about STP

I'm Sharon Thomas-Parks. Born in Wichita, Kansas, I grew up as the youngest of 3 daughters and spent most of my childhood in the Midwest. After a year in college, I joined the Marine Corps and was the first Woman Marine to work in the brig at Camp Lejeune. Then I became a first-generation college graduate with a Master's degree in clinical psychology.

My mental health career focused on suicide prevention, addiction treatment and psychotherapy. My transition from a satisfying career in mental health led me to an exciting venture sculpting.

I began combining steel and fabric as a result of my own personal psychotherapy. I became aware that part of my reserved exterior protects a soft, vulnerable center. The concept of "Steel Case Soft Center™" is how I envision my own internal work to soften while allowing myself to acknowledge and appreciate the necessity of my protective steel case.

I'm fascinated with the transformation of a material that appears impenetrable. While sculpting steel, it becomes fluid before returning to its unyielding form. 

Memberships:     

National Museum of Women in the Arts

Washington Sculptors Group