Cari Miller
Miller has spent the last 30+ years working in the area as an award-winning photographer, artist, graphic designer, writer and editor. Despite working in a variety of media, she has always had a distinctive, simplified style.
Miller was first associated with bright and colorful suns (the national news program “CBS Sunday Morning” has used several of the images more than a dozen times). She had a period of using discarded items to make upcycled art and experimented with media ranging from watercolor to quilling to ceramic pieces. While in the past Miller’s work was light and happy, for the past several years her work has become much more personal. Whether she’s expressing her frustration with politics or her inner turmoil, the viewer cannot help but be affected.
Many years after earning a degree in communications from the University of Akron, Miller returned to take several art classes from its art school. As this was her only official “art training” she considers herself self-taught and makes her own rules.
Miller’s work has been included in 40+ exhibits and shows, 20+ publications and television shows, and has been sold at places including the Akron Art Museum, Mansfield Art Center and her former studio in Summit Artspace in Akron. Her work can be found around the world.
Miller strongly believes in giving back to the community and has raised more than $2200 for various causes and has donated hundreds of dollars of art. She has also contributed to more unusual efforts like designing and painting a Soap Box Derby car that was used in the opening ceremonies of the 2014 Gay Games.
Artist Statement
I feel the best artwork is the most personal, yet also relatable and understandable. Over the last several years my art has gotten extremely personal. For a long time my art was “happy” and I loved that it made people happy when they saw it in my former studio, on my website or hung on walls in their homes or offices. I still do.