Today we’d like to introduce you to Caitlin Ruby Miller.
Caitlin Ruby, we’d love to hear your story and how you got to where you are today both personally and as an artist.
I have always had a highly inquisitive mind, whether that is inquiring about the nature of particle physics or learning to love someone deeply. I have brought this inquisitive nature to everything I have done in my life, including opera, music, science, psychology and the humanities. I think this inquisitive nature is essential in finding purpose in life.
I am from Spring Green, Wisconsin, which is quite a small town that feels as though it is in the middle of nowhere. However, since I left my hometown 7 years ago, I have realized that there are crevices of fantastical experiences splattered against the winding hills. Frank Lloyd Wright built Taliesin in Spring Green, which has been etched deeply into my memory. I have performed in his small theater amongst the stone and old curtain, filled with squares and circles organized in the most interesting way.
Spring Green is also the home of American Players Theater. I cannot say enough about this theater company. It has been reviewed by major publications such as the New York Times. I have such deep and pervasive reactions to the plays that it puts on, not only for their sheer artistic verve but also seeing the actors grow throughout my childhood. I view each of the core actors in a completely different way than when I was a child. The stories they have told, and I have been so grateful to have witnessed, so deeply affect me. Particular actors that I would recommend the readers to explore are Colleen Madden, Tracy Arnold, James DeVita and Jim Ridge. These actors shaped my childhood, and they continue to shape me today. APT is run by a brilliant woman, Brenda DeVita, who is working tirelessly on inclusion in the company. Enjoy a play in the woods.
I mention this stage of my life, because the more I explore my creativity, the more I connect to these early memories and experiences. Call me Freudian, but I think it makes sense.
We’d love to hear more about your art. What do you do you do and why and what do you hope others will take away from your work?
I aim (and do not always succeed) in creating fantastical imagery that reflects a part of the person that is not noticeable from a surface level. I particularly like to reflect the complexities within the subject through choosing different looks that reflect different aspects of themselves. The more I improve in photography, the more I strive to make active, purposeful choices regarding the way in which I envision a person. My inspiration is in the moment and the power of creative flow (google Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi for more information). I think representation, in ability, race, ethnicity, body size, culture, gender identity and sexuality is quite important.
Furthermore, I remember walking down the halls in high school and seeing people in flashes of ways that I felt truly reflected them, or brought out their essence. I recently thought of this because I realized that I was doing it during a photography session. I have this instinct of looking at someone, taking them in as a person and having a gut reaction of sorts as to how I can portray them. Sometimes that means a classic portrait with dramatic lighting. It has gone as far as covering a model in a white bikini with white textured fabric, so the range can be comical! Nonetheless, it is a fascinating process to lead with your intuition.
How can artists connect with other artists?
My advice to artists is to charge others what they need to live! No one should pay pennies for a photo shoot, nor a piece of art, nor a concert, nor various other artistic adventures. All artists need to start valuing themselves and asking for more. There is too much stigma in the industry to charge prices that essential pay the artist less than minimum wage per hour. Photography in particular costs thousands of dollars for equipment on top of studio rent, ongoing business expenses and advertising. We must not be afraid to value ourselves!
Do you have any events or exhibitions coming up? Where would one go to see more of your work? How can people support you and your artwork?
I am in the early stages of planning my first art show, which will involve teaming up with people in the opera industry among others. I cannot reveal more details, though I wish!
You can always find my work on my Facebook page, website, Instagram and the various places my clients post.
Contact Info:
- Address: 7013 N Glenwood Ave
Chicago, IL 60626 - Website: caitlinrubymiller.com
- Email: caitlinrubymiller@gmail.com
- Instagram: rubyimageschicago and rubyimagesweddings (weddings account)
- Facebook: facebook.com/caitlinrubymiller
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
