Matthew Parks
Biography
Matthew is from the small town of Gentry, Arkansas in the state’s northwest corner and has spent many days exploring the nearby Ozark Mountains either by Jeep, bicycle, canoe or simply on foot. He developed a love for the mountains at an early age. Growing up his parents would take him on vacations to places like Montana, Western Canada, New Mexico and Colorado. It was on these trips that Matthew became interested in photography. He would often take over the camera at places like Yellowstone and Glacier National Park and head out in search of everything from geysers to mountain goats. Although he had enjoyed taking pictures for years, it wasn't until he graduated from the University of Arkansas in 2010 with a degree in Landscape Architecture that he began to take a serious interest in fine art photography. Since then he has begun to hone his skills as a photographer, producing a large body of work while continuing to learn new techniques and traveling to new locations around the world.
Matthew currently lives in Fayetteville, Arkansas with his wonderful wife, Julie.
Artist's Statement:
"My favorite place to take photos is out in the wilderness far from civilization. I love to go out in search of the next waterfall, alpine lake or mountain vista. I am most happy when out exploring nature and capturing my experiences through photography. Every photo has a story behind it. I hope that by sharing my photos and stories, others will be inspired to get out and experience the outdoors for themselves." - Matthew Parks
Resume
Juried Art Shows and Exhibitions:
- Gallery at Studio J Juried Photography Exhibition - August 2015 - Denver, Colorado
- 21st Annual ANA Regional Juried Art Exhibition - October & November 2015 - Fayetteville, Arkansas
- Hot Springs Photography Competition - October & November 2015 - Hot Springs, Arkansas
- Third Annual March Photography Show - March 2016 - Gallery at Studio J - Denver, Colorado
- 23rd Annual ANA Regional Juried Art Exhibition - December & January 2017 - Fayetteville, Arkansas
- Eureka Springs National Photography Contest and Exhibition - May 2018 - Eureka Springs, Arkansas
Awards:
- Merit Award - Gallery at Studio J Juried Photography Exhibition - Denver, CO - August 2015
- Award of Excellence - 40th Annual Paseo Art Festival - Oklahoma City, OK - May 2016
- Best in Photography - 23rd Annual ANA Regional Art Exhibition - Fayetteville, AR - December 2017
- Best of Show - Art Springs Art Festival - Hot Springs AR - May 2018
- Best of Show - Eureka Springs National Photography Contest & Exhibition - Eureka Springs, AR - May 2018
- First Place "Human Made" - Eureka Springs National Photography Contest & Exhibition - Eureka Springs, AR - May 2018
- First Place "Portrait" - Eureka Springs National Photography Contest & Exhibition - Eureka Springs, AR - May 2018
Education:
- Bachelor of Landscape Architecture from the University of Arkansas - 2010
Travel Experience:
- Extensive travel throughout North America visiting 36 US states, 3 Canadian Provinces and Mexico
- Travel to several European countries including Italy, Switzerland, France and England
- Visited 20+ US and Canadian National Parks and Monuments