I have always been inclined to pursue art in a manner, which emphasizes drawing and a concern for naturalism. Having a great admiration for the tradition of figurative painting, I have devoted a good deal of energy developing the technical and perceptual skills required by this discipline. I focus primarily on the human figure depicted in environments that create a context for psychologically charged, open ended narratives. Many of these narratives explore ideas about power and vulnerability.

Quality of light is a common theme. In particular, the way in which atmospheric light and locale can suggest a sense of mystery and silence. These works are dark, humid and hopefully, at their best, memorable. For me, the most successful are those that evoke the feeling that an event is about to happen or has recently happened.

Images of figures or figures in landscapes, in groups or in isolation, share a common feeling of significance. Wholly absorbed within themselves or the dialogue shared between one another, they wait for the unfolding of their private story.

born: 1968, Easton, PA

education

Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, MFA, 1993    
Kutztown State University of Pennsylvania, BFA, 1990

selected awards/honors

Third Place Award, 11th National Juried Exhibition, Baker Arts Center, Liberal, KS, 2009
Merit Award, 4th Annual Painting, Drawing, Printmaking National Exhibition, Jan & Gary, Dario Gallery, Palm Beach Community College, Lake Worth, FL, 2008
Honorable Mention, Contemporary American Realism National Painting Exhibition, Gallery 137, Indian Orchard, MA, 2007
Second Place Award, National Compact Competition, Louisiana State University Art Gallery, Baton Rouge, LA, 2004

selected publications

Castellani Art Museum; Joseph Miller: Figures, Power, and Vulnerability. Catalog, Niagara University, NY,  2006
Buffalo Spree Magazine; Joseph Miller‚s post-pastoral visions, by Bruce Adams, p. 46-48, 2006
Burchfield-Penney Art Center; Catalog, Beyond/In Western New York 2005, Buffalo, NY, p. 128, 2005

selected solo or two-person exhibits

Castellani Art Museum: Joseph Miller; Figures, Power, and Vulnerability, Niagara University, NY, 2006
Penn State Altoona, Sheetz Gallery: Joseph A. Miller; Paintings and Drawings, Altoona, PA, 2005
Daemen College, Fanette Goldman / Carolyn Greenfield Gallery: Joseph A. Miller; Paintings and Drawings, Amherst, NY, 2003
East Stroudsburg University, Madelon Powers Gallery: Joseph A. Miller; Paintings and Drawings, East Stroudsburg, PA, 2001

selected group shows

Clatsop Community College Art Center: Au Naturel: The Nude in the 21st Century International Exhibition, Astoria, OR, 2009
Louisiana State University Art Gallery: National Compact Competition, Baton Rouge, LA, 2008
Mesa Contemporary Arts Center: Physical Presence,The Figure in Contemporary Art National Exhibition, Mesa, AZ, 2007
Campbell Gallery: The Figure, Transcribing the Human Form National Exhibition, Monmouth, OR, 2007