Artist Statement

A compelling idea overrides everything else. At least that’s the credo that has guided my work for the past several decades. It has become central to my practice as an artist now—in addition to my ongoing exploration of how the immense power of ideas manifest themselves in the diminutive art object. 

Part of the pursuit of this intersection of form and meaning is out of practicality: my hectic travel schedule in previous years has limited my materials to those which are portable, lending themselves to a traveling studio space.

What these limitations have paradoxically opened up to me is a new avenue for creative exploration, in which I combine drawing and painting with endless experimentation with various materials, shapes, and textures. In other words, having a traveling studio and working on this type of art allows me to live a creative life, stay focused, and continuously come up with new ideas to explore.

Some of my works are based on obsessive mark making and the act of creating them becomes a form of daily meditation. In these works, I dive into the minutiae of the very matter of our being. In some of my art, small hatches become the grid-like striations one would expect to see through the lens of a microscope examining amoebae. In others, I create texture and patterns on painted surfaces to echo topography, whether it alludes to the sweeping landscape or to the intricate and delicate patterns found in each facet of a crystal or geode. Within these explorations, it is the idea that reigns supreme. I become a vehicle for an idea to come forth, and I follow that inspiration by channeling its monumentality into each individual mark I make.  

Bio

Lee Miller earned a BA in Graphic Design from Penn State University before launching his career. He climbed the ranks of the design world to become creative director and to eventually run his own post-production company. Beyond his primary focus in the realm of motion graphics design, Lee has held a parallel passion for painting and drawing. Having studied painting at both the New School and the Art Students League in New York City, Lee has exhibited his art in various group shows — including the National Arts Club, where his work garnered award-worthy recognition. 

The current pandemic and resulting lockdown have given Lee the time and space for greater creative introspection—resulting in a dynamic new series that explores the intimate nuances possible in smaller-scale works. Lee lives and works in New York City, the place he has called home for more than 25 years. Follow him on Instagram (@leemiller.art) to see more of his work.