Nathan Miller is a narrative realist painter of both wildlife and people. He uses acrylic paints and primarily prefers working with smooth surfaces like gesso board so that every detail is visible. Miller’s work explores elements of design, symmetry, symbolism, and concepts dealing with humanity’s relationship with nature.
Miller believes that humanity has been disconnected from the natural world for far too long. This outer and inner disconnection from nature is causing the world around us to fall apart. While we distract ourselves with our own pursuits, and as we place ourselves above all else, ecosystems disappear. Somehow, we must find a way to reconnect with the natural world, to appreciate the value of wildlife, and to see ourselves as a part of the ecosystem. Even among artists there appears to be a disconnect between wildlife art and figurative art. “Are you a wildlife artist or a figurative artist?” Why not both? Miller finds value in all emotional life, and he enjoys depicting that life in different scenarios. In fact, he’s particularly interested in stories that pertain to both animals and people.
Over the course of his career, Nathan Miller’s work has become significantly more detailed and more complex. When he began this journey, he wasn’t sure what his style would be. He knew he loved to paint, but he really had no idea how his art would evolve. In high school and even into college, his art was more abstract. He was almost always painting angular African figures with flat shapes and patterns. And, according to Nathan, like so many others, he was intimidated by realism. He would draw realistically, but painting was another story. Painting realistically was hard and time consuming. It was simply easier to find shortcuts and paint in ways he thought were unique or different. Even society appeared to appreciate what was different more than what was exceptional. But eventually, the more Nathan immersed himself into his art, and perfected his technique, the more he came to believe that the exceptional was different.
Today, Miller is working on a series that explores wild animals and indigenous human cultures from around the world. And while this series considers the stories, traditions and challenges that surround wildlife, it also emphasizes the need to protect and coexist with wildlife. This series celebrates both animals in the wild and indigenous cultures. Despite the history of conflict, as human populations increase and wildlife populations decrease, there will need to be a shift toward coexistence.
Nathan Miller hopes that his work can, in some small way, help others value nature, animals, and the impact of narrative realism in art.
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