Some may say art is subjective and can be translated differently with everyone who views it. One thing is sure, artists, each in their own unique way, are personally communicating through their art. Many capture nature in all its color, wonder, and beauty, while others reveal emotions and experiences. Some share conflicts and some share memories, but want others to experience through their art. The Gallery is pleased to have Jon Miller share his thought provoking paintings at the Heartland Artists Gallery through Nov. 24th.
“As a visual artist, I reach deep into my inner being, to create, and paint, exactly what it is I am feeling. But invite the viewer to take in the visual information, and decide for themselves what it means to them”, Jon Miller states. His book, and the title of his most recent series, Reconciliation, exhibits such emotion. An online review by consumer, Joanna J. Hartley, ‘This book is very awe-inspiring and takes a refreshing look at different aspects of today’s society. The Artist is very talented as a painter as well as a profound philosopher. Every painting includes a variety of differing but intriguing objects, which, when the painting is seen in its entirety, draws the viewer deeper into the true meaning of the work. An easy-to-read explanation is located besides each painting which clarifies the meaning for that particular painting. This book would make a wonderful gift for someone or use as a “conversation starter” in your own sitting room’. You will be able to see several of the original paintings from his latest book at Heartland Artists Gallery this month.
Jon’s an unpretentious midwestern guy, who grew up drawing the local landscape. “I drew a lot of barns”, he recalls. Life provided him a couple of vocational twists and turns, but when he returned to his art, two decades later, both his soul and his palette had evolved to accommodate a much more expansive range of artistic thought. Colorful acrylics of coastal scenes kept company with photorealistic paintings that often carried a subtle, or not so subtle, philosophical message.
While external objects, scenes, and people inspire Jon, his finished products always bore a definitive stamp of his personal artistic perspective. Strong personal feelings and novel thoughts brought everyday subjects “out of the box”, and into Jon’s artistic light. Often he challenged viewers to look at familiar elements of communal life in a very different way. Jon was rewarded not only by the satisfaction of provocation, but also by many art show prizes awarded by judges.
While many artists tread water in artistic careers, Jon has solidified his artistic reputation by swimming both with the tide of common perspective, and strongly against it. His newest work, inspired by his recent move back to the Midwest, is a fascinating journey inside an artist who will no doubt continue to evolve. More can be learned by visiting Jon’s website, Jonmillerart.com and by attending the Gallery’s Open House, Saturday. Nov. 10 from 1-4.
Heartland’s art classes continue to grow and Jon Miller has offered 12 classes this year, from drawing cartoons, to Impressionist and abstract painting, and even a few Sip & Paint Classes. The Gallery’s calendar offers more ‘Art Experiences’ through the end of the year with the Annual Christmas Gift Shoppe and Tree Raffle – this year’s theme being ‘Santa’s Workshop’. The Christmas tree with handmade ornaments by Heartland artists will be on display at the Gallery mid November. Raffle tickets will be sold at the Gallery and the winner will be announced in early December.
The Gallery’s mission is to support area artists, and to bring and to teach the arts to our community. Our not-for-profit Gallery gives area artists a venue to show and sell their art. Our art classes fulfill our mission for educating and they also assist in our financial means to maintain the Gallery. Visit www.heartlandartgallery. com and Facebook, Instagram, Instagram or call 574.936.9515 for information. The Gallery is located at 101 N. Michigan St., in Downtown Plymouth. Gallery hours are Tuesday – Saturday 10-4.
Photo Caption: ‘Donnie’ is the title of this painting by Jon Miller, the featured artist at Heartland this month. View this and more at the Community Open House, Saturday, Nov. 10 from 1-4 pm at the Heartland Gallery on the corner of Garro and Michigan Streets in downtown Plymouth.
Photo Caption: Jon Miller’s painting eye-catching ‘Think Outside the Box’ can be seen at Heartland Artists Gallery through Nov. 30 along with more of his paintings and over 25 other member artists’ works.
