We recently connected with Theodora Miller and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Theodora, thanks for joining us today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?
My road to becoming an artist came from a very dark place in my life. I had fallen down the stairs and suffered a brain injury. There was so much that I could not do — no screens, no reading, difficulty speaking, balance and memory issues, extreme sensitivity to light, motion and sound. It was a depressing time and the recovery process was very slow. Sometimes it felt as if I would never get better. My doctors and rehabilitation therapists encouraged me to embrace cognitive rest and do something with my hands.
At first I painted just to get out my frustration and pass the time. When I painted, my concussion symptoms subsided. Returning to the abrasive brushstrokes and textural bases the following day, I would see new things to try with the colors and composition. I poured my emotions into the act of creating.
The more I painted, the better I felt. Art healed me.
I began sharing images of my paintings on social media and a former colleague of mine reached out asking if it was for sale. I didn’t know the first thing about selling art. I pitched a price; he bought it. Shortly thereafter, I opened up an LLC and began a side hustle. That was 2015.
My reach and client base grew organically over the years and my creativity soared. I realized that artful living is good for my personal health and wellbeing. In 2022 after 30 years experience in banking and nonprofit work, I made the pivot to become a full-time artist. I finally feel like I’ve found my life’s purpose.
Theodora, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I am a visual artist and creative entrepreneur. My creations span paintings, collages, ceramics, textiles, wallpaper and murals. My ever-evolving visual language draws inspiration from my emotions, surroundings, Greek heritage and ancient symbols. My signature elements are intuitive brushstrokes, meditative painting techniques and paint chip collage from my recycled palette papers. Each soulful creation carries intricate details, texture and a story.
Some of my favorite projects are collaborating with families, business owners and interior designers on customizable creations for the people and spaces they adore.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
When I’m sad or worried, I turn to creating. My racing thoughts pause, my breathing slows and my inner peace returns. It feeds my soul like nothing else can. When I’m in a content frame of mind, I love the spike in energy that comes from brainstorming and sketching ideas. To me, creating is a form of growing, learning and not being afraid to try new things. I get a positive rush of excitement from exploring the “what ifs.”
I’ve also learned that while there is a time and place for isolated art making, I still crave time with others. Last year, I broadened my reach with collaborations, teaching painting workshops and even co-hosted my first international retreat – Art of Living Well Retreat in Greece. This new expanded approach amplified my level of joy and positivity. I have plans to open a shared studio space with my good friend and creative entrepreneur Vana Chupp, of Vana Chupp Studio, this spring. It will be a space devoted to creativity, connection and collaboration. I’m super excited for all that will unfold in 2024.
Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?
I’m enamored with the book “The Creative Act – A Way of Being” by Rick Rubin. I took it with me to my artist residency at the Skopelos Foundation of the Arts in Skoeplos, Greece. There are so many great chapters that don’t have to be read in any particular order. Reading it fills me inspiration to keep observing, experimenting and using nature as my teacher. To this day, I read it and reread, looking up chapters that will confront the doubts and negative self talk that I may be battling on any given day. His wisdom reminds me to keep dreaming, scheming and creating with childlike wonder.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.Theodoramiller.com
- Instagram: @theodoramillerfineart
- Facebook: @theodoramillerfineart
Image Credits
Tasha Tolliver and Theodora Miller