Ed Miller, Inventions for Uncertain Times

Inventions for Uncertain Times

Ed Miller

We are delighted to present a one-person exhibition featuring the work of one of our most talented adjuncts, Ed Miller. Miller has been teaching Ceramics, Sculpture and 3-D Design at PVCC for the past several years. He is very active in the local art community and shares his time with the Kluge-Ruhe Aboriginal Art Museum and the University of Virginia’s Art Department. He is extremely productive and always ready to participate in local arts events. He is a graduate of the Art Department at PVCC and he earned his MFA at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. He is a busy man and yet, he is also able to produce a prolific amount of work.

Miller’s current work focuses on sculpture, and as you can see, his work has tremendous range. The common threads are a commitment to craftsmanship and relevant content. His work speaks to the macro, the power of the natural world, as well as the micro, inventions to get through the day, untouched by Covid. He is versatile in materials and presentation. His approach is enthusiastic and confident. The work speaks to universal concerns with thoughtfulness, playfulness and skill.

We are delighted to work with him and to share his work with you.

www.edmillersculpture.com

Enjoy,

Beryl Solla, Curator

Local Portrait # 2

ceramic, 17” x 12” x12” (2018)

Local Portrait # 1

Local Portrait # 2

These works made as part a performative piece called the People’s Portrait Project, which took place on the downtown mall as part of “Art in Odd Places: Matter” in 2018. At random, people walking on the mall were invited to have their portrait bust made on the spot. A total of 11 portraits were modeled in clay that day, and later on they were fired. These are 2 of them. The rainbow hair was done on the participant’s request.

Local Portrait # 2

ceramic, 17” x 12” x12” (2018)

. Local Portrait # 1

ceramic, 15” x 12” x 12” (2018)

Local Portrait # 1

ceramic, 15” x 12” x 12” (2018)

Goddess Wings

ceramic, paper, tape, wood, 152” x 49” x 30” (2016)

Elevated Figure

Deconstructed Minotaur

Goddess Wings

These works are inspired by the aesthetics of a studio space. They function, as complete works and works in progress simultaneously. They deconstruct traditional notions of figure sculpture, while pulling inspiration from Greek mythology and art history as well.

Goddess Wings, detail

ceramic, paper, tape, wood, 152” x 49” x 30” (2016)

Deconstructed Minotaur

ceramic and wood - 74”x 22” x 22” (2016)

Elevated Figure

ceramic, wood, casters, 111” x 52” x 24” (2016)

Shadwell the Giant Fish

steel, stainless steel, 5’ x 4’ x 15’ (2019)

Shadwell the Giant Fish

This work was commissioned as part of “Flow: The Rivanna River Arts Festival” in Charlottesville, 2019. During the event visitors were invited to collect trash along the river and then deposit that trash in the mouth of the giant fish. This piece is currently on display and Darden Towe Park.

Shadwell the Giant Fish, detail

steel, stainless steel, 5’ x 4’ x 15’ (2019)

Earthen Bison

ceramic, soil-cement, earth, 4’ x 3’ x 7’ (2019)

Earthen Bison

This work depicts a bison charging out from the earth. Bison were once native to Virginia, so this work was inspired to make a connection with the land and its history.

Body of Light

Plexiglass, recycled Styrofoam, LED lights, 5’ x 6’ x 6’ (2019)

Body of Light

This work depicts a self-portrait silhouette standing on top of a sphere of light. This work began as geodesic dome made from translucent red acrylic, it is lit from within and floating on a lake. The bottom half is the reflection of light in water, completing the circle. It is pictured on display at “Let There Be Light” at PVCC, 2019, displayed floating on the lake behind the Dickinson building.

Figure of Light and Water

Plexiglass, recycled Styrofoam, LED lights, 5’ x 5’ x 5’ (2018)

Figure of Light and Water

This is a figurative work where the figure itself a source of light. This work was part of “Let There Be Light” at PVCC, 2018. It is displayed floating on the lake behind the Dickinson building at PVCC. The reflection of light in the water completes the work.

Earth Embracing the Sky No.3

soil-cement, stainless steel, wood, clay, dirt, 12’x 8’x 8’ (2019)

Earth Embracing the Sky No.3

This work depicts a human figure holding up a circular structure that frames the landscape in the background. This circular structure is reminiscent of a moon gate, which is a circular entranceway, traditionally used in Chinese gardens. With this sculpture the circular opening functions as a visual inference to the beyond, and emphasis the beauty of the landscape.

The figure itself is an extension of the earth and holds up this landscape. This work is pictured on display at Les Yeux du Monde in Charlottesville, VA

Earth Healer

soil-cement, sod, clay, dirt, herbs, 8’ x 8’ x 7’ (2017)

Earth Healer

This work is part of an ongoing series of garden sculptures. It illustrates a nurturing connection with human beings and the natural world. The sculpture is installed in the center of an herb garden with healing herbs growing around the figure and also in her cradling arms. It is pictured on display at the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden in Richmond, Virginia.

Earth Healer, detail

soil-cement, sod, clay, dirt, herbs, 8’ x 8’ x 7’ (2017)

Earth Embracing the Sky No.2

soil-cement, stainless steel, sod, clay, dirt, 12’x 8’x 8’ (2018)

Earth Embracing the Sky No.2

This work depicts the human form as an extension of the earth. This figure holds up a disc that frames the sky in a circle. The work was first designed as a modern depiction of Atlas, the Greek Mythological figure who holds up the sky and heavens. However, this sculpture now takes on a more relative meaning as it symbolizes a human connection with the earth and cosmos. This work is pictured on display at the Costal Discovery museum in Hilton Head, SC.

Self-Portrait with Powered Air Mask #2

stoneware, 4” x 14” x 13” (2020)

Isolation Suit Model

Face Mask with HEPA Filter

Face Mask with Two HEPA Filters and Fan

Self-portrait with Powered Air Mask #1

Self-Portrait with Powered Air Mask #2

These works are highlighted by the exhibition title. They are about living in a time of uncertainty. They are all self-portraits wearing DYI face masks and protective gear.

Inventions for Uncertain Times

Ed Miller

We are delighted to work with him and to share his work with you.

www.edmillersculpture.com

Enjoy,

Beryl Solla, Curator

Local Portrait # 2

ceramic, 17” x 12” x12” (2018)

Local Portrait # 2

ceramic, 17” x 12” x12” (2018)

. Local Portrait # 1

ceramic, 15” x 12” x 12” (2018)

Local Portrait # 1

ceramic, 15” x 12” x 12” (2018)

Goddess Wings

ceramic, paper, tape, wood, 152” x 49” x 30” (2016)

Goddess Wings, detail

ceramic, paper, tape, wood, 152” x 49” x 30” (2016)

Deconstructed Minotaur

ceramic and wood - 74”x 22” x 22” (2016)

Elevated Figure

ceramic, wood, casters, 111” x 52” x 24” (2016)

Shadwell the Giant Fish

steel, stainless steel, 5’ x 4’ x 15’ (2019)

Shadwell the Giant Fish, detail

steel, stainless steel, 5’ x 4’ x 15’ (2019)

Earthen Bison

ceramic, soil-cement, earth, 4’ x 3’ x 7’ (2019)

Body of Light

Plexiglass, recycled Styrofoam, LED lights, 5’ x 6’ x 6’ (2019)

Figure of Light and Water

Plexiglass, recycled Styrofoam, LED lights, 5’ x 5’ x 5’ (2018)

Earth Embracing the Sky No.3

soil-cement, stainless steel, wood, clay, dirt, 12’x 8’x 8’ (2019)

Earth Healer

soil-cement, sod, clay, dirt, herbs, 8’ x 8’ x 7’ (2017)

Earth Healer, detail

soil-cement, sod, clay, dirt, herbs, 8’ x 8’ x 7’ (2017)

Earth Embracing the Sky No.2

soil-cement, stainless steel, sod, clay, dirt, 12’x 8’x 8’ (2018)

Self-Portrait with Powered Air Mask #2

stoneware, 4” x 14” x 13” (2020)

Self-Portrait with Powered Air Mask #2, Detail back

stoneware, 4” x 14” x 13” (2020)

Self-portrait with Powered Air Mask #1

stoneware, 26” 10” x 12” (2020)

Self-portrait with Powered Air Mask #1, right side

stoneware, 26” 10” x 12” (2020)

Self-portrait with Powered Air Mask #1, back

stoneware, 26” 10” x 12” (2020)

Face Mask with Two HEPA Filters and Fan

stoneware, 23” 10” x 10” (2020)

Face Mask with Two HEPA Filters and Fan, side view

stoneware, 23” 10” x 10” (2020)

Face Mask with HEPA Filter

14”x 12” x 12” stoneware, 2020

Isolation Suit Model,

9” x 4” x 4.5” cloth, paper-mache, wire masking tape, 2020