I was born in Des Moines, Iowa to a family of artists. My grandfather, Frank Miller, Sr., was an illustrator for the Kansas City Star for 40 years, when artists were sent out to sketch events rather than photographers to photograph them. He developed a loyal local following.
My parents met at the Kansas City Art Institute. Following college, my mother worked as a fashion illustrator for Harzfelds Department Store in Kansas City. My father, on return from Korea, took a job as front page editorial cartoonist for the Des Moines Register, winning a Pulitzer Prize for a cartoon about peace in 1964. Like his father, he developed a loyal following. He died suddenly in 1984 at the age of 57. My mother worked with various art techniques until hitting on her passion, batik.
My husband, Mark is a Public Defender; we have a son named Avery, now 14 years old. My sister, Mindy Miller, is an artist living a life of creative simplicity in the splendor of Glenwood Springs, Colorado.
I worked for the Iowa Attorney General's office for 17 years as an Investigator in the Victims of Violent Crime unit before leaving to pursue my passion. I learned the art of Pique Assiette from the Book, "Making Bits and Pieces Mosaics", by Storey Publishing, written by Marlene Hurley Marshall.
After developing my skill and creating some additional techniques, I was able to work at my craft on a full-time basis. I also have interests in neuropsychology, autism, and related subjects. I've studied Abraham Maslow's theories and studies extensively, as well as work done by such creativity experts as Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi and John Briggs. I have recently developed an interest in economics, and the fascinating world of the stock markets.
I have been creating Pique Assiette Mosaics since 2000, and sell my mosaic gifts through WholesaleCrafts.com. I also teach mosaic for the Des Moines Public Schools Adult Education Program. Recently, I've developed a keen interest in web site design, and offer web site design services through www.CreativeSimplicityWebDesigns.com
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Copyright Melissa's Motifs 1998 - 2010
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Monday, June 28, 2010 8:40 AM
