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Within the category of poetry chapbooks, John Lee Clark's SUDDENLY SLOW is one of the hottest bestsellers out there. Order your own copy and find out why! Autographed copies are available at http://www.clercscar.com/books

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VIVA DeVIA TOUR GUIDE
Patti Durr
Words: 499
[Art Review]

This week we visit a work by the mother of De'VIA: the one and only Dr. Betty G. Miller. Betty was given this title--the mother of De'VIA--by Chuck Baird for being one of the first known Deaf artists to create a strong body of work about the Deaf experience. Betty was born to Deaf parents, one of which was a commercial artist--Ralph Miller. Ralph would later follow in his daugher's footsteps and create De'VIA works. Even though Betty received ASL in the home, as a hard-of-hearing person she was subjected to an oral-aural education. Many of her works resist oppression by exposing the audism behind such programs. In addition to having the first solo show of works focusing on the Deaf experience, she also was instrumental to the mid-1970s Deaf artists colony called Spectrum. It was based in Austin, Texas.

Betty was also a pivotal figure in bringing together the group of Deaf artists that coined the term Deaf View / Image Art (De'VIA) and composed the manifesto in 1989. A few of Betty and her father's original paintings can be purchased via Etsy: http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5671697 Her works are also reproduced in calendar, t-shirt, or other forms, available for purchase at http://www.cafepress.com/purpleswirlarts/

Deaf collectors, organizations and institutions should definitely consider investing in a Betty G. Miller original. De'VIA artists need and deserve patrons. The activism and creativity that Dr. Miller has invested in documenting and commenting on the Deaf experience via her artworks has been critical in giving a visual voice to our collective experiences.

The artwork explored in this Tour is "Birth of a Deaf Woman" by Betty G. Miller.

The large square canvas' central figure taking up most of the composition is a full-figured woman in hues of pink. Her face has a quiet intensity with her eyes looking downward, almost closed, deep in concentration. Around her head are ripples of blues and pink. They give a dynamic feeling of energy radiating out from her--almost forming a halo. The hands of the woman are the focal point of the painting. They are positioned as if beginning to sign the word "birth." The contour of the "birth" handshape is echoed in the outline of the pubic area. Some people upon viewing this work, comment on seeing a double image in the woman's right arm--the outline of a baby beginning to nurse.

This work sends an affirmative message about womanhood and Deafhood. The nude figure references nature, organic beauty, and the power of birth. Deeper meaning from the title and subject matter, references our ability to be re-born as we journey to our center and our true selves. Many indigenous cultures depict mother nature and humanity as a feminine, nurturing goddess-like form. "Birth of a Deaf Woman" taps into that universal imagery and creation mythology. While this work is not a self-portrait, we are certainly glad that Betty created it.

Happy 75th birthday Betty, the mother of De'VIA--we are so glad you were born.

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Patti Durr teaches in the Department of Cultural and Creative Studies at the National Technical Institute for the Deaf.

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