We’re back and excited to introduce our Fall Season Opener!

In celebration of the arts, we begin our season with our esteemed guest, Andre L. Miller- Painter, Artist and Instructor. Listen in now for an awe-inspiring conversation.

Find, follow and support Andre:

Website: ArtbyAndreLMiller

Instagram: @ArtbyAndreLMiller_06

Andre’s bio…

Early in life, my mother encouraged the development of my talent by enrolling me into a summer art program at Memphis State University (now the University of Memphis). Ms. Boo Ruch, my 8th grade art teacher at Melrose Jr. High School in Memphis, TN, entered me into an art competition where I won my very first Merit Award. After high school, I earned a BFA in Graphic Design and a MS in Curriculum of Instruction and Educational Leadership, from the University of Memphis. As an instructor in the middle and high school grades, I have come to believe that the natural progression of the soul is to create, and as I create, my soul then gives over to teaching.  

     I am rarely found without a sketchbook, as I am constantly drawing. Oftentimes, the drawings are left in the sketchbook, and in other instances, they develop into more in-depth ideas and detailed images. As a commissioned artist, I primarily seek to create pieces that my clients find graceful and awe-inspiring.  While I use a variety of materials and processes, I am most comfortable using graphite and acrylic paints.

Growing up, I enjoyed developing images of sword and sorcery, fantasy and science fiction, which hearken back to my early years as a comic book enthusiast.  Years of practice, formal training and personal experiences have been reflected in all of my work. Many of my works have the tendency to focus on the spirituality of man and his struggle with self-discipline as he strives to conquer his desires of excess, diverse passions, pride of life and the resulting consequences. I will engage in subjects as varied as the continued Civil/Human Rights movements, the Delta Blues, jazz music and African-centered religious imagery of the Holy Bible. More recently, I have explored the female form, experimenting with the nude figure, as well as the performance of art through dance.   

     My work has developed and evolved over time, and hopefully it will speak for itself. I am always excited to hear what each person takes away from my work, as it is always different and enlightening. When my artwork is focused on social, political and cultural issues, it is most often from the “Black Experience” in America. I find myself deconstructing or destroying traditional images and replacing them with more honest treatments that (in my view) should not give rise to negative reactions, but they often do. The evocation of thought and feeling is what I find most intriguing. 

     The artists whom I most admire are Richard Wyatt, Jr., Charles Wright, Ernie Barnes, Dan Adkins, Frank Frazetta and Norman Rockwell. I have also adored and explored the works of Jean-Michel Basquiat and Julian Schnabel.

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Thank you for joining in Celebration of the Arts. Please stay tuned for next week. Hope you enjoyed the show!

Until next time,

~ Stacey Mack and the Grateful Badass Team

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