FEATURED ARTIST - John Parra

"John's background and intimate connection to Mexico offered great insight into what is so special about this wonderful destination. In this poster, he moves the viewer by conveying a strong sense of wonder and freedom, and at the same time, captivating them with the allure and beauty of a Mexican woman. Who wouldn't want to visit Mexico after seeing this piece?"

Kim Terzis
Associate Creative Director
Stanaszek Goodwin Design Partnership, Evanston, Illinois
United Airlines Destination Poster Mexico 2004/2005

“When I close my eyes and think of Mexico – its warm, welcoming people, animated music and scrumptious food – I become absorbed in its splendor.”

As an artist, John draws inspiration from the diverse mix of cultural images in all of our lives, and our assimilation of these images into our own individual oneness. He cites Mexican murals and paintings as profound influences on his work and says this poster “connected immediately with me.”

Born in Santa Barbara, California, John Parra grew up in a wonderful family, rich in Hispanic culture. His family lived at the foothills of the Santa Ynez Mountains overlooking the Pacific Ocean. As a young child he displayed and developed a gift for art that his family nurtured. His home, alive with Mexican art, tradition and cuisine, instilled in him an early appreciation for his cultural heritage. Today, he uses this inspiration to explore the themes of family and spirituality that lie close to his soul.

John graduated with honors from the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, Calif., which he attended on a full scholarship. His art has been showcased and displayed in numerous commercial works and prestigious gallery shows throughout the United States. Now as a resident of New York City, John continues working passionately in creating art through his innovative imagination.

“I believe there is a natural passion for art that begins early in our lives. For it is in us all — an instinct to create. With art serving as a divine state of both imagination and reality we are able to express the inexpressible.”

John Parra is an award winning illustrator and designer, working with such clients as United Airlines, Macmillan/McGraw-Hill, Virgin Records Inc., Jeep/ DaimlerChrysler, Rising Moon Publishing and PBS. He has received accolades from New York’s Society of Illustrators, Print Magazine. and the Art Directors Club of New York.

“John Parra’s artistic vision brought my words to life with images that are alive with color, spirit and a Latino flair. His brilliant illustrations and artistic vision enhance any writers work.”

Monica Brown, Author