PEOPLE
M any employees journey to work daily seeking to make a difference in the lives of those they encounter. Though regularly accomplishing this, simply stepping outside their normal roles, at times, reveals talent that might have gone unnoticed. Such was the case of Charles Miller whose security officer uniform conceals a world of creativity and athletic prowess as he traverses the university community. For nearly 15 years, Miller has patrolled the grounds of the Cave Hill campus, safeguarding the institution and its occupants. However, beneath the uniform lies a man of diverse talents—a visual artist and an accomplished athlete with a story that encapsulates resilience, passion, and a quest for self-discovery. His journey into the world of art began during his formative years at Coleridge & Parry School. Despite consistently ranking among the top three in art, external pressures forced him to abandon his dream of pursuing an art qualification in the CXC examinations. Miller’s guardian’s disapproval, claiming that “art is stupid,” stifled his artistic ambitions, albeit temporarily. He redirected his energy towards sports, becoming an avid player in football, cricket, road tennis, basketball, swimming, and track. Growing up with six neighborhood friends who shared his love for sports, Miller honed his skills, establishing himself as an all-round sportsman. However, it wasn’t until his twenties that he witnessed his athletic abilities truly blossom. In 2002, at the age of 22, he
represented Barbados in Martinique as a track athlete. Subsequently, he earned a track scholarship to Wayland Baptist University , majoring in art. Miller not only excelled as an All-America (an honor bestowed upon an amateur athlete) in the 400 meters and 4x4 relay but also achieved academic excellence, making the Dean’s list with a remarkable 3.9 grade point average. Misfortune struck when a career-threatening injury ended Miller’s athletic pursuits and scholarship after two years, and he returned to Barbados in 2005. Despite the setback, he saw the experience as an opportunity to chart a new path in life. In 2006, Miller became the team manager of
the winning team in the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) Games , showcasing his versatility by also earning the title of Best Goalkeeper . Subsequently, he rekindled his passion for art, emerging as a self- taught sketch artist.
“Art is my getaway,” Miller confesses, emphasising its transformative power. Drawing inspiration from Sesame Street , he uses art to express emotions and ideas through color, texture, line, shape, and form. His work serves as a medium for self- expression and a canvas for storytelling. Though modest about his artistic achievement, Miller has exhibited his art at the Barbados National Independence Festival of Creative Arts (NIFCA) and recently earned recognition in The UWI, Cave Hill’s Artist(s) Within art competition, where he secured second place and the People’s Choice Award . His art, though not yet fully embraced by his own confidence, has found recognition among peers and colleagues. “For me, there is freedom in art,” he reflects. “ It’s a space for the discovery of hidden aspects of myself.” Today, Miller continues to wear multiple hats with grace. Still an accomplished athlete, he holds the high jump record at Barbados’s National Senior Games . Yet, it’s the quieter, artistic side of Charles that truly defines him—an artist who uses his creations to tell stories, express emotions, and find freedom through canvas. In the unassuming security officer, there exists an accomplished artist and athlete, proving that true talent often hides in plain sight. u
CHILL NEWS 123
CONTENTS PAGE
Made with FlippingBook interactive PDF creator