Bio

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Welcome to Reinventing-Reality where I’ve been creating my unique craft; Photographic Collages since 2005. The foundation behind my work began with my curriculum at the University of Tennessee School of Architecture. It taught me to observe time, understand spatial relationships and gather experiences of a specific place. Over the years I’ve developed the craft to include sketching out the idea, rotating the camera to achieve different angles and layering each photo with an observance of a place during different times of the day. These multiple layers of variables engage the viewer allowing one to experience the poetics of space.

The Places You Go

My first works from 2001 - 2004 involved exploring subjects and defining my idea, from large scale pieces of the Grand Canyon, Brooklyn Bridge and King Farm; a suburban development in Rockville, Maryland. In 2005, I founded my business and began selling my work at Eastern Market; the neighborhood where the Parker Family lived from the 30’s through the 90’s. I started with one table and a handful of collages, growing overtime to 179 collages and growing. Each year, there have been regional art markets, exhibits and opportunities. To highlight a few that were influential in my journey are: 2006 - National Building Museum Shop, 2009 - collage of The Swearing In Ceremony of President Obama featured on CNN followed by an exhibit at the Newseum on Pennsylvania Avenue. 2011 - I created the “Art Trike” a custom designed “Cargo Trike” in collaboration with Haley Trikes of Philadelphia, PA. 2015 - Solo exhibits at the District Architecture Center and Nashville International Airport, exhibited around a common theme of the “Built Environment” which focuses on City Fabric, National Architecture, Transportation and the places where we Play. 2021 - Locally Crafted Shop and Reston Fine Arts Festival. 2022, 2023 & 2024 - Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts a Top 10 Art Festival in the Nation.

Subject Matter

My work is centered in the DMV region capturing morning sunrises of the Cherry Blossoms to late day shadows of the Monuments, neighborhoods and sporting events. Travels have taken me from New Orleans to Boston to Maine, New York to San Francisco and abroad. Works were created out of DC’s Shaw Neighborhood until 2015 when I moved to Arlington, VA where my studio currently resides.

Cancer

In September 2018, I was diagnosed Male Breast Cancer. In June 2019, I completed a year-long treatment at John Hopkins Sibley Memorial Hospital that included chemotherapy, surgery and radiation. They say art is therapeutic for cancer patients – so I felt like I got that one nailed! During treatment, I maintained a positive attitude and was supported by family and friends. I developed a slogan called #HammerOn which is instilled in my work ethic to keep getting up and moving on with life. In the time after June 2019, I explored once again, attending NLCS Game 4 to watch the Nationals get into the World Series, the Nats “Stay in the Fight” slogan resonated with me. Unfortunately my cancer came back and in February 2021, I was diagnosed with Stage IV Male Breast Cancer which is cancer that has metastasized. I underwent Cyber Knife Radiation and I’m currently on targeted therpy. In February 2024, I hit my 3 year anniversary of being stable and celebrated continuing to HammerOn! I have learned allot from cancer, added meditation to my daily life, attend support groups and continue to be a resource to others. I participated in Reel Recovery, a fly fishing experience for men living with cancer and was featured on NBC's Today Show Third Hour on a segment of "Brotherhood." I now volunteer as the retreat photographer. Read about my cancer journey on my Blog.

Thank You

In June 2023, I celebrated 18 years of marriage to my wonderful wife, LeaAlice and have two boys Knox and Logan. Knox is a talented AAU basketball player and Logan hist hard in Lacrosse. I enjoy watching my kids compete and celebrate their accomplishments.
Life is an incredible journey, I created all of this from an idea, it would not be possible without all the support from everyone and I deeply thank you.
- Matthew Parker