Guardian: A Reminder

Guardian (Collection of Katie Hoffman) Photograph by Mike Miller.

Mike Miller is such a fresh, new talent. His whole show at Create Appalachia radiated his unjaded outsider artist perspective. And the exhibit bothered people—in a good way.

It certainly inspired self-examination on my part. The consistent presence of the mask in Mike's photos makes the figure wearing it both universal and relatable. The Masked Man became a symbol of the struggle between the admirable parts of ourselves and the parts we'd rather just hide.

The Masked Man became a symbol of the struggle between the admirable parts of ourselves and the parts we'd rather just hide.

The mask becomes (ironically) a public acknowledgement that this figure struggles with imperfection, and really wants to feel redeemed and worthy. These photographs, to me, feel like an act of deep artistic honesty and generosity. 

I purchased "The Guardian" as a reminder to have the same level of integrity—to be brave enough to share my struggles and mistakes, and not just my successes. People learn so much more from the latter. 

—Katie Hoffman, Executive Director, Create Appalachia