Ashley Marie Miller (Pruitt)
Studio Artist. Germanist. Handcrafter.
This is my life.
From a very young age, I was always interested in art. I was raised by my grandparents, as my parents weren't in the picture, and my grandmother was very involved with arts and crafts. She hand-sew quilts with intricate designs, such as wedding ring and double wedding ring quilts; she also drew and painted. Each weekend we would venture to the flea market for her to sell her wares; it was how we made a living.
She taught me how to sew and sketch; she also taught me survivalist skills such as fishing, building a fire, herbal remedies and treatments; making materials out of what was available around me. I became very resourceful very early on. My grandfather passed away when I was nine, and my grandmother passed when I was 13. From then on I lived with my uncle.
Through grade school I was involved in advanced art programs, and continued my art career through high school. My senior year I was accepted into Converse College as a Studio Art BFA with a German minor. The summer my freshman year of college, my biological father found me through Facebook. He lived in Germany, and had been there ever since I was born. The situation is complicated, but I'm glad and grateful to have him in my life now.
With his support and encouragement, I became a double major, with a BA in Studio Art and in German, with an English minor. Though my art has evolved to artisan crafts over the years, I feel my roots in my early art classes gave me the foundation and starting point to think outside the box when making soaps and journals. With the knowledge I have earned and continue to learn, I hope to one day be self sufficient off of my creations. This one goal is the epitome of an artist -- to be successful with what you love.
Thank you for reading, and for your continued support.
She taught me how to sew and sketch; she also taught me survivalist skills such as fishing, building a fire, herbal remedies and treatments; making materials out of what was available around me. I became very resourceful very early on. My grandfather passed away when I was nine, and my grandmother passed when I was 13. From then on I lived with my uncle.
Through grade school I was involved in advanced art programs, and continued my art career through high school. My senior year I was accepted into Converse College as a Studio Art BFA with a German minor. The summer my freshman year of college, my biological father found me through Facebook. He lived in Germany, and had been there ever since I was born. The situation is complicated, but I'm glad and grateful to have him in my life now.
With his support and encouragement, I became a double major, with a BA in Studio Art and in German, with an English minor. Though my art has evolved to artisan crafts over the years, I feel my roots in my early art classes gave me the foundation and starting point to think outside the box when making soaps and journals. With the knowledge I have earned and continue to learn, I hope to one day be self sufficient off of my creations. This one goal is the epitome of an artist -- to be successful with what you love.
Thank you for reading, and for your continued support.