19th Nov 2024
Celebrating Craftsmanship and Innovation with Mike Miller of Artiquitees
At IKONICS Imaging, we are proud to support and collaborate with talented individuals who redefine the boundaries of sandcarving artistry. This month, we’re excited to feature Mike Miller, the creative force behind Artiquitees, LLC. His work not only highlights the depth of talent in the sandcarving community but also showcases how our sandcarving products help bring artistic visions to life.
"Sandcarving is an art. Instead of putting ink on a canvas, you’re doing the opposite. You’re taking away the glass to create the image you envision." - Mike Miller, Artiquitees
Mike’s journey from a family-run printing business to becoming a master sandcarver exemplifies a commitment to creativity, technical skill, and the transformative power of art. Through this Q&A, Mike shares his inspiring story, insights into his craft, and the unique connection he’s built with IKONICS Imaging over the years.
Note: all photos in this blog post are credited to Mike Miller with Artiquitees.
Can you tell us a little about your background and how you got started in sandcarving?
My background in sandcarving started by being in the graphic arts field growing up. My family owned a small printing business and I learned all aspects of the industry from a young age. That knowledge allowed me to learn how to create artwork and then learn how to use different computer graphic arts programs to create art. In 2010, I decided to open a side business to do custom framing. However, in the process of that journey, when I was at a tradeshow looking for equipment, I passed by a booth and watched how sandcarving was done.
What inspired you to work with sandcarving, and how did you develop your style over the years?
I was intrigued by sandcarving and shortly thereafter I purchased an inexpensive Harbor Freight sandblasting cabinet and pressure blaster and started on my way in the sandcarving industry. I toyed with it for a year and then was lucky enough to meet the team from IKONICS Imaging. They helped guide me in many ways to do sandblasted glass awards and branched out to do specialty pieces such as company logos, cars and airplanes for customers. In 2014 I was lucky enough to pursue a world-known client and started creating sandcarved character pieces that were lit from the bottom. I took the opportunity to develop and hone my skills by blasting different characters.
What role has IKONICS Imaging played in your sandcarving journey? How have their products helped you achieve your artistic goals?
The team at IKONICS became part of my family. I visited with them at every tradeshow that was in my area to watch and learn. I learned something new each time I was there, including how to use the different photoresist films for different projects that I wanted to try. We would share different problems and ideas on how to achieve the best product we could offer.
In 2014, after three years of telling my rep, Andy Hromatka, that one day I would purchase one of his units, I finally did. I purchased one of the self-contained CrystalBlast sandblasting units. It gave me the ability to use different pressures at the turn of a dial and to see each piece clearly enough with the reclamation system to use my knowledge of what I call dimensional shadow blasting. When lit from the bottom the shadows that are created give the piece a 3D effect, like shown above in the Wildwood Tattoo piece.
You’ve worked on some fascinating projects, including this airplane for IKONICS. Could you walk us through the process of this project? What challenges did you face, and how did you overcome them?
Ah… how did he do it? Well, I took the picture and created outlines of the airplane. I basically hand drew the plane on the computer and had to improvise on areas that I knew had to be blasted in a certain order. I used different line weights to separate the areas. I then had to visualize the order in which I had to peel each section to attain the depth and shadows that need to be created to give the piece a 3-dimensional look.
Most sandcarvers are incredible artists. I remember displaying my glass art at a friend’s tattoo show. The artists came up to me and told me how incredible and detailed my work was. I, in turn, was in awe of what they did as well. Sandcarving is an art. The limitations are that instead of putting ink on a canvas you are doing the opposite. You are taking away the glass to create the image you envision. The difference is that once you take away the glass you can’t replace or fix it. So, in essence you get one chance at it.
Sandcarving is such a unique art form. What advice would you give to someone just starting out in sandcarving or interested in learning more about it?
I would say that it's important to not only learn the basics of sandblasting, but learning how to visualize the finished piece and anticipating how deep to carve to create the shadows is also important. It takes patience as well as trial and error. It is not something that you can just put the film on the glass and start blasting. It take forethought and also a drawing to help guide you to know which depth to carve for each layer.
Do you have a favorite project or piece that you've created using IKONICS’ equipment or materials? What makes it special to you?
Absolutely. My favorite piece that I made was of a 1968 Oldsmobile Cutlass S Convertible. I did it on a piece of half inch thick glass. I made a few prototypes before I carved the actual piece so that I could get the proper shadows to accentuate the curves and lines of the car. This piece is also memorable because my first car was a 1969 Oldsmobile 442 convertible.
Are there any memorable moments or stories from your time working with IKONICS or other sandcarving projects that stand out to you?
When I did the first prototypes for the company I mentioned earlier, as I lit the bases they just stared at the pieces and called everyone in to see my creations. That was the moment that I knew I had gotten to the next level. It was extremely satisfying to have your work validated.
You were in the industry for a long time. How did you see sandcarving evolve, both in terms of technique and technology?
I guess the use of vinyl masks in the beginning had its limitations as to the degree of intricate designs that could be done. With the advent of the washout mask and RapidMask, the detail that can now be achieved is extraordinary. When sandcarving, it gives you the ability to use two- or three-point holding lines or halftones to produce pictures.
If you could share one thing with people about sandcarving, whether it's the process, the community, or the artistry, what would it be?
That’s a tough question because it is all the above. The process has been simplified so that many people can now do sandcarving. The community, like any other community relies on each other to figure out and help conquer the problems that you may encounter as most of us have had something we couldn’t accomplish but someone in the community may have encountered it and could help you with that problem. Artistry is something that you create on your own. Your own style of how you get to the results you are looking for. There is no wrong way to do something. It is the artist’s representation or impression of how they see the finished product to be.
What do you think sets IKONICS Imaging apart from other companies in the sandcarving world?
It’s funny. I have used other companies for material, but I have to say it is the people at IKONICS Imaging that make the difference. I had the privilege of visiting their headquarters in Duluth, Minnesota and meeting a lot of incredible people. Any questions I had were answered and it made me feel like I was part of their team. They weren't just selling me a product, I felt like we were in this together.
Mike’s story is a testament to the artistry and innovation that defines sandcarving. From lighting up intricate glass pieces to crafting unforgettable custom designs, Mike’s work pushes the boundaries of what’s possible.
At IKONICS Imaging, we are honored to be a part of his journey and to provide the tools and support he needs to bring his vision to life. To learn more about sandcarving and discover how IKONICS Imaging can support your creative journey, explore our sandcarving resources and sandcarving products, or contact IKONICS Imaging for more information.
Thank you, Mike, for sharing your passion and expertise with us—your work is truly inspiring!