Purple Devil with Red Border

Dateca. 1995

Artist R. A. Miller (1912 - 2006)

MediumMixed media paint including PVA (polyvinyl acetate) and markers on a found hollow core door

Dimensions79 1/4" H x 29 3/4" W x 1 1/4" D

Credit LineGift of Carl and Marian Mullis in honor of their grandchildren, Wilson, Mac and Virginia

Object number2019.110.3

DescriptionFigure of a purple devil painted on a salvaged door, appears standing, facing proper right. Shirt is adorned with four white polka dots and two diagonal lines that form an "x" and the pants are plain. A painted red border surrounds the composition along the outer edge.
Label TextR.A. Miller began painting and drawing after deteriorating eyesight forced him to retire from full-time work. Since age 12, he held a variety of jobs on a farm, in a cotton mill, and at a nearby gas station, but none were as impactful as his role of a Free Will Baptist minister. Faith played an important part in Miller's life, motivating him to create visual messages of God's word.

The Bible served as inspiration for much of Miller's work and devils were a common subject. He drew demons in various sizes and forms on a wide array of found materials such as scrap metal and wood, often characterizing the figure's temperament by a specific color. According to Miller, the red and purple devils, shown here, are the type "that get you in all kind of trouble." Miller's colorful artwork gained considerable notoriety after being featured in a 1984 music video for the rock band R.E.M.
InscribedOn front at top: "Sisy Divil" and along right side: "Dig Dady/ He Hate them/ Lake Sir/ And Women/ Git You if Cann." Translation most likely identifying type of devil as a "sissy" or cowardly devil. Message suggests that "Big Daddy" (referring to God) hates lazy men and women and will get you if he can. Artist was an ardent religious follower and believed that the figure of the devil came in all shapes and sizes.

Signed along the bottom right, "R A Miller"
ProvenanceArtist to Jeff Nix and Durwood Pepper (representatives of artist) to Carl and Babe Mullis, CWF's vendors