"A piece of artwork is a self portrait," says glass artist John Miller. "It reflects who you are." Miller came of age eating burgers, hot dogs, and fries at traditional train car diners. He sketched the first work in his famous Blue Plate Special series-glass crinkle cut fries the size of your arm-in a diner in the mid 2000's. Since then, the series has expanded to include a full menu of traditional American grub.
"My work is about control and proportion as much as it is about finding new textures and forms," the internationally exhibited artist says. "I try to find equilibrium between the intensity of glass blowing and the humor which can be found in art and the art making process."
Miller showcases his work and lectures at form & concept on July 20th as part of Glass Alliance New Mexico's year-round educational programming. John Miller reflects on his love of the immediacy of glass material and his respect for its demanding properties. With over 30 years of experience, Miller offers an expert perspective on the onerous material with levity and charm.
JOHN MILLER
John Miller has been working in glass for more than 30 years and focuses on blown sculpture. He earned his MFA at the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana and has worked at Pilchuck Glass School for 15 years. He exhibits internationally, lectures and demonstrates nationally, and is an assistant professor and head of the glass department at Illinois State University. In 1998, he was awarded the C.G.C.A. Fellowship at Wheaton Village.
Glass Alliance New Mexico
Glass Alliance New Mexico is a regional chapter of Art Alliance for Contemporary Glass, an organization dedicated to the development and appreciation of Studio Art Glass in New Mexico in order to support and enrich the experience of glass art. Glass Alliance New Mexico educates by supporting educational/instructional classes for anyone interested in creating their own art glass. They also sponsor glass artists' technical demonstrations, lectures/multimedia programs, and maestro events that showcase both national and international glass artists' work.