statement

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.

bio

born: 1968, Easton, Pennsylvania

education:

Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, MFA 2003
Kutztown State University, BFA, 1990

selected awards/honors Purchase Award, Au Naturel: The Nude in the 21st Century International Exhibition, Clatsop Community College Art Center, Astoria, OR, 2009
First Place Other Media Award, 77th Annual National Juried Exhibition, Art Association of Harrisburg, PA, 2005
Second Place Award, National Compact Competition, Louisiana State University Art, Gallery, Baton Rouge, LA, 2004

selected publications

International Drawing Annual 2008 Exhibition-in-print, Manifest Gallery, Cincinnati, OH, p.118,119, 2008
Catalog, The Figure: Transcribing the Human Form National Exhibition, Campbell  Gallery, Monmouth, OR, 2007
Joseph Miller: Figures, Power, and Vulnerability, Catalog, Castellani Art Museum,  Niagara University, NY, 2006
Joseph Miller's post-pastoral visions, by Bruce Adams, Buffalo Spree Magazine, December 06‚ issue, p. 46-48, 2006

selected solo or two-person exhibits

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

selected group shows

LaGrange Art Museum, LaGrange XXVI Biennial National Exhibition, LaGrange, GA, 2010
Fontbonne University Fine Arts Gallery, The Figure Now 2010 International Exhibition, St. Louis, MO, 2010
Figurama 09 International Traveling Exhibition, CTU Prague Institute of Fine Art, Czech Republic, TownGallery & Academy of Fine Arts, Poznan, Poland, House of European Committee, Brussels, Belgium, 2009
Clatsop Community College Art Center, Au Naturel: The Nude in the 21st Century International Exhibition, Astoria, OR, 2009