Being an art administrator in higher education and an artist/professor, I have had ample opportunities to explore ideas, collaborate, and reinvent myself professionally.

As I have grown in administrative leadership roles, my painting has become increasingly personal and romantic, most often describing elements in an abstract landscape or a meditative state. The surface of a painting now seems more important to me than in the past. Images and content are more diffuse and searching. This might be due to the contrast between the public nature and expectations of administration versus the private nature and vulnerability of doing studio work.

But, characteristics that painting and art administration do share are the need for creativity and risk-taking. As an effective administrator strives to be informed, discerning, and original, an artist aims to be productive, critical, and entrepreneurial. Both succeed and thrive with information, investigation, and problems to solve. Each is dependent on developing a true voice.

 

Jean MK Miller

Chair, Department of Art + Design, Art History, Art Education, Towson University
Towson, Maryland
President, National Council of Art Administrators
College Art Association, Professional Practices Committee
College Art Association, Nominating Committee