I am thrilled to introduce you to a long time favorite and much belated feature that slipped through the cracks somehow. 

I have 2 of her pieces in my office including a custom Iris.  

This artist and I connect through our love of color, pattern and whimsy in her fabulous faces that she captures. Those faces just speak to me.

Enjoy getting to know

Miles Purvis

Columbia, South Carolina

  

What is your training?

From a young age, my parents had me enrolled in art classes after school. Those went better for me than the piano or dance classes. That foundation and encouragement led me to major in Studio Art at the University of South Carolina, where I concentrated in painting.

 

What inspires you and your designs?

 Color and Pattern. Whether its from a La Croix can or feature in Architectural Digest- I am always on the lookout for a unique color combination and pattern. I’ve bought many things at the grocery store just for the sole purpose of incorporating its packaging into a collage.The more pattern mixing, the better for me. I just love it. Plain, Simple, & Neutral are three words I doubt I will ever hear in reference to my work and that’s how I would like to keep it. If I never make it big, at least it wont be because of beige. 

 

What is your favorite piece? 

That’s a tough one but I would have to say a recent commission I did for a client. “Schumacher Smoke Rings” She gave me full creative freedom and let me do something completely different than what we originally discussed. I incorporated resin, vintage fabric, wallpaper, oxidized copper and painted acrylic. I fell in love with the attitude and sense of soul the piece took on. I think of a strong, bold woman who lives in New York and sips martinis while admiring a Kerry James Marshall piece when I look at it. 

How has the your area influenced your work?

My most recent work is a series of 16 resin collages that is currently on exhibit at Sozo Gallery in Charlotte, NC as part of their show “HERitage”.

Growing up and living in the south has always had a strong influence in my life and work. I pull inspiration from the expectations and realities of being a southern lady while still holding to the theme of organized chaos throughout my work. With each piece, an attitude and sense of style is formed from detailed shapes of various textiles and painted papers. Each piece is based upon a selection of southern ladies that have made a lasting impression on me. This body of work holds the closest to my heart as it is a pure reflection of the life I live and love. 

 

What is your favorite restaurant in Columbia? 

Pasta Fresca in Forest Acres– Columbia, SC. I cannot say enough positive things about this place. The fried brussel sprouts and chianti are beyond. 

 

What is your favorite cocktail? 

Titos dirty martini with freshly ground pepper and feta stuffed olives 

 

How do you balance personal life and work? 

This is my biggest struggle because as a self employed, one woman show, if you don’t work, you don’t get paid- and that can be very stressful. I would say meeting my boyfriend Beattie really helped put a work/life balance into perspective. He is one person that I can say is always in a positive mood and the most efficient at time management. 

I truly believe starting the day with a positive attitude sets the tone for a productive, well managed day. Sometimes I allow life’s stressors to get the best of me and consume my day- I get nothing done on those days, usually eat something really unhealthy, and it takes me away from spending time with the ones who bring me joy. Making a short list of tasks to complete-just for that day and staying off social media also helps me stay focused. 

The hardest thing that I have had to come to terms with, as far as balancing my life, is that I have to sleep to function and have to say “no” sometimes. Find something or someone you love more than your work/income and you won’t have as hard of time signing off at the end of each workday. Your emails and workload will be there in the morning regardless and it will be okay. C’est la vie 

 

Dream trip?

To be able to financially take my parents on their dream trip. 

 

Dream commission?

For Schumacher to commission a series of collages with free range to use any of their fabric or wallpaper.

 

Your favorite host / hostess gift to give?

Chocolate Chip Rosemary Sea Salt Tea Cookies from Carolina Girl Cooks. The owner Jennifer hand makes them and they are incredible. Her packaging is great too. 

 

Who is your style icon?

If I could have anyone’s wardrobe, it would be Blair Eadie of The Atlanta Pacific Blog. Its perfection.

 

Your favorite up and coming artist? 

 

Chambers Austelle. I can’t get enough of her work right now and she currently has pieces on display in the “Homage” exhibit at The Vendue in Charleston, SC. She’s doing a style of work that I have never seen before and that alone speaks volumes. 

My other favorite is certainly an established artist but Linda Christensen never ceases to amaze me with each piece and is the only person on Instagram that I still have post notifications turned on for. 

 

What is your most treasured possession?

A gold bangle of my mothers and the letters that my boyfriend, Beattie has written to me.

 

What are you reading?

For the second time, In the Company of Women by Grace Bonney, the founder of Design Sponge. I recommend it to everyone- it is changing my life and its a beautiful coffee table book. 

 

What are you listening to? 

You can find me on any of the following stations via Pandora or Spotify: James Brown, Curtis Mayfield, and Migos. Quite the combo I know, but those guys do it for me.

I love rap music and I am always eager to see the creative concept of a Migos music video– they are really well done. If you want to get some work done or break a sweat- rap will never fail you.  

What are your favorite blogs / publications?

So many to name but top 5.

The English Room

Byrdie

True Grit- Brooke Lowry’s Blog

Amanda Louise Interiors Blog 

Missing Richard Simmons Podcast 

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Look at the pieces in Miles’ upcoming show at Sozo Gallery…I am so in love with the first 3 …if not all. 

More info on these pieces available at Sozo Gallery.

Be sure to follow @MilesPurvisArt in Instagram as well as her website/shop. 

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