Meet Nataly Parson | Mosaic Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Nataly Parson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Nataly, what is the most important factor behind your success?

The most important factor behind my success is creating my own unique art style. After exploring various materials and experimenting with different types of mosaics, I decided to specialize in two distinct styles: 

• Optical illusion mosaics and;
• Tempered glass mosaics made from repurposed materials like old shower doors and glass shelves. 

This distinctive approach has become my “brand identity” and sets me apart in the field of mosaics.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work..

Certainly! Let me share a glimpse into my artistic journey and career. It all started when I moved to Holland from Russia, leaving behind a promising career in public relations. The Netherlands introduced me to the art of mosaics, which quickly became a passion. However, it remained a hobby for several years.

Life took me from Holland to Singapore, where I became a mother, and eventually back to the United States, a homeland of my husband. During a particularly challenging period when my husband struggled to find work and we faced financial difficulties, I found solace in mosaic art. I began creating mosaics as a way to calm my mind and maintain sanity amidst the turbulence.

Even after our life stabilized and we settled in Colorado, I couldn’t stop making mosaics. At some point, my husband pointed out that it consumed most of my free time, sparking an idea. Why not turn my beloved hobby into a real job? That’s when I registered my company, “Fun Art Colorado,” joined local art groups, started exhibiting and selling my art, participated in public art projects, taught mosaic classes, and even created my own online course.

Last year one of my mosaics, created from an old shower door, won the “Best in Show” award among contemporary mosaics across the United States. It was also sold on the first day of the show for several thousand dollars.

Looking ahead, what legacy do I hope to leave behind? 

I aspire to bring smiles to those who bring my mosaics into their forever homes and to inspire others to pursue mosaic art. I’m already witnessing the impact of my work through messages from aspiring artists who started creating mosaics after following my social media pages, as well as emails from customers who express gratitude for the legacy I’m building.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?Certainly! Here are a few suggestions I usually offer our friends visiting Colorado:

1. Start with a climb to the top of Castle Rock, located near my house.
2. Take a day trip to Breckenridge, a breathtaking destination regardless of the season.
3. Enjoy tailgating and catch a concert at the iconic Red Rocks Amphitheatre (hopefully you can find reasonably priced tickets☺)).
4. While I don’t have a specific “must-see” restaurant recommendation yet, I suggest packing some sandwiches, grabbing a couple of local IPAs, and heading to Daniel’s Park to watch the sunset.
 

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?

I would like to dedicate my shoutout to my husband, Stewart Parson, who planted the initial seed of becoming an artist in my mind. 

Additionally, I want to express my appreciation to the “Colorado Mosaic Artists” group, which comprises over 50 mosaic artists from all over Colorado. This community has been instrumental in helping me find opportunities to display and sell my art. 

Lastly, I extend my gratitude to Annette Coleman, a public artist who became my mentor and demonstrated that mosaic art can indeed be a fulfilling career.

Website: www.funartcolorado.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/fun.art.colorado

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nataly-parson-4881382/

Facebook: www.facebook.com/funartcolorado