CIndy Miller
Huntsville, AL
Artist and archaeologist, bridging history and creativity in her mixed media creations. Huntsville native, global inspiration.
Message
Cindy Miller's artistic journey is a remarkable tapestry that intertwines her passion for art and her love for archaeology, resulting in a body of work that is diverse and captivating.
Born and raised in Huntsville, Alabama, Cindy's artistic odyssey began to take shape while she pursued her studies in art at the University of Alabama in Huntsville. Simultaneously, she delved into the demanding world of graphic design, embracing the challenges of a full-time job while nurturing her creative spirit through personal artistic exploration outside the realms of work and academia.
In a pivotal twist, Cindy's path led her to the majestic landscapes of Boulder, Colorado, where she embarked on a profound journey into the realms of archaeology and anthropology. Over the course of a decade, she immersed herself in the rich cultural tapestry of the region, earning a degree from the University of Colorado. This chapter in her life not only enriched her understanding of history but also profoundly influenced her artistic expression.
In 2007, a new adventure awaited Cindy as she accepted the role of Program Manager for the Graphic Contract at NASA Headquarters in Washington, D.C. Here, Cindy's artistry continued to evolve amid the intersection of technology, science, and creative expression, further enriching her unique perspective.
However, the call of her roots eventually drew her back to Huntsville in 2015. It was here that she fulfilled a long-held dream, establishing her own art studio within the Lowe Mill Arts and Entertainment complex. This move marked a significant turning point, allowing her to fully embrace her identity as a studio artist.
Cindy's artistic journey is a testament to the power of blending diverse passions. Having honed her craft as a graphic designer for over two decades, she sought new horizons of creative exploration. Her fascination with silversmithing sparked a transformation, leading her to discover the enchanting world of Precious Metal Clay (PMC). Since 2004, Cindy's skilled hands have sculpted this versatile material into wearable works of art, each bearing the imprint of her unique narrative.
In a crowning achievement, Cindy's dedication and ingenuity earned her the prestigious Saul Bell Award in 2017, an international recognition celebrating excellence in jewelry design. This honor underscored her unwavering commitment to pushing artistic boundaries and infusing her creations with profound depth and meaning.
As the world grappled with the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, Cindy returned to her artistic roots. She rekindled her passion for painting and mixed media, drawing inspiration from her anthropological studies and her intimate connection with the Colorado mountains. Her artwork, born from this introspective period, serves as a reflection of her diverse influences.
Cindy Miller's artistic journey is an exploration of creativity, history, and the intricate interplay between them. Her work stands as a testament to the transformative power of pursuing one's passions, resulting in creations that transcend boundaries and resonate deeply with those who encounter them. With her studio nestled in Huntsville's creative epicenter, Cindy continues to shape her narrative, inviting the world to join her on this captivating artistic odyssey.
Statement
My art is a profound exploration of the human experience, a journey deeply rooted in my anthropological studies. It delves into the captivating interplay of time and energy, transcending the boundaries of cultures and weaving an intricate tapestry of archetypal imagery and symbolism. Much like an archaeological site, the layers of my artworks gradually expose information to the viewer, inviting them to dig deeper into the stories embedded within.
Archetypal imagery and symbolism serve as the cornerstone of my artistic expression. These timeless symbols, present in the myths, rituals, and art of cultures across the world, resonate with a depth that transcends the limitations of language and culture. They are the visual language of our collective psyche, carrying the weight of generations of human experience. My art seeks to tap into this reservoir of symbolism, channeling it to evoke a sense of recognition and connection in viewers from all walks of life.
My artistic process is akin to an archaeological excavation. With each layer of paint, each brushstroke, and each application of symbolism, I unveil hidden stories and ancient truths. The canvas itself becomes a repository of time and energy, a site where the past and present coexist. As viewers engage with my work, they embark on their own archaeological journey, gradually uncovering the layers of meaning, much like an archaeologist carefully peeling back earth and debris to reveal the treasures beneath.
I invite viewers to immerse themselves in the unfolding narrative of my art. The layers act as a visual timeline, a testament to the passage of time and the accumulation of energy. They beckon viewers to linger, to explore, and to connect with the stories embedded within.
Exhibitions
2024 – Solo Exhnibition, Alabama Woman's Council for the Arts, Huntsville, AL
2024 – Solo Exhibition, Lowe Mill Arts, “Disembodied: Time and Energy”, Huntsville, AL
2023 – Group Exhibition, “The Art of Hearts”, The Art Connective, Contributing Artist, Online
2023 – Group Exhibition “Artful Expressions of the Mind”, Contributing Artist, Online
2023 – Carnegie Visual Arts Center, “Celebrate Art”, Decatur, AL, Contributing Artist
2023 – Group Exhibition Alabama Women's Caucus on the Arts (ALWCA), “Call and Response”, Huntsville, AL, Contributing Artist
2023 – Group Exhibition, WCA Carolinas, “Call and Response”, North Carolina
2023 – Group Exhibition, Carnegie Visual Arts Center, “Myth and Form”, Decatur, AL, Contributing Artist
2021 – Group Exhibition, Piedmont Craftsmen Guild, Huntsville, AL, Contributing Artist and Curator
2016 – Group Exhibition, Carnegie Visual Arts Center, “Across the Bridge: Works by Artists at Lowe Mill”, Decatur, AL, Contributing Artist
2014 – Staunton Augusta Arts Center, Staunton, Virginia, Gallery Show
2011 – Crafthaus Exhibition: “New Directions: Powder Metallurgy in a Sheet Metal World”,Contributing Artist
2008 – Group Exhibition, Purdue University: “Cultural Messages: Symbolism Through the Ages”, Purdue, Indiana, Contributing Artist
Awards
2023 – Carnegie Visual Arts Center, Decatur, AL - “Celebrate Art” Exhibit - Director's Award
2020 – Alabama Council on the Arts/National Endowment for the Arts, Individual Artist Grant
2017 – Saul Bell Award, International Award, First Place Metal Clay
2015 – RiverClay Fine Arts Festival, Decatur, AL - 2nd Overall
2013 – Staunton Augusta Art Show, Staunton, Virginia, Best of Show
Publications
2019 – Metal Clay Today, Spring Edition, Artist Profile and Cover
2016 – Cre8tive Fire Magazine, Artist Profile
2016 – Cre8tive Fire Magazine, Artist Project Series: Hollow Forms with EZ960 Sterling Silver Metal Clay
2012 – Contributing Artist, Contemporary Metal Clay Rings, Brynmorgen Press
2011 – Contributing Artist, PMC Guild Annual
2010 – Contributing Artist, PMC Guild Annual
2010 – Contributing Artist, Fusion: The Journal of the International PMC Guild
2010 – BeadStyle Magazine, Vol 8. Issue 6, Contributor to Article
2010 – Art Jewelry Magazine, July 2010, Featured in Artist Gallery
2009 – Metal Clay Artist Magazine, Vol 2 Issue 3, Article: Calligraphic Texture Sheets, and featured in Article on New Direction
2009 – Art Jewelry Magazine, July 2009, Featured in Artist Gallery
2008 – Art Jewelry Magazine, Vol 7 Issue 1, Article: “Make Your First Hollow Metal Clay Bead”and featured in Artist Gallery
Demo/Teaching Experience:
Lowe Mill Arts and Entertainment, Huntsville, AL – Class: Introduction to Metal Clay
Mid-Atlantic Bead Society, Columbia MD – Class: Introduction to Metal Clay for Glass Bead Makers
Denver Museum of Nature and Science, Denver CO – Class: “Have beads will travel – a history of bead making”
River Gallery, Chattanooga, TN, Demonstration: Metal Clay
Huntsville Museum of Art, Huntsville, AL, Demonstration: Metal Clay
La Promenade, Boulder, CO – Class: Basic Jewelry Making Skills and Pearl Knotting
La Rouche Studios, Arlington, VA – Class: Designing Clasps from Metal Clay