Today we’d like to introduce you to Karissa “InCreation” Miller.
Hi Karissa, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I came into the East Atlanta art & music scene in 1998 as an insecure artist with a focus on painting and a former hair stylist for Salon 313 with a highly creative and intelligent six years old daughter, Emily. When The Earl opened in 1999, I was hired as a server bartender and was finding my voice as an artist and event planner. I proposed an art & music event to John Searson hosting 15 artists-including myself-interpretive dance, spoken word and five bands to showcase their talent. I hosted this and future events under the name, Local Ingredients. I collaborated with diverse genres of musicians & artists to truly exhibit who Atlanta was and still is such as Dres Tha Beatnik, My Cousin Troy, Ph Balance: Pam Howe & Chris “Fatty”, Dub Mack, Ramadon, Justin Inhale, William Metz, Captain Mudfish Starbolt, T-Challa, Psyche Origami, Minamina Goodsong, Ali Merenda, Elizabeth Davidovich, Molly “Moll” Pearce and so many others that were simply flowing with the positive art & music vibes. At this time in East Atlanta, this event was the first of its kind and we had an excellent, talented and loyal following for years.
I had a bit of a life breakdown at 27 and removed myself from the ATL scene for exactly six years. I gave birth to my second daughter who later presented with a diagnosis of Mowat-Wilson Syndrome and would later become a single parent again. I was determined to re-emerge better and stronger and more focused on what was truly important to me-which was providing a way for people young and older to come together and express themselves authentically through the arts–it has been my HEALER.
Fast forward the present- I now have a degree in Art Education from the University of West Georgia whose School of the Arts is bar none in Visual Arts education and demonstration. I have worked as a Preschool teacher and atelierista, public junior high art teacher all before opening my own children’s studio called Panorama Oaks day Studio. I saw a great need for working parents and children to have a safe space to express themselves through visual & performing arts processes whenever school was not in session. I was blessed to start this business from my home and then expanded to a professional space at The Goat Farm Arts Center.
In August of 2021, I was encouraged to apply for an Artist in Residence position at the Arts Beacon in Grant Park by a fellow artist and parent of 2 of my students-Erin Wicker. I interviewed and submitted my portfolio and was accepted into the program by Jena Dost-my now art mentor and director. In January of 2022, I was promoted to Teaching Resident Artist and I could not be happier to get to serve children and adults through teaching of visual arts in my community.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Absolutely not. I have battled childhood trauma, strongholds of an underground art & music scene, Single parenting, inflation, pandemics, mental health, divorce, working multiple jobs while attaining an art degree throughout my whole life…but I would say I have the victory over all these issues now.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I started off as a painter but through the amazing art program at UWG, I am now a ceramicist, printmaker, sculpture & installation artist. I focus on ironies of life, healing and trauma….some of my work is fun, flirty and useful butMOST of it bends your eye of interpreting beauty.
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
I am Increation Art on Facebook and Instagram You can find me at the Arts Beacon teaching and displaying my work
My children’s studio is www.PanoramaOaksDayStudio.org and on FB and INSTG.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.PanoramaOaksDayStudio.org
- Instagram: Increation Art
- Facebook: Increation Art
