Naomi Parker (b. 1983)—Yakama, Chippewa/Cree (of Rocky Boy, MT) and an enrolled member of the Makah Nation in Neah Bay, WA—is a graphic designer and visual artist based in Tacoma, WA. She primarily focuses on Oil Painting, Fiber Arts/Quilting and Beading.
She attended the graphic design program at the Seattle Central Creative Academy and received her bachelor's degree in 'Interdisciplinary Visual Arts' from the University of Washington, in 2008.
She was a graphic designer professionally from 2009–2017 for places like Microsoft, Sur La Table Headquarters and Tactile Design in Seattle, WA, creating catalog design layouts, recipe booklets, marketing materials, logos, branding/identity, pattern development and other promotional advertisements and design work.
She then took a break to focus on new motherhood, allowing space to get back into her original interest which was the fine arts. It started with a pair of moccasins she made for her toddler, but eventually led to several oil painting and quilting commissions for places like Google and the Frye Art Museum Gift Shop.
She has since participated in a few solo exhibitions, including one at the Chief Seattle Club ʔálʔal Cafe that was organized in collaboration with Yəhaw̓ Indigenous Creatives Collective and has participated in a couple group shows, but for the most part is just starting to share work publicly.
One of her latest series of paintings captures scenes of kinship and community in familiar places like powwows and conferences. "Through images of friendly faces and joyfully clasped hands, Naomi shows the power we have to create community wherever we gather." -Yəhaw̓ Indigenous Creatives Collective.
Selected public collections include: The Seattle University Art Collection, Google's Perch Cafe and the Chief Seattle Club ʔálʔal landmark housing project.
CONTACT: naomi.e.parker@gmail.com