Meet Crystal Miller | Interdisciplinary Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Crystal Miller and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Crystal, let’s start by talking about what inspires you?
Stories from my elders, the history of Black culture, music that can transcend my mind to another place, shiny reflective materials, the relationship I have with my sister, the list can go on and on but these are the more specific ones. With all that being said I am more inspired to “do” something. I watch a film or a tv show that deeply strikes me, I want to do something with the thing that I’m inspired by. For example, I watched this film a couple weeks ago, called “The African Desperate” directed by Martine Syms. I was able to relate to this film greatly and it inspired me to write about the film and make connections to my personal life. Whenever I am inspired its like this burning desire inside of me that needs to get out to “do” something.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Most of my work is about personifying the “black experience” through figurative paintings, and the black experience to me is the expectation to be treated a certain way. Lately I have been talking about the ideas of Afro-futurism and what that looks like to me. I think what sets me apart from others is my sense of materiality, color, and how I represent the figures in my paintings.

I have only gotten where I am today by the help and support of others, and of course my ability to paint. I’ve always been an optimistic person and I know its not easy being an artist but for me its the only thing that I want to be. I feel that it is what I’m meant to be but doubt does creep in sometimes and skews my perception. There’s this little voice in my head that is constantly trying to say that I can’t do it or that I’m not good enough. I’ve learned that those negative thoughts are not me. They do not define me. I’ve also learned that I can’t be so hard on myself. I am only me and I’m not perfect but who says perfect is what I’m striving for. I just want to be me and make an impact.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I’m not from Cleveland but living here for the past four years has definitely helped me get to know Cleveland a bit better. If you know me, you know that my best friend is my sister, so if I were to take her anywhere in Cleveland the first spot would be “The Cleveland Museum of Art”. It’s truly a must go if you live or visit the city. Then we would go to Indian Flame because we both would absolutely die for some Indian food. After that we would go the Botanical Gardens, have a peaceful walk, be in awe of the pretty flowers and talk about life. At night, we go see a concert at the “House of Blues”, probably something punk rock or some R&B. My sister would probably be tired by this time but I would drag her to the club, “Twist” and we would dance the night away.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would say there is two people that have helped me a long the way in my story. The first person being my sister, she has and always will be my biggest supporter, as I am to her. She’s really my ride or die and I am so grateful to have such a strong loving connection with a human being. She comes to all of my art shows, loves to give me new ideas for paintings, and is really good at making me know my worth. She is an incredible human being and I wouldn’t ask for a better partner in crime. The next person that has had such a great impact on my life is my lovely professor. I have so much respect for this woman and all that she does for me. Not only has she helped me push forth my art career but she has helped me mentally. Her efforts to help me find opportunities and support me will never go unnoticed. I love her greatly and I hope for her to be in my life even after I finish school. Both of these human beings deserve so much praise and credit for the impact that they’ve had on my life.

Website: crymuseum.weebly.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crymuseum/

Image Credits
Emily Metzger