Emilia Parker

I’m Emilia Parker, a Bulgarian self-taught artist born in 1973 in Sofia. After graduating from High School I aimed to enroll at the National Academy of Arts to become an illustrator, but after two years I shifted to teaching ESL and later worked as a translator and interpreter. I met my husband at work and his contracts moved our family abroad; the birth of our daughter awakened my inner need to create and reconnect with my artistic spirit.

Since 2008 I have been exploring many projects and mediums—from party decors and sewing costumes to stage decors, illustrating stories, crocheting toys, drawing, and glass engraving. For my daughter’s birthdays I began crafting everything from scratch—the decorations, costumes, entertainment, and even themed foods. In 2019 I opened an Art Atelier with a friend offering art and craft classes to children and adults, and I became known for a signature Harry Potter party with handmade decorations. The Atelier closed in 2020 due to Covid. The following four years we lived in Sarajevo, focusing on illustrating texts and developing my watercolor skills. In 2023 we decided to return to Bulgaria.