Art of Biddeford show features mother-daughter duo

Potter and artist Kaitlyn Miller, above, will team up with her mother, Martha Miller, for a show at the Foundry in Biddeford next month. Contributed/Kaitlyn Miller

Local Maine-based artists Martha and Kaitlyn Miller are not just collaborators – they’re mother and daughter. Starting May 5, the duo will present their show, “Altered States and Other Realities,” at The Foundry in Biddeford.

Hosted by Art of Biddeford, the show combines landscapes, self-portraits and narratives inspired by the intersection of nature and inner-nature. Both artists will exhibit paintings and mixed-media works together, as well as presenting their collaborative pottery.

Curator Julie Gray was inspired to create the show after a studio visit with Martha last month.

“I’ve always been intrigued by her work and the way that she thinks as an artist,” Gray said. “I was inspired.”

Martha is known for her use of bright colors and bold and intuitive imagery, Gray said. Her daughter, Kaitlyn, also uses imagery derived from nature, and Gray thought the pairing would make an interesting show.

“I thought it would be a wonderful pairing of inner-nature and our psyche versus nature that surrounds us,” Gray said.

As an artist, Martha has been creating portraits and self-portraits for over 30 years. In her work, she attempts to reveal something of the psychological and emotional depth of an individual, while also exploring what it means to be human.

“The work is influenced by many layers of stimuli including such factors as mood, conversation, images on the studio wall and music, as well as images from memories and dreams,” Martha said.

Artist Martha Miller, above, primarily focuses on portraits, while her daughter, Kaitlyn, throws pottery. Contributed/Martha Miller

Kaitlyn, who lives on Mount Desert Island, is primarily focused on pottery. Recently, she has enjoyed translating the beauty of the island and the ocean around her into painted works on canvas.

“Within the confines of the water and land, an island is an intimate place,” Kaitlyn said. “I paint in response to that which calls to be appreciated.”

In 2024, the mother-daughter duo began collaborating on pottery. Kaitlyn, an experienced potter, would throw the clay, while Martha brings her visions to life with carvings on the pottery.

Their handcrafted pottery creations will round out the show next month.

“It’s a beautiful collaboration,” Gray said. “They’re very intuitive thinkers, and I really appreciate that now more than ever.”

Art is quickly becoming an important part of the Biddeford community, Gray said. With over 200 people attending the most recent exhibition, it’s clear to Gray that art is something the community needs.

The art scene took a brief hiatus when Biddeford arts nonprofit Engine dissolved, she said, but it is back and thriving.

“It’s kind of like a revitalization of the arts. The arts truly heal a community,” Gray said. “I think we’re all bonding with each other, and we’re literally getting out of the house to go see art.”

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