Betty G. Miller | |
---|---|
Born | |
Died | December 3, 2012 | (aged 78)
Nationality | American |
Alma mater | Gallaudet University |
Notable work | Ameslan Prohibited |
Awards | Alice Cogswell Award for service to deaf people 2009 |
Betty Gloria Miller[1] (July 27, 1934 – December 3, 2012),[2][3] also known as Bettigee (which was her signature on her artworks)[4] was an American artist who became known as the "Mother of De'VIA" (Deaf View/Image Art).[5]
She was born hard of hearing in Chicago to deaf parents Ralph Reese Miller, Sr., and Gladys Hedrick Miller.[2][6] She attended an oral school, but learned ASL at home.[7] In June 1976, she earned a Doctor of Education degree (Ed.D.) in art at Pennsylvania State University, becoming the first undergraduate alumna of then-Gallaudet College to earn a doctoral degree.[2][8][9] She was also a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor, specializing in working with deaf patients.[10] Her art practice included some of her reflections on a deaf person's experiences in an oral school.[7]
Miller taught at Gallaudet, her alma mater. Her 1972 work titled Ameslan Prohibited (Ameslan is an early name for American Sign Language) has become a symbol of the oppression deaf people face when signing.[11][12][13] This black and white drawing depicts a pair of disembodied hands in handcuffs with the fingers severed at several locations. The original is now part of the National Touring Exhibit of Deaf Culture Art collection.[14][15]
In 1975, she co-founded Spectrum, Focus on Deaf Artists, which brought together other painters, dancers, and artists contributing to deaf culture.[16]
In 2009 she was awarded the Alice Cogswell Award for service to deaf people.[4]
Miller died on December 3, 2012,[3] of sepsis, which led to kidney failure. She was survived by her partner of 25 years, Nancy Creighton.[2]
The Betty G. Miller Fellowship Award was named in her honor; it provides financial assistance to deaf women pursuing doctorate degrees at Gallaudet University.[8]