I do not believe that art needs to shock us or reflect back at us all the negativity and horrors in the world today. We are blasted with this by most forms of media way too regularly.
I believe that art should enhance our lives and our environment by adding an aspect of beauty. I hope that my sculptures and all the works that I create will bring a small amount of pleasure or even joy in some way to any one who may view them. I do not tell you what to think when you see my work - I just hope that you think something. I believe that each viewer will see something different in a sculpture and even representational works are open to each individual's personal interpretation.
I hope you enjoy my work and find some pleasure in viewing or owning .

Phil Parkes, stonecarver, sculptor and metalsmith, captures the simple and playful essence of nature in his work. In his Studio he continuously develops and refines his enchanting designs – from abstract carvings in marble to figurative works in stone and bronze. Born and raised in New Zealand, Phil’s inspiration lies in his up bringing, his lifelong love of nature and his passion for travel.

Phil’s first home planted the seeds for his later creativity. New Zealand remains a place of stunning natural beauty where the mountains, sky and ocean combine to form a beautiful tapestry. Indeed, Phil chooses to depict subjects both familiar and loved: the stars, the sea, the sun. His father carved stone even using Phil as a model for a larger-than-life Peter Pan sculpture in limestone. He also exposed Phil to the aboriginal culture of the country, the Maori. Phil’s affinity to Maori art primarily demonstrates itself in his carving – he represents both spirals ‘Koru’ and the traditional fishhook known as ‘Hei Matau’ which symbolize prosperity, nourishment and fertility.

Journeying all over the world and living in such exotic places as Hawaii, Western Australia, and the storybook town of Salzburg, Austria, gives Phil’s work a quality of sweetness and innocence found in the heart of every traveler who constantly looks at the world with new eyes, fresh perspective and a friendly heart. His playful works touch our human sense of fun – like leaping dolphins and remind us of our intimate connection with the animal world.

Phil’s Studio, is now based in the thriving arts community of New London, Connecticut, and Phil has a Studio in his home country of New Zealand where he tries to spend a little creative time each year. Phil has spent several months sculpting and learning from master carvers in Pietrasanta Italy and hopes to be able to return to Pietrasanta on a regular basis to sculpt amongst brilliant sculptors in this town steeped in art history.

Phil Parkes <a href="mailto:icarve@myway.com"> icarve@myway.com</a>
P.O Box 285.
Old Lyme Ct. 06371
Ph: (860) 434-1111

<a href=http://www.philparkes.com>www.PhilParkes.com</a>;