maintains a small-town feel. There is access to so much art & culture. You can ski and surf the same day because there’s an international airport nearby; you can stay at a 5-star resort; you can go to the Kimball Art Center to see Andy Warhols; and, you can walk into a coffee shop off Main Street and they know you by name. It’s really the gateway to America’s adventures.

4. WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE “ART BEAT ON MAIN STREET”

Gallery MAR. And, I enjoy working with Maren. There is a nice men’s boutique with a coffee shop upstairs – Prospect. It’s on the west side of Main St. I also like to eat at Handle – great burger, their General Tso Cauliflower is tasty, and they’ve got a chocolate pot…good on the taste buds, bad on the waistline.

5. Your best friend comes to Park City for the day. What adventure would you plan for the day around Park City and Summit County? Any secret spots to eat or hang out? Any hidden gems or must-sees to check out?

Skinning the backcountry in the Uintas, but I can’t tell you where because I want to keep it a secret (with a laugh). But, getting a burger at the Notch after visiting the Unitas hits the spot. Oh, the Woodland Biscuit Company in Woodland is ridiculously good, and no one seems to know about this place! Ritual Chocolate has nice coffee and a great dark chocolate and sea salt bar. And, Fairweather Natural Foods is a hidden gem that most people don’t think about - their soups & salads are amazing. A visit to Soul Poles is fun to check out their handmade sustainable bamboo ski poles. Where else can you find customized, sustainable ski poles made locally? For a super-uber treat, go to the Stein Eriksen for the Sunday brunch and have the bacon. Honestly, I believe it is the best bacon on the planet.