Meet Trailblazer L.R. Parsons

Today we’d like to introduce you to L.R. Parsons.

Thanks for sharing your story with us L.R. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
My journey as an artist started when I was 6 years old. I performed in plays, sang in choirs, and danced until I was 17 years old; however, I had a hidden passion. When I got the iPhone 4, I started experimenting with photography. I was making artwork that would be later classified as psychedelic, but I would later classify as genreless art. Growing up, I was an outcast in my small town. I had a lack of community and support, so I decided to start an Instagram page called @theconeyislandmermaid. The Coney Island Mermaid was originally inspired by my trips to Coney Island; however, now the page documents my trips around Colorado. Coney Island inspired me to be authentically me through their acceptance for people of the LGBTQ community and outcasts. Being surrounded by thousands of unique people, and visiting Lola Star, brought out the pure and raw energy that inspired me to create art. When I moved to Colorado, I could feel the same energy in Denver. I was amazed by the number of genreless artists that landed in Denver. Like myself, these artists came from communities where they were not accepted until they took their art to the internet and to Denver. As a creative, I find comfort in diverse populations of people like Denver and Coney Island. In these places, you can see the rainbow and spectrum surrounding people. Denver has such an authentic culture and community of people. Denver is the best place to be for blossoming and outcast artists. I am so happy to live in a city and state where they encourage artists to explore and experiment with art. I found my home. 

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
The road has certainly not been smooth… The loss of my father at 15 was the biggest motivation for me to start producing art. I was in a place where I could start getting involved with the wrong people and in the wrong things, but instead I took the initiative to start making digital art. As a woman, It is really important for other women to tune out the negativity. The only way to beat this negativity is to surround yourself with positive and like-minded individuals. If you are unable to do this, be the inspiration you need. Growing up, I relied heavily on music, contemporary dance, and abstract art to fuel the fire to create my art. I had a lot of moments where I just wanted to give up, but I am so happy that I didn’t. To the women and men that want to give up, don’t! Being a trailblazer is never easy, but I can promise you it is absolutely worth it. As an artist, I still struggle with finding the right art galleries or platform to promote my art. However, it is necessary for me to explore and put myself out there. For the women out there, I hope you continue to be enterprising and set out for your biggest dreams. We need more of us out there! 

We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
My art consists of photographs and digital editing. I take the photos with my iPhone and then edit the photographs using a variety of apps and photoshop. I specialize in photorealism, surrealism, and ethereal art. Also, I enjoy making surreal videos to capture the movement of my photographs. Sometimes I make and post my oil paintings on my instagram. My brand, The Coney Island Mermaid, shows the world through a different lens. The purpose of my art is meant to depict the natural beauty in this universe through showing all life’s colors. I am always experimenting and I hope to be known for the evolution of my art. My images focus heavily on the cosmos and the representation of heaven. These images are surreal and are meant to illustrate unexplored territories of art. I am most proud of building the narrative behind my art. I really feel like my art is a collective story and sets me apart because I show the raw emotions and colors behind others emotions and feelings through digital imaging and videoing. Behind the dreamland, there is an element of grief to these images. Life is bittersweet. My images capture raw and pure experiences we have as humans. 

Currently, I am working on and looking for a production company to do a film with my art. I hope for it to be an advanced interpretation of the cosmos that references climate change through an ethereal and pop-art lens. I would love to see my movie be the birth of hypnagogic-ethereal films. I’m a huge fan of nostalgia and retro cinematography. 

Finding a mentor and building a network are often cited in studies as a major factor impacting one’s success. Do you have any advice or lessons to share regarding finding a mentor or networking in general?
Networking is vital in business and art. Networking online via Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook is a must in today’s culture. However, it is super important to be involved in your art community. Here you will meet artists and feel more interconnected in your community; however, the biggest thing you must do is reach out to individuals. Do not wait for someone to put your foot in the door for you. Take the initiative to reach out to individuals that you want to meet or a huge inspiration to you. You never know who will respond! I have met with many artists that we’re able to give me advice and help me get on my feet as an artist. I am so grateful for the artists and individuals that gave me a chance. Without them, I wouldn’t have blossomed into the artist that I am today. 

Contact Info:

• Email: theconeyislandmermaid@gmail.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theconeyislandmermaid/

Image Credit:
All Images by L.R. Parsons.

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