An Insight into Miranda July’s Transformative Journey Through Creativity and Self-Discovery

1. Introduction

• This report delves into the personal and professional journey of artist Miranda July, highlighting her unique approach to creativity, the life-changing process of writing her novel 'All Fours', and her perspectives on midlife transformation.

2. Background and Early Life of Miranda July

• 2-1. Growing up in California and Portland, Oregon

• Miranda July was born in California and spent part of her formative years there. She later moved to Portland, Oregon. These locations played significant roles in shaping her creative outlook and artistic endeavors. Additionally, at the age of 15, Miranda adopted the surname 'July' from a character in a friend's story, legally changing it when she turned 20.

• 2-2. Involvement in the Post-Punk Riot Grrrl Scene

• During her teens and early adulthood, Miranda July became actively involved in the post-punk Riot Grrrl scene. This movement, known for its feminist punk rock ethos, greatly influenced her artistic sensibilities and provided a platform for her early creative expressions. Her participation in this scene saw her engaging in both musical performances and other forms of art.

• 2-3. Early Career

• To support her art practice, Miranda pursued various unconventional jobs, including working as a stripper in a peep show. Her early career was marked by a strong commitment to her art, and she made music while gaining experiences that would later serve as material and inspiration for her broader body of work.

3. Creative Endeavors and Artistic Career

• 3-1. Release of Award-Winning Film: 'Me and You and Everyone We Know'

• Miranda July released her award-winning film 'Me and You and Everyone We Know' in 2005. The film deals with themes such as loneliness, love, and the often mundane yet profound aspects of life. Despite its critical acclaim, it received mixed reviews, with some critics dismissing it as 'twee' while her male peers were celebrated for their surreal genius.

• 3-2. Major Collections and Exhibitions, including the Venice Biennale

• Miranda July’s work has been featured in major collections around the world. Notably, she participated in the Venice Biennale, a prestigious cultural event where she showcased her art. Her work, characterized by its exploration of everyday interactions and human connections, has been acknowledged globally in these esteemed collections and exhibitions.

• 3-3. First Solo Gallery Show at the Fondazione Prada in Milan

• In 2024, Miranda July had her first ever solo gallery show at the Fondazione Prada in Milan. This exhibition charted 30 years of her work, offering a comprehensive view of her artistic journey. The show included various pieces that illustrated her unique style and her ability to thrive in 'scary situations and risk-taking,' as noted by fellow artist Cindy Sherman.

4. The Personal Shift: From Home to Studio

• 4-1. Realization of Valuable Writing Time in the Early Morning

• Miranda July realized that her most valuable writing time was early in the morning. This realization came after she signed on to publish her second novel. She began to understand the importance of these early hours for her creativity, which marked the start of a significant shift in her personal and professional life.

• 4-2. Decision to Spend One Night a Week in Her Studio

• After recognizing the importance of early morning writing, Miranda July decided to spend one night a week in her studio. This decision was a significant step towards creating a dedicated space for herself. She asked her husband, film director Mike Mills, if she could stay one night a week in her studio, which was an unconventional request for a parent. Her friends were shocked by this arrangement, but it became an essential change for her to find the 'psychic space' necessary for her creativity and freedom.

• 4-3. Transition to Living Full-Time in the Second Little House

• Miranda July eventually moved full-time into a second little house, which was a rundown property that backed on to her first little house. She split from her husband, co-parented their child, and created a compound-like new life. This transition allowed her to rebuild the space piece by piece, making it her sanctuary. With contributions from fans for items like rugs and sofas and employing a young artist to build a kitchen, this new living arrangement provided July the solitary space she needed to be herself, free from the roles of wife and mother.

5. The Making of 'All Fours'

• 5-1. Research involving interviews with gynaecologists, naturopaths, older friends

• Miranda July conducted extensive research for her novel 'All Fours' by interviewing gynaecologists, naturopaths, and older friends. This research focused primarily on the topic of menopause, aiming to understand its deeper significance and implications on women's lives. July found this process both liberating and challenging. Through these interviews, she discovered varied and often contradictory accounts, which helped her to form a comprehensive picture of this significant stage in life. This involved not just the medical or biological aspects but also the cultural and personal impacts.

• 5-2. Exploration of menopause and its potential significance

• During the creation of 'All Fours,' Miranda July explored the potential significance of menopause. Initially, she was concerned about whether menopause should simply be seen as a problem or a monumental time in a woman's life. Through her research, she came to a transformative understanding, realizing that menopause can be an incredibly meaningful period for women, marking a transition where they shift focus from societal roles to personal fulfillment. July emphasizes that if men experienced such a significant change, it would likely be surrounded by rituals and recognition. Her novel contains both emotional narratives and educational elements, such as charts and statistics, to articulate her findings.

• 5-3. Discussion of midlife, sexuality, and self-transformation

• In 'All Fours,' Miranda July delves into subjects of midlife, sexuality, and self-transformation. The novel follows a semi-famous artist as she navigates the second half of her life, confronting and reshaping her sexual, romantic, and domestic experiences. July questioned societal norms, particularly around sexuality and the aging process, through both personal introspection and character development. The protagonist’s journey involves a road trip that turns into a profound personal retreat, leading to significant life changes and new-found freedoms. Through dance and sexual explorations, July's character experiences profound transformations, depicting the latter stages of life not as a decline but as an opportunity for personal renaissance and deeper self-understanding.

6. Themes in 'All Fours'

• 6-1. Freedom and Transformation through Dance

• In 'All Fours,' Miranda July explores the theme of freedom and transformation through dance. The protagonist uses dance as a method to navigate her midlife changes. July, now 50, emphasizes what it means to dance in an older body, reflecting on videos of her younger self and her time as a stripper. Dance in the novel serves as an abstract art form, symbolizing the effort to feel emotions that bypass intellect and achieve a sense of vulnerability and safety. By performing, the protagonist experiences an 'ecstatic freefall,' a state where she feels invulnerable and able to express deeper layers of her identity.

• 6-2. Exploration of Sex as Freedom, Duty, and Raw Expression

• Sex in 'All Fours' is portrayed as a multifaceted aspect of the protagonist's life, representing freedom, duty, raw expression, and transformation. The novel delves into various dimensions of sexuality, addressing women's inconsistent sexual desires, especially during menopause. The protagonist's quest to understand her own sexual desires leads her to realize that sex serves different purposes—ranging from duty to joy, and even as a metaphor for other aspects of living. July's candid depiction of sex aims to remove the veil of romanticism and present a more authentic, albeit sometimes unflattering, portrayal of sexual experiences.

• 6-3. Interplay Between Vulnerability and Self-Preservation

• The tension between vulnerability and self-preservation is a recurring theme in Miranda July's 'All Fours.' The protagonist's journey reflects July's own struggle with these dual forces. Initially, she recognizes that she is not adept at being vulnerable and has been blind to the different forms of emotional 'armor' she wears. Throughout the novel, vulnerability emerges as a powerful state, a starting place for new experiences and transformations. By deconstructing traditional symbols of submission and powerlessness, such as being on 'all fours,' July redefines vulnerability as a source of stability and strength.

7. Impact and Reflections

• 7-1. Reader reactions and personal messages

• Upon its release, Miranda July's novel 'All Fours' had a profound impact on readers. Multiple women independently contacted the interviewer to express their concern that the book might change their lives. These personal messages highlight the powerful and transformative effect July’s work has on her audience, resonating deeply with many readers in a very personal manner.

• 7-2. July’s reflections on age, desire, ambition, and motherhood

• Miranda July’s reflections on various aspects of life are central to her narrative and personal journey. The shift in her life began when she realized the significance of writing early in the morning, leading her to spend one night a week alone in her studio which eventually became critical psychic space. Throughout her career, July has delved into age, desire, ambition, and motherhood. She explores these themes through her conversations with older women about menopause, discussing how it transforms from a perceived problem to an important and liberating period in life. July emphasizes that menopause allows women to become themselves rather than being defined through their ability to procreate. This period of her life has allowed her to set new goals and understand her identity beyond societal expectations. Additionally, July credits her child, who is trans, for emboldening her, which indicates the deep, multi-generational reflection and transformation in her personal life.

• 7-3. Conversations and rituals as transformative processes

• Conversations and rituals play a pivotal role in Miranda July’s journey towards transformation. Throughout her career, and notably during the writing of 'All Fours,' July engaged in numerous conversations with gynaecologists, naturopaths, and older friends, focusing on menopause and its impact on desire. These dialogues helped shape her understanding and provided insights essential for her writing. Besides, her Wednesday-night ritual of staying alone in her studio became a significant transformative process, providing her a sense of freedom and an opportunity for self-discovery. The novel itself portrays transformation through dance and sex as critical mediums of freedom. Dance symbolizes art and a connection to one’s body, especially significant in the context of aging. In contrast, sex is depicted in various dimensions: duty, fantasy, desire, joy, and transformation, highlighting its complex role in personal liberation. July’s artistic practice has evolved into personal rituals, and her life, art, and work conversations serve as a crucial foundation for reshaping her existence.

8. Glossary

• 8-1. Miranda July [Person]

• An artist known for her multifaceted career encompassing film, literature, and art. She has challenged conventional norms, both in her personal life and her creative endeavors, showing the importance of rulelessness and self-expression.

• 8-2. All Fours [Book]

• A novel by Miranda July that delves into themes of midlife transformation, sexuality, and self-discovery. It blends fiction with autobiographical elements, encouraging readers to re-evaluate their perspectives on aging, desire, and personal liberation.

• 8-3. Fondazione Prada [Art Institution]

• A foundation that hosted Miranda July's first-ever solo gallery show, showcasing thirty years of her work and highlighting her ability to thrive in risky and challenging situations.

9. Conclusion

• Miranda July’s journey through her art and life decisions, as portrayed in her novel 'All Fours', highlights the significance of embracing change, challenging norms, and finding freedom in various forms. Her story serves as a testament to the power of vulnerability and the potential for personal transformation.

10. Source Documents

• ‘I was in a kind of ecstatic freefall’: artist Miranda July on writing the book that could change your lifehttps://www.theguardian.com/film/article/2024/may/12/i-was-in-a-kind-of-ecstatic-freefall-artist-miranda-july-on-writing-the-book-that-could-change-your-life
• ‘I was in a kind of ecstatic freefall’: artist Miranda July on writing the book that could change your lifehttps://www.theguardian.com/film/article/2024/may/12/i-was-in-a-kind-of-ecstatic-freefall-artist-miranda-july-on-writing-the-book-that-could-change-your-life