Today we’d like to introduce you to Libby Mattmiller.
Hi Libby , please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My name is Libby Mattmiller and I am from Lexington, Kentucky. I’m currently pursuing a major in Fashion Design as well as a minor in Dance at the Savannah College of Art and Design. I began creating the way we all do, as a child. I would color and paint often, finding myself getting lost in these activities. At the age of four, I begged my mom to sign me up for dance classes. I would watch my older sister in ballet class and dream of joining her. I was then enrolled in my first dance class, which I instantly took a liking to. When I was in elementary school I began dancing and acting under the instruction of Jenny Fitzpatrick at Blackbird Dance Theatre. Here is where I truly fell in love with the idea of being an artist and movement being my medium. I was enthralled with the idea that emotions could be expressed through the movement of the body and that an audience has an emotional reaction to this movement. At Blackbird, we produced original full-length dance theatre productions which taught me that dance is an art form and an outlet for storytelling. It was Jenny who helped me decide to continue my artistic journey at SCAD. I am constantly searching for the beauty of everyday life, the poetry that is hidden throughout the world and trying to capture it through movement. I am passionate about arts education and advocating for the artist that lives within all of us.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I have a constant internal battle between the good and evil, joy and anger that lives within me. Some days I think it’s all in my head, other days I know that it is not. This constant turmoil is what fuels my work and drives me to create. Somedays I think it’s important to let my demons create my art because they deserve to be seen and heard too.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I categorize myself as an interdisciplinary artist, most recently conducting an ongoing exploration of the relationship between contemporary dance and various fibers mediums. Throughout the process of this exploration, I’ve directed a short film entitled, “Break” which is built on the backbone of dance and fibers. In the film these mediums are completely intertwined, one is not possible without the other. I am extremely proud of my ability to combine my two passions, dance and fashion, and learn more about these beautiful mediums throughout my process of creation. I believe this unique approach to understanding contemporary dance concepts is what sets me apart from other artists in the same field.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
When I was in first grade my family went on a trip to Chicago, on this trip I visited the Art Institute of Chicago for the first time. I can recall a feeling of affinity to the work I was perceiving, art on a scale I had never seen. I astounded strangers with my ability to identify the titles of paintings and the artists behind them. I felt a special connection to Claude Monet’s calming colors and infamous technique. I was wearing floral patterned corduroys and a white tee shirt. I think we ate pizza afterward.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://mattmillerlibby.wixsite.com/libbymattmiller
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/libbymattmiller/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/libby-mattmiller-88a268328/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@libbymattmiller3678
