We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Rhonda Miller. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Rhonda below.

Rhonda, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

For the past two years I’ve organized a fundraising art show for our local wildlife center. My experience as a gallery owner, as well as my certificate in nature-based education, has made this process run smoothly; from finding a venue to inviting artists. I have loved learning about the good work of the center, and was inspired to help them raise awareness and funds. The opening last year was well attended. People loved meeting their ambassador animals and viewing the thoughtful and well executed artwork.

Rhonda, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Throughout my adult life I have been dedicated to expanding understanding and appreciation of art. From being an art teacher of all ages for more than 25 years, writing a book on creativity, to opening a gallery filled with local art, I have loved talking with people about creativity and their creative practices.

In my own work, I have explored three main themes; creatures, landscapes and abstraction. I am fascinated by creatures of this world. While observing them closely, they have awakened a desire to invent my own. All of the creatures, real or imagined, have distinct personalities that I love to examine in my work. National parks, like Acadia and Yosemite, have shaped my deep appreciation for our natural world, and inspired hundreds of paintings of celebration. My abstract art emerges from stream of consciousness and emotional experiences; color and movement reflects the shifting inner worlds we all navigate.

Having attended a few artist retreats, and a couple ten day silent retreats, I find that extended time and stillness can yield some of my most resonant art. I have tried to bring that awareness to my interaction with others – meeting them where they are while sharing excitement and creative energy. I have started and facilitated two art groups, and have participated in many others. Artists are some of the most compassionate and thoughtful people I have met.

Being able to recognize and distill connections easily has led to my being asked to give presentations and lead discussions within different groups; artists, teachers and organizers. My artwork has raised discussion surrounding social norms, navigating challenging emotions and what it means to be in community. My strength lies in the ability to hear difficult experiences and help people figure out a process towards healing and hope.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

Competition and divisiveness dominate our world, shaping interactions and priorities in ways that often hinder deeper connections and collaboration. Quick answers of yes or no are often the goal. My work has been about offering seemingly conflicting concepts in one piece, show or discussion.

Opening our acceptance of experiencing many feelings at once will make us better able to integrate honesty and discomfort. Hope, and embracing many different ways of navigating community, will be our most beneficial path moving forward. Nature teaches us that diversity and working together not only saves a species/community, they help it thrive.

My artwork is multifaceted. It gives comfort and familiarity, while adding an element of challenge or edge. Often, I have had people comment that I (in my art and in person) give people new ways to find strength, approach challenges and celebrate those things we might overlook.

My mission has been to follow where ideas lead. This has grown into many rivers running parallel to one another, sometimes converging and breaking apart again. All of the streams of thought have to do with embracing the best of us, while acknowledging when we have challenges and roadblocks to move through. We can be united in new and exciting ways.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

Besides getting lost in amazing worlds and timeframes, the most rewarding aspect of art making is the slowing down and amplifying of love and unusually beautiful connections. The interpersonal connections I have made through my dedication to art are often deep, strong and multifaceted.

I love seeing where making will take me. It allows me to face my fears, foibles and strengths within a safe place, and this translates into being able to do the same in my “non-art” life.

I have more generosity towards those things I find challenging. I have a deeper awareness regarding why we do what we do. I notice how even celebrating or feeling intense joy can cause fear and aversion. I have learned how to present challenging ideas in a way that is less intimidating while, simultaneously hearing when others are challenged by my actions. Art making is a large part of who I am in this life.

Creating reminds me we are all one.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Www.rhondamillerartist.com
• Instagram: Rhondamillerartist

Image Credits

Josie Lynn Perkins