Austin Miller

"Excavation"

Reaching rock bottom, sitting in the ashes, it's hard to know where to start rebuilding again.

“When I found myself at my lowest point in life, I realized that rock bottom has a sub-basement. I felt my life crumbling; everything I had built turned to ash, and I had to choose to rebuild from the rubble. As I sifted through the ashes, I encountered old memories—the tough ones I had buried deep in my psyche. I had to confront the root of what brought me to this place: objects from my travels, pictures of my family and friends, and trinkets with significant meaning, all resting between my palms. I cried. I am vulnerable, raw, and messy. I arrange my foundation of rubble on the floor in a circle to invite my audience in, encouraging them to look closely and be with me in my experience. Let's sit in something beautiful, allowing ourselves to rest or lean into the more profound meaning and feel my raw exposure.”