ARTIST STATEMENT
Kathryn A. Miller (American/Spokane)

Utility and beauty are hallmarks of traditional Indigenous artforms. The art I produce is an homage to the handwork of the women of my family who were my first inspirations and guides.

In the tradition of my ancestors, stories are embedded within my designs. These stories are concept driven and thematic, exploring an aspect of personal connection to universal themes. The topics of history, legacy, and time frequent my oeuvre. Accurate histories are often dependent upon a point of view. Indigenous views are not fully represented in accounts of the history of my Spokane Tribe and my family’s place within that sphere informs my approach to art. My work adds another dimension to America’s historical record.

As an Indigenous mixed-media fiber artist, I work with traditional materials, leather, beads, yarn, and cloth. I also incorporate repurposed clothing or other thrift store goods. I enjoy coaxing something new from materials that already have defined boundaries of space or time. My art practice continually asserts that perceived constraints encourage innovations. Innovation is key to adaptations necessary for the challenges of our future.