Yuya Parker

Photographer Yuya Parker has never approached photography as a means to capture the world around him as it currently exists. Rather, he insists he sees photography more like painting: “a tool to create the images [he] imagines.”

The resulting images—primarily still-life, including impeccably styled food vignettes—are bright, playful, and imaginative. Parker’s “Food as Contemporary Art” series was featured in American Photo Magazine, and his particular style has won him clients like Airbnb, Skinceuticals, Aetna, Baccarat, and Jamba.

Born in a small Japanese town, Parker is now based in both Los Angeles and Tokyo, and you can find his latest projects on Creatively here.

What is the first creative project you remember?

My grandmother was a teacher of Japanese calligraphy and instead of practicing letters, I was drawing with the ink.

Describe your aesthetic in three words.

 Fresh. Joyful. Positive.

A Yuya Parker photograph inspired by vegan desserts and doughnuts.

What was the most fulfilling collaboration you’ve worked on?

I created a film version of my photography series “Food as Contemporary Art” with a director friend and I was amazed by the new perspectives someone else’s creativity can bring to a project.

What’s one creative project that taught you something fundamental about yourself?

When I was working on “Food as Contemporary Art,” I did not intend to make it to a series. I was simply having fun with an idea. Getting positive feedback from it gave me confidence and made me realize it’s okay to just have fun with creative concepts no matter how they may fit into your body of work.

An homage to Japanese ginger by Yuya Parker.

Do you think creativity is something you’re born with, or something you’re taught?

I think we all have creativity we’re born with, but oftentimes we don’t know we have it. I don’t think someone can teach you how to be creative, but someone can help you realize what sparks your creativity.

What’s the last dream you had?

Running around a park with a very special cat who passed away last year and making sure he was hydrated.

One hundred years from now, what do you hope people write about your work?

I don’t know what I hope they will write, but if I can make them smile with my work for a second, that would be wonderful.

Follow @YuyaParker on Creatively.

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