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Celebrating One Year of Community and Love for Rocks - Interview with Parrish Jefferson, Collector and Ardent Supporter of Rock Art 73

I'm just a gal from Texas, highly educated but have never been able to keep a stable career due to my husband's job which required frequent reassignments. It allowed me to see much of the world though. They also translated into helping me relate to artists from many places, in every corner of the globe!

 

A traveler's passion for art - glimpse into part of Parrish Jefferson's collection of rocks from all over the world! 

 

 
At last estimation I have about 350 rocks! I collect all genres, colors, themes etc., from USA, Brazil, Australia, Canada, Latvia, Korea, Indonesia, every country in Europe. What's heartbreaking is that in some countries postal costs are so high, it isn't even feasible to do business with the artists who live there. It is frustrating for them and myself all the time, unfortunately.

Part of Parrish's rock collection in blue hues

 

Displaying so many rocks has become really challenging for me. I often display in vignettes featuring certain colors or by theme (such as my Southwestern Style collection or that with a Native American look). I've also collected special bowls from several artists to provide more beautiful displays for rocks. I even have some on wall sconces! It's almost time, however, to purchase some new wall shelves!

 Parrish's stunning collection of rocks and the decorative plate in hues of turquoise

Has collecting painted rocks changed your life in any way?

Collecting rocks and becoming part of the rock painting community on Instagram has changed my life in so many positive ways I'd never dreamed possible!

It began with a simple first purchase....from Valeria Campagna. Boy, did I set the bar high! I was so impressed, that I posted awful pictures (my fault!) and shared my excitement with the few followers I had. That began one of the most important relationships in my life. Valeria is a dear friend and actually, we will be working together soon on a new project involving Etsy, other artists, and it will include opportunities for new artists as well! That's all I can say at this point, but I'll be making announcements in May.

I also have in the works a world wide 'Rock Olympics' (rather an annual rock painting competition). N.A. More details about this event will be published in a few weeks on this website

With a touch of boho-chic and admirable colours

 

With the positive feedback received from posting such beautiful works, collecting rocks soon became a passionate hobby! I had to hone my staging and photography skills and learn what a hashtag was! I made an advice sheet for new artists who wanted to make a name and sell Art. Artists then began coming to me for advice, wanting to be featured on my page; this was an honor to me and a happy and productive use of my time. It's been a joy.

 

Over the last year you have shown tremendous support for rock artists from USA and from across the globe. You frequently tag new artists in your posts, share their achievements, encourage new releases and new campaigns. Why? Where is this desire and energy to help others coming from?   

As I collect from established and well known artists as well as beginners,  I tend to meet thousands of them, even tangentially! I fully believe that one's motives are what matters in this life of soul-growth. Therefore, helping artists, featuring their art to best highlight its beauty, to support and encourage, to introduce new talents...well, it's a way  of paying it forward. Spreading beauty is always a treat! Further, promoting the business side of art is often distasteful to artists, so I help there as much as I can!

I also want people to know that artists have been VERY KIND to me! Not a week goes by without receiving gift rocks I didn't even realize had been sent! I'd estimate at least 30% of my rocks have been gifts. I consider that I'm overpaid in unexpected, generous gifts and say as much when people commend me for helping artists! And by the way, I never charge and never have, for any help. It just wouldn't feel comfortable for me.

Rock art mastered with magnificent skill and patience

I know this is going to be very difficult to respond to, but is there a specific rock in your collection that has a special significance for you or story attached to it that is worth talking about?

I do admit to having one favorite stone. Valeria painted the 'Parrish Rock' inspired by my energy (her words) and it is not only sentimentally the most meaningful rock, but also aesthetically one of the most beautiful rocks you'd ever hope to see! It has a sacred place in my home, with her framed words, and Christine, when I received it, it felt like I had won a Grammy or the Nobel Peace Prize! 

Val Campagna, the "Parrish Rock" and framed are Val's words about inspiration and friendship across oceans

 

Over this last year since your Instagram launching, you have surrounded yourself with a huge number of rock artists of outstanding talent and success. Along the way, some of them have also become good friends. Could you mention some of your artist friends?

They will be so many! I will only mention SOME of my wonderful, talented, and amazing artist friends, I do hope you will jump to check on their accounts for their art works are absolutely divine: Valeria Campagna, Andrea Moebes, Yosy,  Purvi Patel,  Sandi O., Corrina Marie Canning,  Oti's Art Studio, Summer Tan, Vallerie, and special regards to Viola, Karin Getaz and, the Empress, Liona Hotta

 

Last but not least, knowing so many artists and being involved so deeply in their creative world, what is the message you would like to send to them? Can art change things for the better?

The last words would be about the great therapeutic value of rock painting. Painting on rocks is something everyone should experience. It's calming, fun, creative whether one has innate skill or not.

Recently however consciousness has been raised regarding the ubiquitous problem of art theft. I've done several postings and had dozens of artists contact me in distraught over this issue. Artists, please tag those who inspire you, never take advantage from a peer's design, and finally, if it happens to you... TAKE ACTION! Let's keep this world of rock painting a beautiful thing!

Stunning art works and memorable colours from Parrish Jefferson's collection. Thank you for kindly enchanting us with such marvels and your kind words! 

 

Parrish and I are welcoming your comments in the section below. Also you can make inquiries or add info on rock_street@yahoo.com.

If interested to buy, the rocks for SALE are here. 

Glimpse into a life of art and self-challenge, artist Pamela Campbell talking about how yoga and rock painting became part of her life 88

“I feel that I need both painting and yoga to become better “

Interview with artist Tünde Fodor, winner of the BLUE Rock Event and ROCK STREET ARTIST OF THE MONTH 93

Hello again my rock-art fellow artists,

The BLUE Rock Event has now ended and, I must say, it was an unexpected success! I am still in awe at how much your imagination, hard work and passion have added to the world of painted rocks! A big thank you to all artists of the RockStreet Collective platform for sharing your blue painted rocks with us, thank you for your encouragements and support for each other during this event, and for making the world a better place. You rock!

Also big round of applause for amazing artist Tünde Fodor whose wonderful rock won the popularity prize on Instagram! I am sure you will be charmed by her innocence, ingenuity and fantastic talent.

" I want my rocks to give people smiles and make them feel special"

 

 BLUE Rock Event winning creation by artist Tünde Fodor | Facebook | Instagram

 

Christine: First of all, congratulations for your amazing success on Instagram! So many beautiful rocks were featured on the RockStreet page but you were the most popular contender! Tell me how did you grow into creating such beautiful works of art?

Tünde: I've only started painting about one year ago. I never thought I would become a rock painter, although I did love drawing art in school and also painted on pebbles like any other kid. But at some point I had the chance to do a painting in oil at my mother-in-law's. I still remember what a calm, fulfilling moment it was... and this is when I fell in love with creating art!

Since that day, I never stopped painting. I started collecting rocks from the nearest lake. I was focusing more on shapes, regardless the rough surface of the rock. And kept on trying until it felt right.

 

  

Painted rocks by artist Tünde Fodor | Facebook | Instagram

 

Christine: What does painting on rocks mean to you?

Tünde: Painting on rocks is like a new love. I've always loved the colours of nature, the colours of the seasons, the colours of my clothes, make up, even the colours I associate with my moods. The colours I use in my paintings are just a new source of excitement in life. That's why I continue painting.

 

   

 

Amazing colours and designs on rocks by artist Tünde Fodor | Facebook | Instagram

 

Christine: What are the things you mostly like painting on rocks?

Tünde: Well...this is a never ending story for me. I never get bored of the things that I paint and I'm always full of fresh new ideas! I have so many things in mind that I would like to paint, so many media I would like to try working with, so many materials to use. Since I'm only new in rock painting, I feel it's never enough and there are still so many things I need to try and learn! Of all these, one thing I know for sure: I want to keep on painting, I want to make more time for my rock passion and see myself in ten years still doing this with the same pleasure I'm doing it now.

 

   

Painted rocks by artist Tünde Fodor | Facebook | Instagram

 

Christine: What is your biggest dream when it comes to rock painting?

Tünde: First of all, I want to see people satisfied with what I create. I want my rocks to give them smiles and make them feel special. Then I dream of selling my rocks at markets and one day who knows?, maybe have an exhibition of my own painted rocks!

 

 

Stunning art on rock by artist Tünde Fodor | Facebook | Instagram

 

I will end the interview here by thanking Tunde and all other artists for their contribution to the BLUE Rock Event in RockStreet Collective.

Next month's event will be dedicated to rock animals. If you think your rocks deserve to shine among other artists' works, do give them a chance to be featured on all our accounts including Pinterest, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and this website. 

You are all invited to have a look at last month's winning artist, Lidia Zingerle. Her interview and amazing rocks are Here.

If you are interested in viewing our rocks for sale or purchasing one, have a look at our most recent collections Here

Interested in selling your painted rock artworks on this website? Contact me at: rock_street@yahoo.com and I am happy to explain to you how it works.

Choose a venue that relates to your own kind of art!

When Painting on Rocks Becomes Part of Your Soul - Interview with Ineke Burgman, Remarkable Artist of The Netherlands 136

The beautiful story of Dutch artist Ineke Burgman of RockStreet Collective. Find the smiles, the joy, and the strength of painting on stones.