Kickstarter

Hello

For those of us meeting for the first time, my name is Ryan Miller a Scottish based photography artist. I am excited to have been selected to be an artist-in-residence at the Kala Art Institute in Berkeley, California in February 2013 for a 3 month stay. Earlier this year I was thinking of ways to develop my career as an artist, and I decided to start researching artist-in-residence programs. The Kala Art Institute mission is to help artists sustain their creative efforts over time through its Artist-in- Residence and Fellowship Programs, and to increase appreciation of this work through exhibitions, public programming and educational efforts. Kala's high quality printmaking and multimedia studios are located in Berkeley, CA.

http://www.kala.org/

I will be immersing myself in a thriving creative environment where I will be creating a series of projects relating to exploring elements of human nature, consciousness, culture and urban landscapes. These projects will consist of photographs, writings, collages, and films created during my three month-long stay at the residency. The residency will allow me to learn how the industry and galleries run. Having access to darkrooms and scanners is crucial in my work, I mainly shoot on slide film so the scanners will be a great help and the residency will also allow me to explore more into printing Ilfochome prints which is something I’m working on at the moment. Studying at Edinburgh College of Art was great platform for myself and colour printing, c-printing and tri gum bichromate are techniques I use regularly now and I think will help towards this new body of colour work. Some of the colour printing techniques don’t require darkroom equipment just chemicals and sunlight. The photographic print is very important in my work and to have curatorial support and feedback will help and allow my work to be at a high standard. Research into my work comes from many topics, American propaganda; the American dream to Jack Kerouac will influence my new body of work throughout the residency. My subject matter in photography has always been to explore the mundane, unreal and eerie towns in every country and to document the people and the landscapes along the way; this again will be the plan of action for the residency to go along with the colour printing and handmade books. 

As the program does not cover the full expenses, kickstarter will soften the burden of airfare, accommodation and materials. I know everything happens for a reason and that this opportunity is going to change my life in every way possible. The money I raise through Kickstarter will go towards the cost of the residency program itself, as well as towards materials to create the art. By backing this project you’ll be able to choose from a variety of rewards, many of which include original artwork at well below my usual prices. These range from spontaneous photographic prints, polaroids, found slides and handmade books. Several of the rewards include art that will be inspired by my time in California. Kickstarter is an all-or-nothing funding option. If I don’t reach my goal, I don’t get any of the funding, and you are not charged anything. If you have any questions at all about me, this project, or the available rewards, please don’t hesitate to ask. Thank you for taking the time to read about this project. I hope you'll consider backing it.

The Rewards: Some Examples                                                                         Some of my original artworks from the past few years are also rewards.