Photo courtesy of the artist. Photo by Jerome A. Shaw
Featured Artist Miles Regis creates art that speaks of love & unity.
His black & white strokes, starkly juxtaposed with complex dimensions of color, reflect struggle, strength & triumph. Prolific in both fine art and fashion design, Regis freely swaps the materials and languages of each to enrich the other.
His large-scale mixed media paintings on canvas and linen incorporate dimensional collage elements of denim, buttons, leather, printed matter, sequins, and patches of eclectically sourced found textiles. These textiles are found alongside his dextrous, gestural, richly-hued abstract and figurative painting techniques.
Describing himself as "aggressively hopeful and humanistic," Regis embraces a storytelling stance in his stylized renditions portraying fundamental scenes of love, loss, freedom, survival, activism, and living history.
Artwork Archive got the chance to chat with Miles Regis about his creative process, the inspiration behind his work, and advice he has for emerging artists.
You can see more of his work on Discovery and learn more about his art practice below.
Miles Regis, 'Let's Keep The Love Going', 37 x 52 in
Has your work changed over time—do you find yourself understanding your art career through different periods of expression?
I believe my stroke has definitely changed over the years.
Once you put in those 10,000+ hours, one would hope that your craft is improving. I really hope this is the case with my work.
Do you have a favorite or most satisfying part of your creative process?
I really love every aspect of the creative process, from conception to execution of ideas on canvas.
It's truly satisfying watching it all come together. There are so many happy surprises that work.
It's as if you can never really go wrong or make a ‘mistake’—whatever ends up on the canvas is meant to be.
You can keep going by adding more paint but at some point, you know when to stop. Typically, I know at what point to stop. The canvas almost tells me what I have expressed is visually working. At that point I find contentment.
You mention your role as an art activist. Can you speak more about how your subject matter embraces this role and what type of dialogue you’re wanting to spark among your viewers?
Bringing attention to social issues is something I have been doing since the start of my career.
It's important to start a conversation by making statements on canvas that people can connect with and relate to their everyday lives.
Thought-provoking work is what I hope to be remembered for.
I’ve dealt with sensitive subject matter such as race relations, abortion, gender, and sexuality issues. They all come from the perspective of providing a painting that would spark conversations. These conversations then lead to moving the needle forward to find hope and healing.
Miles Regis, 'Thoughts Affect Change', 48 x 71 in
We understand that you’re delving into the emerging realm of Virtual Reality as a fine art application. Can you speak more about how you incorporate these new technologies into your fine art practice? In your opinion, what role could Virtual Reality play within the Fine Art world as a whole?
I have been partnering with new technology for quite some time.
My first digital showing was at the Coachella Arts and Music Festival. I love presenting the same messages that resonate on flat canvases in a digital format. It usually connects with a brand-new audience.
When my children were in elementary school, I was so fascinated with the whole notion of five to eleven-year-old children being so excited about my digital art. That was over a decade ago. I am still committed to utilizing new technology to get my messages across and to reach a non-traditional art audience.
What does success as an artist mean to you?
Success as an artist means doing the very best work that I can possibly do at every stage of my career.
Miles Regis, 'Royal Peoples', 33 x 33 in
Why did you decide to use Artwork Archive to inventory/manage your artwork?
I have been creating art since 1996, so as you would imagine, there have been many, many canvas pieces created and sold over the years.
Artwork Archive helps provide structure to the business side of my operation.
With proper record keeping, I am able to keep an accurate account of the history of my art practice. I'm able to source information on every painting ever created—from what galleries and exhibitions paintings have appeared in, to what collectors purchased which pieces.
Do you use Artwork Archive on a daily basis?
Absolutely! It is the one tab that remains open on my computer.
What advice would you give an emerging artist during this time?
Dedication is key. Keep creating and do not be discouraged by the "no’s". Sometimes, a no is the best answer, as there is a better path waiting for you.
Hard work always pays off. Put in the hours and you will find your lane and eventually find success.
Miles Regis, 'What a Time to be Alive', 48 x 48in.
Miles Regis uses Artwork Archive to track his artwork, build his artwork legacy, and provide structure to his art business.
You can make an online portfolio, catalog your artwork, and generate reports like inventory reports, tear sheets, and invoices in seconds with Artwork Archive. Take a look at Artwork Archive's free trial and start growing your art business.
