Featured Artist Mira M White

Artist Mira M White creates expressive abstract mixed media paintings that incorporate storytelling. Visit her website to see more of her portfolio.

 

abstract pastel by Mira M. White

“A Little Bit of Joy” oil pastel and soft pastel on paper, 10” x 8”

 

I was born into a middle-class working family. My father served twenty-two years in the marines, and when he retired he returned to his main love—art. He became a student at the California College of Arts & Crafts in Oakland, California.

 

abstract painting by Mira M. White

“Waterways #4” oil and pigment sticks on canvas mounted on panel, 40” x 20”

 

Although he never got his degree as his education was interrupted to take various jobs in the graphic arts, he became an expert brush calligrapher.

 

abstract painting by Mira M. White

“When Will We Again See the Morning of The World?” oil and pigment sticks on canvas, 48” x 36”

 

I was fully involved in artistic activity from the time I was five. At thirteen, I wanted to be a fashion designer. At sixteen, I was enrolled in fine art classes held on Saturdays at the same college my dad attended.

 

abstract painting by Mira M. White

“Pulling Rainbows” oil, pigment sticks, cold wax and collage on canvas , 5’ x 4’

 

Although I spent my freshman year at the University of California at Berkeley, the following summer I took art classes at the Art Student League in New York. I concentrated my artistic focus in a very large drawing class that met three hours a day, five days a week for one month.

 

abstract painting by Mira M. White

“New Side Trip” (3 panels) mixed oil media, 36” x 12”

 

By the end of that month, I had a personal epiphany. I understood what my hands could do and what my heart was dictating. I transferred to the California College of Arts & Crafts, and got my BFA with High Distinction and my MFA with Distinction.

 

abstract painting by Mira M. White

“Marking Herstory” mixed oil media on panel, 20” x 16”

 

For the last fifty years I have been developing and refining my artistic practice. My visual toolbox has, over the years, come to include encaustic, oil, watercolor, acrylics and all graphic media—sometimes all in the same piece. My way of expressing my thoughts and feelings was, for many years, representational. I often used these images to tell a story, whether the narrative was literal or symbolic.

 

abstract painting by Mira M. White

“A Very Green Day” oil, pigment sticks and soft pastel on paper mounted on wood, 36” x 24”

 

I’ve always thought of my art practice as my yoga, and have been a spiritual student for most of my adult life.

 

abstract painting by Mira M. White

“Just Breathe” mixed oil media and acrylic on museum board, 24” x 15”

 

There came a point in my practice when I was no longer satisfied with representing specific images. My work became more process-oriented. I developed a visual structure and atmosphere using layers, with a special love for excavation, spontaneous mark making and abstraction.

 

abstract painting by Mira M. White

“Hourglass Time #2” (2 panels) oil, pigment sticks and collage on panel, 80” x 32”

 

I’m often asked about my images and my content. I find that I need to take a journey when I work, often beginning by making marks, pouring color or using any method that allows me to make an entrance into an evolving journey.

 

abstract painting by Mira M. White

“Blue Ridge” mixed oil media, 12” x 10”

 

An integral part of my process is forming narratives in my mind as I work; these often tell the story behind the piece. The titles I use are like poetry to me, representing a summation of the journey I am taking during the evolution of the artwork. In this way, I reveal a story through my images, with or without incorporating text.

 

Artist Mira M White invites you to follow her on Instagram, Facebook and her Fine Art Workshops.

 

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Comments

  1. I know Mira White as a teacher and a friend. She is brilliant as well as caring. Her artwork speaks for itself!

  2. Gregg Stebben says

    The first piece of art I ever bought was from Mira White about 40 years ago. It is a large piece that currently hangs in my bedroom, high up in the hay loft of our converted horse barn, and it is the first thing I see every morning when I open my eyes.

  3. Congrats Mira! You are a very significant artist who should be recognized as an artist who sets the bar so high other artists will try to emulate but never achieve your brilliance. I am so glad to see you moving into the Asian art world! It’s about time!

  4. Fantastic Mira, for the sale of your painting to a buyer in Tokyo! I hope you have many, many more. For years I have loved your art and 35 years later you still continue to amaze me!
    Cherie

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