Jeffrey Vincent Parise is not only an amazing actor, but an artist in every sense of the word. He loves to create films, explore, and paint. Parise uses his love for nature as inspiration for some of his projects. Fans even get to see him hard at work painting on social media, while even getting the opportunity to purchase his work. Parise kept himself-and his audience-entertained through the pandemic with short films he uploaded to his socials and sharing many films he had worked on in the past. Parise chatted with Nerd Alert News and shared his love for his art with his words.
Jadeen Mercado: You are a very accomplished artist and filmmaker. What has been your favorite personal project thus far you have had the chance to create (film or print)?
Jeffrey Vincent Parise: That would be my first feature-length documentary called ‘The Inlaws & The Outlaws.’ It’s a lo-fi film that I made with my girlfriend at the time, bestie today, Cree Summer. We were going home to meet each other’s parents for the first time and decided to make a documentary about it. We come from two totally different backgrounds and lifestyles, yet both of our parents were still together and in love. We came up with an extensive list of questions to ask all four of them individually and in the process learned more about them in that trip than we could have ever imagined. So, for obvious reasons, that’s my top personal project. If anyone is interested in seeing my films, they are all available for free on Vimeo under “White Crow.”
Check out one of Parise’s films, ‘That Doesn’t Look Like Me.’ A short documentary written and directed by Jeffrey Vincent Parise. One December afternoon a group of artists walk into a local nursing home and paint portraits of its residents. During which the filmmaker asks the elders for advice on life, love, and art. Three weeks later there is a group show displaying the finished portraits…”
JM: We also know that you are a musician, most people learned that from watching you play your Djembe. How long have you been playing and what do you love about creating music?
JVP: I’ve been playing the Djembe for about 20 years now. I love creating music with people because it truly is like a wordless language. There is an energy that courses through you when you’re in a pocket with other musicians that is unlike any other art form I do. It’s also a trip for me because it’s something I learned as an adult. Growing up I loved music, but never imagined I could ever play music myself. It was never part of the plan. So I always have a “how did I get here?” moment when I’m on a real stage playing with real musicians.Â
JM: How has quarantine and the pandemic affected your creativity and your outlets for said creativity?
JVP: At first it was nothing short of wonderful. It gave me a focus on my paintings that I couldn’t afford to have because of an active life, acting gigs, and auditions. When I finished a few new paintings and we were still in it, I moved on to making little poetry films. After a while though, when it seemed to not be coming to an end soon, I got sad like many of us did and it was harder to keep up the motivation. I’ve learned though-long before this-not to fight that. I think a lot of artists put pressure on themselves to constantly produce. And the value of true downtime gets lost. Many times it’s in these downtimes that new inspiration is found. Trust in this process isn’t easy but it’s essential. And sure enough, it came back and I’m inspired once again. The acting business has started again as well. I was able to land a role during this in a new show called ‘Blindspotting’ on Starz. Watch for me in the 2nd episode.
Samples of Parise’s Work
JM: Lastly, what few words can you leave your fans with during these crazy times?
JVP: I want to send love to anyone who is really hurting through this. Especially those who have lost someone. Everyone has their own set of challenges to face during these times and I truly hope everyone can find a way to get through them while still keeping their love, compassion, dignity, and kindness for themselves and each other. I also want to thank everyone who has been able to support the arts and your favorite artists through this. Without you, there is no us.
Fans can find Parise’s paintings here. Parise has a lot of love for his work and fans. Nerd Alert News wants to thank Mr. Parise for his time.
Written By:
Evan Conroy
Ron Peterson