Today we’d like to introduce you to Michelle A M Miller.
Hi Michelle, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
I’ve been a professional visual artist since 2006, but I’ve been creating things my entire life. I earned degrees in Art History and Studio Art. The story of my work now is deeply intertwined with my becoming a caregiver for my parents in 2020. Before then, I was growing increasingly concerned about the impact of traditional artist materials on my health and the environment, and much was already shifting in my studio practice – I was shedding old attachments to particular ways of making.
Once I had limited opportunities to work in the studio, I started to explore biomaterials, papermaking, and other ways of creating that could be easily paused at a moment’s notice. I set very tight parameters for my work, materials, and techniques. In this new approach, vast worlds opened up to me and I found clarity in the work. I also noticed that my studio practice was helping me to navigate a very stressful and emotional time in my life. I had found my calm in the storm. Earlier this year, I returned from an artist book residency at Women’s Studio Workshop where I produced my latest limited edition project entitled, Erebid/Materia.
Conceived as an elegy for my father who died in 2021, the writing and imagery are meditations on my transcendent experiences of caregiving, grief, and the healing power of wonder. This little book is going into some amazing public collections so I am feeling loads of gratitude these days.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
If being an artist was easy everyone would do it. Building a sustainable studio practice takes courage, belief, focus, and a supportive community. The struggles are always shifting but themes emerge.
These can be societal or institutional in the forms of sexism or misogyny, and for women, ageism can be particularly harsh. Harmful myths like the “Starving Artist” or the “Artistic Genius” and the innumerable ways that artists can be slowly depleted by diminishing the value of their labor and their contributions to culture all linger.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I make drawings, mostly on handmade paper. For pigment, I use crushed oyster shells collected from local restaurants, ash from old projects that I have burned, graphite, and charcoal.
I make my paper by recycling drawings and salvaged fine art papers. My abstract imagery has been reimagined as two limited edition artist books. I’ve been awarded residencies and received grants, and my work has been presented at several artist fairs.
I’m very proud to share that my work is now represented in several iconic public collections including the Library of Congress. I specialize in creative thinking and problem-solving, and I am known for my thoughtful attention to detail. I think what sets me apart is my profound respect for uncertainty.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts, or blogs that help you do your best?
I value having a mentor and I am fortunate to have access to several. I’m a fan of mindfulness apps like Insight Timer and Breathwork.
I need regular time outside, and I enjoy reading about a variety of topics. All my favorites are shared in my newsletter but I just finished, and thoroughly enjoyed, Neil Shubin’s The Universe Within.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.mammiller.com
Image Credits
Women’s Studio Workshop
