Rick Parsons received his BFA from Stephen F. Austin State University and an MFA in Sculptural Ceramics from the University of Dallas.
Rick's artwork focuses on the effects of environmental pollutants on the body. He uses materials as metaphor to address the looming impact of a culture dependent on diminishing resources.
Rick has been teaching at Sierra Nevada College for five years and was named the 2012/2013 Faculty Member of the Year by the SNC student body and awarded the Ansari Excellence in Teaching Award. He was also awarded a ten thousand dollar NEA grant for his artwork in collaboration the Carson City Arts Initiative.
“It is my objective as an artist and educator to create lifelong learners. My ultimate goal is to create an environment that generates questioning and discovery, for within this framework of learning and expression, a shift in perception can take place, and a new understanding of life can be revealed.”
He has also served as Sculpture Program Coordinator at Anderson Ranch Arts Center in Snowmass Village, CO. Rick's sculpture was the focus of an article in Sculpture magazine and published in the book Confrontational Ceramics: The Artist as Social Critic by Judith S. Schwartz and was featured in the documentary film "Questions of Art," by Zach Jankovic.