Cathie Sherman Parmelee is a fourth-generation native of Glynn County and a lifelong resident of St. Simons Island. Cathie Parmelee is a masterful storyteller who uses bold color and rich texture to translate her stories onto the canvas. Her artistic foundation was forged through years of dedicated self-study and the guidance of renowned GoldenIsles mentors, William "Bill" Hendrix, Jeanne Szabo, and Mary T. Griffith. Cathie is celebrated for her signature floral still lifes, often featuring objects in deep focus and rooted in her life story. Her use of vintage Coca-Cola bottles as vases stems from a childhood love; she has long believed they are the most beautiful vessels for flowers. Her striking blue-and-white porcelain vases are painted as a heartfelt homage to her mother, who adored them. When people ask Cathie how she knows when a painting is finished, her answer is simple and profound: "It’s finished when it finds a home." This sentiment perfectly frames her latest creative chapter, Postcards from St. Simons. Drawing deep inspiration from the poetic legacy of Sidney Lanier and his celebrated ode, "The Marshes of Glynn," she explores the island’s marshes and beaches through a fresh, vintage-inspired palette. This new direction is an exciting evolution of her artistic voice. Yet, it stands in perfect harmony with the floral still lifes she continues to create with the same passion and dedication. While her artistic evolution has seen her work under various signatures, including Lovie, Lizzie, and My Sister Sally, Cathie has since united these diverse voices and now creates her authentic work exclusively under her own name. Her art has graced the covers of several cookbooks, including Barbara Jean’s Restaurant cookbook (located at the pier). It has been featured in publications such as Coastal Living, Southern Living, and High Tide magazine. Additionally, her work has been showcased in two Coastal Living Dream Houses and is held in prominent private and corporate collections across the United States. Through a deep, lifelong connection to the Golden Isles, Cathie continues to define her work through a singular, unmistakable voice.
