An afternoon in Hollywood with actress, filmmaker, and writer Parker Love Bowling.

SUMO: It was so nice to spend an afternoon with you in Hollywood. Let’s start with a little introduction. Can you tell us about your background and what you do?

Parker: I am an actress, writer and filmmaker. I have a book of poetry titled Rhododendron, Rhododendron, a few short films, and a couple unfinished feature length documentaries. I’ve also been acting in films for almost eight years.

SUMO: You work with many different mediums - what were you first drawn to? How have your interests evolved over time?

Parker: All four of the things listed I’ve been partaking in since early childhood. I stopped with some of those for periods of time growing up but have always circled back. Poetry is how I make sense of my thoughts or make the ugliest ones sound a bit prettier. I take photos of what I am doing, in everyday life or behind the scenes on film projects I’m making or acting in.

SUMO: What are you inspired by? And what motivates you? 

Parker: The most inspiring thing to me is watching a film. It’s everything I love combined. My motivation would be wanting to make a film as good as the one I’m watching or wanting to act in that kind of project.

SUMO: What are your biggest accomplishments so far? What are you most proud of?

Parker: I did a film in 2022 and another 2023 where I am quite proud of my performance. I also I am proud of my book sometimes, but sometimes I just want to hide under the covers in embarrassment. It depends on the day really. I’m a good book editor. I know I’m good at that. Everything else, who knows.

SUMO: Do you have any exciting projects coming up this year? What are you currently working on?

Parker: I just edited an anthology that will be released in March, that I have poems in as well. I’m currently editing a short film that I’ve been sitting on for a long time, called Boudoir, and I am trying to get financing for my first feature narrative film, hopefully shooting this year.

You can follow Parker on her Instagram, and purchase her poetry book Rhododendron, Rhododendron here.

Parker is wearing our Versace Spring/Summer 1995 shirt, with our Versace Spring/Summer 1995 Silk Skirt, and our Versace Fall/Winter 1997 Lace detail dress.

Photography by Leonard Drorian