Chicago

“It gives me great pleasure to do art and be of service to others.”

With over 40 years of creative experience, artist Robert Miller’s style has paralleled the growth of Chicago. Having lived in the city his entire life, he has a unique understanding of it. “The city experience can be good or bad.” Robert elaborates, “I live for the positive things that happen. I use art as an outlet.” Robert is an Army Reserves veteran and attends Thresholds, a community based mental health organization in Chicago where he creates his artwork. 

Robert has a structured abstract style. “I start with a sketch,”  Robert describes. “When I paint in the sketch, I work from the least difficult to the most difficult.” While his paintings are composed to create a feeling of stability, Robert’s use of bold colors creates movement that challenges the structured composition. The values that guide Robert’s life also guide his creativity: “Stay positive. Be creative. Give and help others,” he explains. 

“I think it (his art) will make them feel positive and happy,” Robert shares when thinking about the impact being a part of ArtLifting will have on others. How Robert wants his art to affect others is the same way art has affected his life. When reflecting on how he has benefitted through his art practice, he says “I feel excited and creative. I feel relaxed and calm.” Robert explains, “It helps me with my health.”