Baton Rouge and Hanukkah

I spent two wonderful Hannukah evenings in Baton Rouge with artist Jacqueline Dee Parker and her husband cellist/sculptor Dennis Parker.  Along with the two delicious meals cooked by both of them and the family, each evening included a tour of Dennis' studio/workshop where he makes sculptures from old cellos, violas, violins and found objects and Jacquie's art studio where she creates collages, paintings and poetry. Both artists used old and cast off items as the basis of their work and both create visually striking objects from them. It is interesting to see the contrast of their two studios, one cluttered and one very organized and orderly.  

Both Dennis and Jacquie are quite prolific and always working on multiple projects.  It is wonderful to see the artwork in their studios each time I visit.  

The artwork in Dennis' studio was quite different than what I had seen before. Large dramatic sculptures of birds in motion have joined the quirky music boxes and elegant tables and lamps.  Jacquie had new works in progress in her studio as well but they were not quite ready to be unveiled. Below are some recent works from a series with more detail and softer neutral colors.  Her new works are bold and vibrant with small elements and details running through the blocks of flat bright color. 

Rites of Passage

Open Gates Tender Hours

More examples of Jacquie's work can be found at http://www.jacquelinedeeparker.com/. 

Dennis made a stunning custom menorah for Matt and me.  We have two of Jacquie's collages hanging in our house.

Dennis Parker in his workshop.

Sculptures and materials on every surface.

One of Dennis' purses made out of violin parts and ephemera.