Artist Statement: In Spirals

 Rebecca Rose Miller 

Artist Statement: In Spirals

I propose that life evolves in spirals, not lines or circles.  Each day is the same and yet full of fascinating differences.  These colorful intersections create the kaleidoscope we refer to as “life”.  I created these pieces while teaching French at Summer Creek from 2023 - 2024.  They all contain titles that are “In” Spired and In Spirals.

As a language teacher, I enjoyed exploring the possibilities of expressions containing the preposition “in”.  Some of them are obvious like the red, yellow, orange color scheme of “In Autumn”.  Some of them are personal like “In Mourning” I painted when my grandmother passed away.  Other examples include “In Trouble”, “In Time”, “In Pain”, “In Bloom”, “In Heat”, “In Conversation”, “In Pink” and so forth.  

Five of the pieces are made from dried rose petals arranged in a spiral configuration.  These were very easy to make and I get the most compliments on them.  They are also incredibly fragile and delicate, nearly impossible to relocate without a special case.  The watercolor pieces were relaxing to make.  It was essentially coloring.  

Most of the artwork was born on a new moon cycle and completed during a full moon cycle.  The spiral is an important pagan symbol of both creation and destruction, depending on the direction.  The incorporation of real flower petals is also a nod to this nature-based faith tradition.  

One standout piece is the mixed media “In Shape” which contains a series of runners that I cut out of magazines.   I had to specially subscribe to this magazine to obtain the images for this vision board.  Another favorite is “In  A Hurry” which I did while feeling overwhelmed and busy and so it contains no paint.  It’s a joke.  

Thank you for reading this artist statement.  You may check out more of my artwork at www.rebeccarosesartist.com.  I also teach French and Yoga.  You can contact me through my website www.rebeccarosestudios.com.  Namaste.