Miles Perry shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Good morning Miles , we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: Have you stood up for someone when it cost you something?
yeah, actually….that’s a good icebreaker for sure… I spoke up and used my platform speaking up for Palestinians and inequality everywhere. The owner of a professional sports team, called me and said because of my posts, they will not be working with me going forward. Also, had some collectors block and silence me. It definitely took a hit to my finances, but it really is the bare minimum that we can do…
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
For sure! I’m a Boston-based visual artist with Cape Verdean roots. I’ve lived in many different places from, New York, Miami, Los Angeles, Cape Cod, Portland (Maine), Boston and now Cambridge (yeah they are different haha)
I have a brand, but I don’t like the term brand, so let’s say a statement of self. “THIS IS AN ORIGINAL WORK OF ART™” I design clothing and make paintings. My clothing is customized with embroidery and silk-screen printing one by one. Industrious Print Studio in RI has been doing all my screening and embroidery. Shout out to Brad and Liz. Then from there I hand-paint and “splatter” its a patented technique… No just playin’
I also am a painter and my specialty is mixed media.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
Damn that’s a deep question… but I’d say Ego. I been listening to Eckhart Tolle and focusing on the power of now, but he talks about removing Ego for most things that challenge us in life.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
Don’t rush, take it slow, Don’t be scared, Be yourself and maybe don’t smoke so much herbals.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. Is the public version of you the real you?
Sheesh!! You really laying it on heavy today.. Honestly, No. I don’t feel like it. I’m kind of tired of the public version of me. I need to connect with nature and disconnect from socials too. I’m currently doing an intense 52 day Holiday Arts + Crafts Show that is outdoors in Boston during November/December talking to thousands of people in a 2 month time, I’m in the middle of it now. After this year, I am really looking into a big change with “this is an original work of art” Find more meaning within the business, with the art.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. Could you give everything your best, even if no one ever praised you for it?
There are a lot of days being an artist and business owner where you aren’t being praised. Just grinding to yourself, packing, unpacking, promoting, scheduling so much to do, so little time and not many people check in. I always give it my best though. I have been a full time artist sine 2012. Almost 14 years now, there is something really difficult sustaining that long and also being true to yourself and change. Changes that happen with how you see the world and how the world sees you and going against the cog machine and paving your own path. It feels like a calling, but in some ways, it can feel like you’re lost too, but I guess we are all wandering, right?
Contact Info:
- Website: https://thisisanoriginalworkofart.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thisisanoriginalworkofart/
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@thisisanoriginalworkofart?si=bXFPYe5hDzfU0qWI
Image Credits
Maya Alia
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