Artist Spotlight on Laura Miller – Live Vividly

I'm Laura Miller and I am the artist behind LIVIVIDLI Studio (pronounced live vividly). I came up with LIVIVDLI because my name is so common but mostly as a description of my art and approach to life.

lace doilies laura miller My formal education is in NURSING but have always used my creative side to maintain a healthy work-life balance. I live in the Midwest (USA) …in Michigan, where we’re surrounded by the wonderful Great Lakes and the beautiful outdoors.

Lace Doilies ©Laura Miller

“When did you first realize you were an artist?”

I’ve always been drawn to my creative side. As a young person, for years I took art classes at the Toledo Museum of Art in Toledo, Ohio, USA. It was amazing to be surrounded by great works of art at such an early age.

“Please tell us all about your art... style, mediums, themes, and process.”

STYLE: I describe my painting style as "graffiti charm" because I love to combine traditional subjects with a graffiti flair…energetic, colorful and spontaneous.

paper lantern laura miller artist MEDIUMS: My favorite are acrylics. However, as a near daily practice, I sketch using watercolor, markers and ink.

THEMES: I’m currently on a vintage theme drawing inspiration from some of my collections. “Glass Bottles” was inspired by my vintage art glass collection. “Lace Doilies” was inspired by the doilies my grandmother crocheted. “Yellow Vase” is a retro modern piece.

Paper Lantern ©Laura Miller

PROCESS: My process is to intuitively apply deep layers of dynamic drips, splatters, stencilling, etching and spontaneous graffiti marks in all colors. Much of my mark making is done with tools other than brushes that give my paintings extra interest with a variety of unique marks. Sometimes I have an idea of what I want the subject to be before applying the layers, but I usually let the painting decide what the subject will be.

“What kind of music do you listen to while creating?”

I listen to a variety of music that energizes me…usually Latin, pop (on a 90’s kick), classic rock and on occasion, techno.

“How do you get inspired when uninspired?”

When I need inspiration I take photographs. I have really grown to appreciate the use of my camera to capture things that inspire me. Most times it’s looking at things a little differently…a close up of an interesting leaf or a piece of architecture. I am often inspired by something that I come across in nature while taking a walk, during a hike, visiting a museum or just things in everyday life. I think that sometimes we miss the inspiring things that are part of everyday life like pattern in nature or an eye catching color combination. With the exception of just a few, all the photographs on my website and blog are my originals. It’s important to me that everything relating to my art is my creation.

yellow vase laura miller artist “What do you do in your spare time besides art?”

The best time is the time I spend with family and friends. I also exercise regularly and enjoy photography. I have celiacs and like to try out new gluten free recipes.

Yellow Vase ©Laura Miller

“What are you working on now or most recently?”

I’m working on a series inspired by the “Glass Bottles” painting. I will probably create a series based on “Lace Doilies” as well. My original works were landscapes and lately I’m feeling the urge to paint more of them!

“What is the best artwork you ever created, and why?”

The best artwork I ever created is “Glass Bottles”. I feel as though it combines two of my passions…vintage art glass and my graffiti charm style. I’m very pleased with the colors, composition and overall feel.

“What role does the artist play in society?”

This is an interesting question. Perhaps it’s my nursing coming out but I think that artists have a way of healing. Artists offer an opportunity for viewers to lose themselves…a way to forget about what may be difficult in their lives. I write a blog series called “Art For Your Health” that highlights programs and artists that provide a therapeutic effect through art. From cancer patients to military veterans, using creativity seems to heal.

fruit bowl laura miller “Have you sold many artworks? How?”

I’m just starting to sell my paintings and I look forward to what the future may hold.

Fruit Bowl ©Laura Miller

“What are your favorite ways of promoting art online?”

My favorite way of promoting my art online is through my blog. I feel that it gives snippets of who I am as an artist and person so that readers make a real connection. I also use Facebook regularly as a quicker, shorter way to connect to followers. I have a Twitter, Google Plus and Pinterest accounts as well.

“Can you tell us about your main art influences?”

My main art influences are those artists who use/used lots of color. In fact, I’ve just started a blog series called “Artists That Love Color”. So far I’ve highlighted Frank Stella and Josef Albers. Others I plan to include are: Klee, Kadinsky, Miro, O’Keefe, Lichtenstein, Rothko, de Kooning, Mondrian, Picasso, Fishman, Nielly

“Can you recommend a great contemporary artist and tell us a little about their art?”

I am in awe of the work of Francoise Nielly. She is an AMAZING French artist that uses a palette knife to masterfully create beautiful portraits in bright, bold colors. She was in advertising for many years and left to pursue her art career. You can view her incredible art here: http://www.francoise-nielly.com/

glass bottles “Please tell us something interesting in your life.”

I donated a kidney to my brother at Thanksgiving in 2009.

I worked in medical research for years (most recently in cancer research) and am a co-author on a research article on the genetics of hearing loss

“Where do you see yourself as an artist 10 years from now?”

In ten years I hope to have a growing body of recognizable, unique work. To stay challenged, I can see myself branching out into other art forms that interest me such as illustration, mixed media, and surface design. I would like to stay connected with fans, other artists and the community (teach). I also think it’s important to have artwork at different price points so that it is available to everyone. Oh yeah…a larger studio would be great!

“Do you have any parting advice you can give to aspiring and emerging artists?”

Be yourself…not only in your art style but also who you are as a person. Keeping on top of trends is important but it’s also important to “turn it off” so that you can concentrate on your work. I also think that it’s important to interact with your collectors/followers in an authentic and genuine way. I would also say that you need to be technology savvy (computer, software, phone, social media) as well as be knowledgeable about business.