Michelle Miller is a Victoria BC abstract artist. Her abstract art can be described as “expressive, evocative, and intellectual”. Scroll down to learn more about Michelle Miller and see more of her abstract art.
Michelle Miller Victoria BC Artist
How would you describe your artistic style?
I work primarily in oils and my paintings are always rich in a multitude of layers. Quite often my work is blend of geometric and organic forms. At times there is a blend of referential imagery or a stylization in my work that suggests objects, land formations or nature. Other times my work is purely abstract but is always metaphorical. Poetic even. I am greatly aware of the content and I use the formal elements to express my ideas and concerns. I believe there is a lot of information that is carried in a single line and its meaning can change depending on it’s placement in the composition. The meaning of the entire work can also change with time.
What’s the main inspiration for your art?
Experience in life is layered. I am in my 60’s and with each passing decade I understand more of myself and how I fit into the world. I am inspired to paint experiences that are personal, yet universal, that evoke thought, that provoke connection. I am inspired to paint my own reaction to events and to memories. It helps me to find my place in the world. A current focus in my large oil paintings is my concern of climate change.
What is the biggest goal you try to achieve with your art?
I always try to create a painting that resonates with my intent of the work in a dramatic way but does not lock the finished work into one meaning. When a work of art has more than one interpretation, it is more interesting and has more staying power.
What’s your favourite thing about being an abstract artist?
The thought process and problem solving that are involved with being an artist, particularly abstract, excites me.
Why abstract art and not other styles?
I do paint in other styles and on my website I have the styles categorized. I am formally trained with years of experience but referential imagery can sometimes be restrictive depending on my mindset of the day. Abstraction can be challenging but it is truly my real love in painting. But really, the language is all the same no matter what genre or style one works.
What’s one thing people might not know about you and/or your art journey so far?
I write when I paint. The writing helps me to sort out ideas, discover parallels of thought and uncover hidden directions. I truly believe everything is connected and when I write about my painting sometimes memories or concerns are revealed that I had forgotten. The writing helps me to find clarity and connection within the painting without being attached to it. Attachment to your painting can kill the creative spontaneity and innovation that can happen if you let it.
I also like to randomly throw paint or draw an image on the canvas that seemingly has nothing to do with the rest of the composition. And then I sit back and contemplate the connections between everything in the picture plane. It’s a wonderful sense of self discovery, creatively and personally. And I write about all of this in my journal while in the studio.
Did you always know you’d be an artist or how has your art journey progressed?
I’ve always known. And I have never wanted to do anything else. I have sacrificed a great deal in order to stay true to my art. I was willing to live on nothing much more than lentils and dandelion greens for a few years not that long ago so that I could focus on my studio practice.
In your opinion, what’s the most important personal characteristic needed to embark on a career as an artist?
Commitment, discipline, and remaining true to yourself are paramount for a career as an artist. And being made of teflon.
What advice would you give up and coming abstract artists?
Be patient. Get life experience. Do not focus your attention only with abstraction. See the beauty in forms, in simplicity and the breathing space between. Remember that less is more. Keep a very disciplined practice. See as much art of all kinds in real life as possible. Don’t be focused on what others think nor on the end result of your work. It is the process that is most important. Learn about art from as many people as you can. Being a serious artist requires lots of solitude so find balance with social gatherings. Know that being a disciplined artist is a wonderful way to know yourself. Remember that good abstract art, be it painting, sculpture , dance, film or poetry all need to be created with an equal balance of the visceral and cerebral. And, always be kind to yourself. Being an artist is not without challenges.
Do you have any favorite podcasts or books that you love and that have contributed to your journey as an artist?
I am a big reader. Mostly I read history, art, critical theory, biographies of artists, poetry and even physics. One of my favourite writers of art is Calvin Tomkins. But I also like any good literature. In writing, layers and layers can be revealed in a well written and sensitively expressed novel that illuminate the human spirit immensely. One of my favourite novels that does this is ‘Fresh Water for Flowers’ by Valerie Perrin.
What’s your most fulfilling and enjoyable experience as an artist so far?
In general, it is the freedom and independence I have as an artist. I have also created a life that allows me to travel with my art practice and teach in beautiful destinations where I learn much about myself and cultures which I then carry back to my studio.
What do you love most about abstract art?
Where do you see yourself and your art in 5 years?
I have great love and gratitude of my lifestyle and my art right now. In 5 years, I would like to continue with this and with the very large paintings I am creating. I am also trying to secure a large studio space in Italy so that I can spend more time there and in Europe in general.
Do you have any favourite quotes?
‘Freedom requires no trail of breadcrumbs’ Michelle Miller 2001
Anything else you’d like to share?
Everyone needs to be creative be it in the arts, or gardening, cooking etc. We all need to have a playground with freedom to explore.
To learn more about Michelle Miller, a Victoria BC abstract artist, and see more of her art, head to her website by clicking the button below.
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