Artist Statement
Samuel C. Miller III
Artist's Statement and Resume
In the seventies I switched from oils to acrylics while taking a summer semester at the Corcoran Art School. Since that time I have experimented with a wide variety of materials. My experimental method grows out of my physics/optics/chemistry background. I am fascinated by the science of perception and image making. My art time is spent trying to find a congenial balance of novel technique and expression.
Many of my pieces have aspects that depend on viewing angle and distance. Like modern U.S. currency, they cannot be counterfeited, and good copies will never appear on the internet. This is particularly true of my lighted shadow boxes.
Some of my work emerges from random or abstract "seeds." Faces emerge from foliage; street scenes emerge from slush on a car windshield. Acrylic glazes and other water based materials are well adapted to build up many successive layers out of which the images may emerge.
Others of my paintings are somewhat theatrical, inspired, in part, by my work in set design. These explore ensembles in social settings such as country outings or bars and 3D landscapes, domestic interiors, cathedrals, hotels and junkyards.
In the past couple of years, my pieces have been displayed in over fifty juried shows at the Alexandria Art League's Torpedo Factory Gallery, and have won numerous awards there including three best in show awards. My work has also been exhibited in the National Building Museum, National Harborplace, and Alexandria City Hall and in solo shows at the Arts Club of Washington, Northern Virginia Community College Schleshinger Gallery and Prince Georges Community College Gallery. One of my pieces was displayed (albeit briefly) in the White House Oval Office.
Major funding for my art career was provided by my intellectual property law practice and my teaching at Georgetown University Law School; major support by my tolerant family and art community.