About
Miranda Easton, born in the desert landscapes of Scottsdale, Arizona, and predominantly raised in the rural heartland of Northeast Kansas, embodies the spirit of an artist whose journey has been marked by resilience, creativity, and natural artistic expression.
Easton's artistic journey commenced at a tender age, fueled by an innate creativity that manifested early on. Growing up in modest conditions, resourcefulness and determination were necessary. At the age of 12 years old, she began selling pieces and undertaking various odd jobs to purchase more supplies. Including working at The Black Bull, a local restaurant and bar, bussing tables to help with some basic family needs, and having extra art supplies. The patrons at a local restaurant recognized and encouraged her, often exchanging a few dollars for sketches on napkins. These small earnings funded canvases and paints, which were then displayed at the restaurant for sale.
Early on the artist had a plethora of teachers and idols who inspired her to pursue a career that made the best use of her talents. People like her High school art teacher, Deb Ashlock, who saw that the young student needed a lifeboat to escape from the world and that the art classroom was a safe space to create and just breathe. Bob Ross, whose presence on PBS offered a window to the world of making for the joy of it. And the enigmatic Judhe Jensen "Dragon Lady" of North Topeka, a local potter who left an indelible mark on the impressionable mind in the freedom of being unique and different.
This artist’s style is a fusion of surrealism and an acute sense of observation, taking inspiration from many artists such as Salvador Dali, Frida Kahlo, Georgia O'Keeffe, Artemisia Gentileschi, and Thomas Hart Benton. The work often explores the intricate relationship between nature and humanity, encapsulating their deep connection to the natural world. Trees, hearts, water, and the twins symbolize the dichotomy of human actions and the consequences, frequently finding their place on the canvases, symbolizing the perpetual struggle Easton seeks to reconcile the world around.
While attending the University of Kansas for two years, the path was not straight, there were many necessary diversions. Juggling the responsibilities of a young family, while trying to learn and satisfy an artistic urge to create, predominantly as a self-taught artist was a struggle. The result was a pursuit of art interwoven with the practicality of a burgeoning career in photography, which eventually became a defining facet of creative identity for the following 20 years.
This artist grounds their works with a Tao philosophy, as art is an exploration of the human experience, a medium through which one invites a viewer to question the world as it appears to be. Drawing inspiration from everyday interactions, finding meaning in writings, natural spaces, music, meditation, and lucid dreaming. The quest for art that will speak of love, hardships, fears, and joys—capturing the essence of the human journey.
Currently residing in the serene landscapes of Kansas, finding solace in nature and the company of her husband, their beloved animals, as well as their cherished family and friends. The journey has been marked by physical challenges, including a rare genetic condition called Hereditary Angioedema (HAE) and overcoming the effects of Erb's palsy, spine/ limb injuries, and reparative surgeries. Despite these hurdles, their creative spirit remains and continues exploring new avenues of artistic expression.
In her own words, Easton says, “Just play the cards you are dealt; at the end of the game, it all goes back in the box anyway.”.
An artist who has transformed adversity into inspiration, using each challenge as a stepping stone toward greater creativity. With a unique perspective on the world and a passion for translating thoughts into art, Easton invites us all to delve deeper into the tapestry of our own lives, to continue to explore and create.