Today we’d like to introduce you to Crystal Miller.
Hi Crystal, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My world blended cultures and colors growing up, reflecting my black-and-white heritage. This duality gave me a unique perspective and presented challenges as I navigated spaces that often put me into a box. I dreamed of a world that fully and unconditionally accepted me for who I am. This yearning to express my identity and empower others like me set the stage for my artistic journey.
My early encounters with art were rooted in what my black aunties/my mom’s black friends would wear: big gold hoop earrings, long red curved nails, braids, and updos that smelled like coconut oil. Even mundane items that surrounded me, such as combs, brushes, fancy teacups that my mother would keep locked away in her closet, mirrors that would be etched with beautiful swirling designs and old Hollywood glamour photos my mother loved to hang around the house. These objects/accessories, though mundane to some, these objects/accessories were steeped in my community’s rich culture and history. As a child, I was amazed by all these things, unaware that they would inspire me and lay the foundation for my future creative journey.
As I grew older, I fell in love with portraiture. I was always fascinated by faces, the stories they told, the emotions they conveyed, and the unique blend of features that made each person distinct. My early attempts were simple sketches, often people I would see in magazines or famous people I liked. I remember drawing Lana del Rey and Marilyn Monroe a lot. As I honed my skills, I revealed not only the outer likeness but also the inner life of my subjects. I do this a lot better now in my paintings than I did in my drawings.
In college, my love for painting truly blossomed. I could make my ideas come true but in color. I quickly discovered the full potential of painting as a medium for self-expression and immediately started using objects that had nothing to do with paint at all but liked how they looked with my paintings. This came with an obsession with anything shiny, sparkly, and fabulous. Materials such as glitter, rhinestones, beads, tulle, feather boas, etc., became just as important as the paint I used.
Recently, I discovered Afro-futurism, a movement that resonated deeply with my desire to challenge Eurocentric aesthetics and celebrate black identity. Combining African traditions with speculative fiction opened up a new realm of possibilities for my art. I began to see my work as a way to revive and honor my black ancestry, using fantastical elements to weave a narrative of empowerment and pride.
My art evolved into a manifestation of my Afro-futurism, characterized by vivid paintings that employ unconventional materials, organic patterns, and references from my childhood. Each piece became a statement of defiance against societal norms and an affirmation of black beauty and strength.
Would it have been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
My journey as an artist has been filled with passion and creativity but hasn’t been without its struggles. Navigating the world as a mixed-race individual presented unique challenges that often influenced my artistic path. I frequently dealt with feelings of not fully belonging and wanting some community. This left me constantly searching for a space to express myself and be embraced fully.
During college, as much as I loved creating, I felt like quitting a lot of the time. I often felt pressured to define my artistic voice amidst diverse influences and talented peers. The critique process, though invaluable, was usually daunting. Learning how to navigate conversations and solely talk about my work without it being directly tied to me was difficult. I remember educating people on specific topics I was referring to, which became exhausting because I was one of the few black students in my class. I had to develop resilience and confidence as I had more critiques to get what I needed from them.
Financial constraints also posed a challenge. High-quality materials were costly, and balancing part-time jobs with my studies and creative pursuits was often exhausting. I experienced burnout early on in school, but I knew I was strong, and I persevered. On the flip side, I have been very grateful to receive some funding in and out of school, which made a difference.
Despite these struggles and many more that weren’t mentioned. Each challenge I faced strengthened and deepened my commitment to my craft. The adversity catalyzed growth, pushing me to innovate and persist. My art evolved from these experiences, becoming a powerful means of expression and a beacon for empowerment for others navigating similar paths. Through it all, I’ve remained dedicated to using my work to challenge perceptions, inspire change, and celebrate the black community.
Let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
As an artist, I specialize in creating vivid and evocative paintings of black women. These paintings delve into themes of Afrofuturism, black pride, beauty, female empowerment, and my childhood. My work is known for its bold use of colors, extravagant frames, and shiny/glittery materials. All of these come together to create a powerful visual narrative that celebrates and uplifts black women.
What sets me apart from others is my unique ability to use these unconventional materials in different ways and make them look like they belong to the piece, not just as a separate extension. Choosing what materials to use for each piece is like a conversation between me and the painting. It’s weird, but it feels as though the women I’m painting can choose what they want to be adorned with. This process can take up to a few minutes to a few hours. I might be crazy, but it works for me.
I’m most proud of myself for even getting this far in my art career. A lot of people don’t know that I had a rough couple of years when I was in high school. I genuinely believed at that time that I would not be alive right now to experience all that I’ve accomplished. I’ve beaten myself up so much for not being enough or doing enough, and it put my life on a halt for a long time. Despite that, I’m very proud of what I’ve become and will continue to evolve as a person and artist.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
The art industry is evolving into a more inclusive, technologically advanced, socially engaged, globally connected, and sustainable field. These changes would enhance the diversity and richness of artistic expression and reinforce art’s role in shaping a more just and empathetic world. I know that art can do so much good, and it’s constantly changing and transforming right before our eyes. I’m excited to be a part of this transformative journey and contribute to the positive impact of art on society.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://crymuseumm.wixsite.com/portfolio
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crymuseum/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blkfairyluv
Image Credits
Stuart Pearl, Emily Metger
