Dori Miller – The Intersections of Art & Science
In the dynamic and ever-evolving sphere of art, where tradition meets innovation and personal expression intermingles with collective narratives, the introduction of technology can create new ways of seeing and understanding the world. This article explores a fascinating conversation with Dori Miller, an accomplished artist known for her profound artistry and the unique perspectives she brings to her work. Using her own experiences and insights, Miller takes us on a journey that seamlessly merges the realms of art, data science, and artificial intelligence.
Our conversation uncovered a shared belief in the importance of human individuality and the need to reassess how we measure value in a world increasingly influenced by artificial intelligence. Read on to explore Miller’s artistic journey, her passion for her work, and her thoughts on the future of art in the age of AI.
Color Psychology
Miller’s lifelong fascination with color, particularly purple, has shaped her approach to art and her understanding of color psychology. She vividly recalls her childhood attraction to the color, from the violet patch near her house to the lilacs that lined her driveway and the wild blackberry field she discovered at a summer camp. These experiences instilled in her an appreciation for color in nature, setting the stage for her future as an artist.
For Miller, purple is more than just a hue. It represents royalty, politics, and even sustenance. “For me, purple just feels good,” she said. Purple is also a symbol of balance, a blend of two colors that creates something unique in the middle. But her relationship with the color is not just about aesthetics; it’s also about the emotional resonance and personal significance the color holds.
Her early exposure to the creative world, particularly a memorable experience watching “Willy Wonka” and witnessing the limitless possibilities of imagination, further solidified her path towards artistry. She saw the power of creation, the ability to bring any idea, no matter how outlandish, into reality.
Miller’s affinity for color extends to her art materials. She shared a story about a set of violet oil paints she purchased from a company in the Czech Republic. Despite the paint’s poor quality and tendency to separate, she was captivated by the beautiful colors. This story not only underscores her dedication to her craft but also her willingness to explore and experiment with color in her work.
In our conversation, Miller explored the idea that color psychology could have therapeutic benefits. She proposed a future in which doctors could prescribe art with specific color palettes to help treat mental illnesses. Her vision underscores the potential of art – and color in particular – to influence human emotion and mental state.
Miller’s perspective on color psychology offers a fresh look at the emotional power of color in art. It’s not just about creating visually pleasing works; it’s about connecting with viewers on a deeper, more emotional level. Her insights underscore the importance of color in shaping our experiences and perceptions, in art and beyond.
The Intersection of Art and Artificial Intelligence
Her first encounter with the concept of artificial intelligence (AI) in 1981 was unexpectedly impactful. At the tender age of 18 and as a high school dropout, she was looking for a way to shape her life. However, her understanding of AI was dismissed by a guidance counselor. “That stopped me from pursuing college, and I ended up working in graphic design,” she recalls.
Despite this initial setback, Miller’s fascination with AI wasn’t dampened. She recognized a compelling force within the concept, a gut reaction she now identifies as a sign of flow in her studio. Her intrigue predates our current era, where AI has become a source of both awe and fear.
During our conversation, it was clear we shared a common perspective: humans can’t—and shouldn’t—be replaced or measured solely by machine standards. I expressed my concern about judging humans against machine standards and trying to numerically place human beings. But we need to go beyond that. Every human is valuable, unique, and should not be measured in the same way.
Miller resonated with this sentiment and cited a poem by Marina Tsvetaeva that had deep resonance for her: “What shall I do by nature and trade, a singing creature as I go over the bridge of my enchanted vision that cannot be weighed in a world that deals only in weights and measures?” This, to Miller, encapsulated the perspective perfectly.
Despite the potential pitfalls and ethical considerations in the world of AI and technology, there is hope. The ‘Art Scene: Meet More Friends’ app isn’t about measuring humans by machine standards. Instead, it attempts to reflect back to the user more about themselves, using data to enlighten rather than to judge.
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Inspired Me
“The app inspired an artistic part of me that’s always been there but hasn’t been tapped into for quite some time.”
Challenges Snobbish Ideals
“This innovative use of technology challenges the snobbish idea that only the rich can afford great art by helping anyone learn how to confidently and affordably bring the power of beauty into their lives.”
Discover Yourself
“It’s fun. It helps you discover something about yourself and gives you an idea of what speaks to you.”
Download the App
Inspired Me
“The app inspired an artistic part of me that’s always been there but hasn’t been tapped into for quite some time.”
Challenges Snobbish Ideals
“This innovative use of technology challenges the snobbish idea that only the rich can afford great art by helping anyone learn how to confidently and affordably bring the power of beauty into their lives.”
Discover Yourself
“It’s fun. It helps you discover something about yourself and gives you an idea of what speaks to you.”
The idea is not to assert that rating 100 works on an app makes one an art connoisseur. Rather, the aim is to reflect back to the user what they probably didn’t know about themselves. However, in doing so, there is a need to be careful to avoid the ‘dark patterns’ of tech, the manipulative tactics that try to steer user behavior.
Through our work, both Dori Miller and I are pushing boundaries, redefining the relationship between humans, art, and technology. Our efforts echo a shared belief: while technology can provide tools for understanding, it should never undermine the inherent worth and uniqueness of the human experience.
Exploring the Intersection of Art and Crypto-Biotech
Dori Miller’s work often probes into the less-charted territories of the world, bringing to light the unseen or unrecognized aspects of our environment. One such instance is her fascination with cryptobiotic crusts, a naturally occurring phenomenon that exists on the surfaces of untouched deserts around the globe. These delicate, intricate crusts—while outwardly seeming insignificant—are actually vital for the health of the ecosystems they inhabit.
“I learned about cryptobiotic crusts from a documentary I watched,” Miller recalls. “They are rhizomatic in nature—like a protective layer of skin for the desert. They are so fragile that any interference can destroy them. The scientists refer to them as ‘keeping the place in place.’ It’s a powerful yet delicate armor, and it resonated with me.”
Miller’s interest in cryptobiotic crusts transcends the purely scientific. She sees them as a metaphor for the delicate balance between strength and vulnerability, and their existence and function have informed her artistic practice. Her series of paintings, “Defending Surface,” is inspired by these crusts, offering an artistic interpretation of their unique, fragile beauty.
“But what really captivated me,” she continues, “is the concept of how these crusts, if left undisturbed, grow these unique mineralized blooms—each one different, like snowflakes. It speaks to me about the power of natural evolution and growth when left uncolonized.”
This idea of untouched evolution and growth has formed a cornerstone of Miller’s artistry. She likens the concept to hidden treasures, their beauty revealed only with the passage of time and natural growth.
“As I’m getting older,” Miller admits, “it makes me want to explore and find the beauty in my own ‘crusts.’ To me, cryptobiotic crusts are not just a phenomenon in nature, they are an artistic metaphor.”
In Miller’s work, we see a fascinating exploration of the world around us through the lens of art—a lens that broadens our perspective and invites us to see the unseen. The inclusion of such a scientific concept in her artistic practice demonstrates the possible intersections between art, science, and technology, pushing the boundaries of traditional artistic expression. It serves as a reminder that art can be a powerful tool to communicate complex ideas and bring attention to the overlooked aspects of our world.
How to Schedule a Studio Tour
To schedule a studio tour with Dori Miller, whether virtually or in-person, click here: https://www.dorimillerstudios.com/book-online
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