Parris Illustration is a one woman art studio located in the Ghent neighborhood of Norfolk, Virginia. I, Rachel Parris, am the creator, designer, painter, photographer, printer and packager/shipper of all items. I love being an artist. It is my dream job to wake up, grab my coffee and settle into my home studio to be immersed in paint brushes, watercolor, music, cats, imagination and creation for the day. I couldn't ask for a richer life.

This shop offers artwork inspired by a love of nature, animals, fairy tales and, of course, my personal experiences. I enjoy creating environments and narratives using watercolor as a medium. In my work I love creating both detailed intricate patterns and organic amorphous loveliness. Watercolor is the perfect versatile tool for that!

My work is influenced by so many things. It is overwhelming to try to pinpoint them. Historically speaking, I love the aesthetics of the Arts and Crafts Movement. I can- and have- spent hours looking through a catalog of William Morris wallpaper while envisioning how it would set the theme for my imaginary guest room. I'm fascinated by antique biological illustrations and pressed botanical specimens. I have a fondness for old fairy tale illustrations and anything make believe. I adore the patterns and textiles found in different eras and different cultures on fabrics, clothing, rugs, ect. (This might involve more hours of looking at a William Morris catalog). I enjoy vintage photographs and postcards, botanical gardens and old houses. I walk through my neighborhood of Ghent in Norfolk, Va and gawk at the beautiful old homes. (That is my cardio.) My dream is to own an big Victorian house where I can make my William Morris guest room a reality. Bonus if it has a turret. I guess the theme here is that I like a lot of old stuff.

This mess of inspiration somehow channels through my brain and comes out in my art. I'm not sure how it works...for me it's a magical and rewarding process. Thanks so much for stopping by my store and reading my rambling story. I hope you found something endearing or inspiring.

XOXO,
Rachel