We had the good fortune of connecting with Carolyn Miller and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Carolyn, let’s talk legacy – what do you want yours to be?
I want people to remember that I chose to flow with my own personal impulses and was not directed by the herd mentality. For example, for a while, I struggled with the notion of needing to “fit” into a particular genre as relates to photography: fine art, architecture, portraiture, digital artistry manipulation, etc. It occurred to me that I just could not embrace any single category. So, I started to flow with all the possibilities that emerged from my Being.

So, when (and if) I am so honored to be someone’s reflection, I want to be remembered for my authenticity. My response to all that feels “real and right” for me as opposed to embracing a compartmentalized notion of my creative direction.

Yes, I am all over the place and loving every bit of this journey.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I have always been fascinated with the ability to “SEE”. And, that fascination evolved over time as I grew to look at the world from many perspectives. I embrace the notion that there is an essence residing in everything and that I should be able to tap into those essences if I give in to the dance between every muse and my artistry.

My art has emerged from that core belief that art is about SEEING. It is about INVITING the muse (subject) into a place where you both can share the dance of exchanging energies. But both must be comfortable with that state of vulnerability. Every form is imbued with energy and the artist must always seek permission to tap into the same. I believe my humility in recognizing this principle and honoring it is what sets me apart from some artists.

I spent many years working first as an Assistant Professor of Nursing, then changed careers and moved into Information Technology. Those years fueled my need for creative expressions as I was always in quest of the same. I was able to escape the confines and restrictions of prescriptive thinking in Corporate America by traveling. Those experiences continue to nurture and incubate my love for seeing beyond my present place and circumstances.

I am now in a place where I get to play, to collaborate with others in developing projects that fill my Soul. When I worked, I always felt that hunger and thought I would never feel a sense of freedom. Retirement catapulted me into my artistic place of Beingness.

I am so excited about everything that I have done: small, large, and somewhere in-between because they have created the artist that is writing this narrative.

If I had to describe what I am most proud of right NOW, it would be the 2 projects that are in progress: “Our Stories, Our Journeys: In Our Own Words” – speaks to the need to illuminate the impact of Black Women who have too long been the footnote in someone else’s narrative. And the more recent work related to my “Black Royalty Portraiture Project’ which highlights the inherent regalness and elegance of Black People. The individuals/couples get to work with a stylist/concept developer in examining the presentation for the photoshoot. And these folks have brought forth some amazing ensembles.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.

Day 1: Gathering at Home; Conversations with like-minded friends
Day 2: Historical Tour of Auburn Avenue Area and any Events taking Place
Day 3: Visit the home of one of my favorite artists: Grace Kisa
Day 4: Early Morning Walk: Blue Heron’s Nature Preserve; Nan’s Thai Food for Dinner (day of relaxation; dinner later in the evening)
Day 5: High Museum and Breakfast at South City Kitchen; Dinner at Rumi’s Kitchen
Day 6: DeKalb Farmers’ Market to gather food for the weekend; Dinner at Sufi’s Kitchen
Day 7: Create a meal together from the items purchased on Day 6

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Joy Berry….my mentor, my friend, my Earth “All That Is”. Taught me more about my essence and strengths than I could ever learn in one hundred lifetimes. Reminded me that I am indeed filled with wonder and unexamined possibilities. That Love is my legacy and Light my constant companion.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carolyn_miller_photography/ or @carolyn_miller_photography

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carolyn.miller.7737/

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