Brad Miller, a sculptor and ceramic artist based in Southern California, is clearly fascinated by organic forms. The title of recent shows by Miller and a monograph published in 2011 by Edward Cella Art + Architecture, Los Angeles, Primordial Algorithms, alludes to the inspiration he finds in nature: microscopic and macroscopic, tangible and intangible.
Constantly reconfiguring nature’s most persistent ordering systems is central to my work. Close packing, cracking, dendritic systems and spirals are a few of these familiar images. When systems move between order and disorder, in the dynamic middle ground of changing pattern, I find my muses.
Miller was born in 1950 in New York City and received his MFA from the University of Oregon in 1977. He was the recipient of an NEA fellowship in 1984. He was the Director of the Ceramics Program at the Anderson Ranch Art Center in Snowmass, Colorado from 1980 to 1984, at that point he became the Executive Director of the program and held that position until 1992. His work is in numerous private and public collections including the Brooklyn Museum, New York; Arizona State University Museum of Art, Tempe; The Lannon Foundation, Los Angeles; National Museum of American Art, Washington D.C.; The Smithsonian Institution, Washington D.C.; and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, California.
Above image: Brad Miller, E13-3, 2013. Porcelain. Courtesy of Edward Cella Art + Architecture.
Brad Miller, E13-1, 2013. Porcelain.
Brad Miller, S13-3, 2013. Porcelain.
Brad Miller, P1-11, 2011. Porcelain.
Brad Miller, P3-11, 2011. Porcelain. Photograph courtesy of the Edward Cella gallery.
Brad Miller, Feelings, 2011. Ceramics with steel attachments.
Brad Miller, Sampler, 2011. Ceramics with steel attachments. All images courtesy of the Edward Cella Art + Architecture.
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In the early 80’s I purchased a small white round ceramic “puzzle” from Annabelle Miller who was my next door neighbor. I did not know Brad, but I really liked Annabelle so made the purchase. I would like to learn more about how these “puzzles” were made. What is the correct name for these sculptures? Are they still being shown anywhere in Portland? As an aside, Annabelle used to give my son a ride to Wilson High where she was the librarian. I think she also had a daughter who eventually opened a glass gallery.
I need to contact Bradley Miller about one of his pieces I have (and love). It was given to me by Betty Asher and Patti Faure (Asher/Faure Gallery in LA) on the occasion of my wedding 32 years ago. The signature is wearing off and I would very much like to have him re-sign it.
In my studio, Mr. Miller’s porcelain piece sits next to a small South American carving owned by Dorothy Miller, the esteemed Museum of Modern Art curator.
The two Millers are in good company.
Thank you.