Artists expound on their muses

In Greek mythology, the Muses were nine goddesses credited with inspiring artists and scientists to great creative heights. But enlightenment from these daughters of Zeus and Mnemosyne came only to those who could hear their voices. Today, creative individuals still seek the voice.

Photographer Kent Miles is one such person; and in an effort to more fully understand the creative process, he asked 29 artistic individuals — people who had sat for their portraits — what made them want to create. The result is "Children of the Muse: An Exploration of the Creative Process," on display at Art Access through March 12.

"I've been doing portraits of artists for 30 years," Miles told the Deseret Morning News. "But I've always felt there was more to them than just a picture."

As the desire to know more about his subjects and their particular talents increased, Miles began conducting in-depth interviews, which resulted in a written treasury of wisdom and passion for art.

While Miles' portraits in "Children of the Muse" consistently reveal each subject's personality with technical flair and documentary virtuosity — and while each subject's included piece of art, sculpture, diagram, etc. elicits an equally positive response — it's the subject's comments on creativity and what art means that will intrigue viewers

Kathem Alhamdani, painter:

"To do art, it is a really nice feeling. You feel that God has given you something to make people happy, to lift, to touch life. It is a gift. And I love this art. I did not stop painting even when we (Iraq) were at war with Iran and our city was being bombed. My family was scared, but I was painting. My dad said, 'Come in. We are scared, and you are painting.' But how could I? I had to paint. Nothing could stop me. I need to keep painting."

Robert Bliss, architect and teacher:

" . . . I think it's a romantic Greek concept that one sits around strumming on his lyre until some minor goddess whispers in your ear. I think that's been an unhelpful idea, because I've seen so many students just sitting around waiting for inspiration to strike. . . . Don't wait for a light bulb or a muse."

Ruby Chacon, painter:

"I always feel, when I lose myself in my painting, when I sometimes even make marks I didn't mean to and they work out, I deeply feel like it's family, that they're here with me, those who have died."

Paul Larsen, writer, documentary filmmaker:

"I think there's two qualities that creative people better have. One is courage and the other's a sense of humor. We need to find our own rituals and spiritual processes that support those qualities. If you can't do that, don't go into the arts."

Natalya Rapaport, scientist:

"I have to see things three-dimensionally in my mind, to play with them and to realize what's going on. Math is useful, but I use it to describe what I've discovered. It is a servant, not a master. Visualization is the master."

The exhibition "Children of the Muse" speaks to viewers with amazing clarity; hopefully all will hear and understand.

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