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Indepth Arts News:
"John Miller: Blue Plate Special"
2003-08-08 until 2003-08-31
William Traver Gallery
Seattle, WA,
USA United States of America
William Traver is proud to present John Miller’s third solo exhibition, "Blue Plate Special." Working on a humorously inflated scale, John’s Diner includes a full menu of traditional greasy spoon fare all executed in blown, hot sculpted, or mold blown glass. Items include a cheeseburger (lettuce and tomato, hold the onions), hot dog, crinkle cut fries, curly fries, ketchup and mustard, salt and pepper. For the breakfast crowd, bacon and eggs (over easy / sunny side up), coffee (saucer for here, styrofoam cups to go), sugar packets, and half and half.
The concept for Blue Plate Special began a couple years ago, with John sketching designs for glass works to execute. John’s prior body of work focused on large scale Venetian goblets, and he wanted to create art of everyday objects – in some respects returning home. John is fascinated by American diner and fast food culture, as well as the personalities that surround it – patrons, chefs, and waitresses. The pieces are infused with fun and whimsy – much like Miller’s own personality. "I was searching for something I really wanted to make. Objects are a big part of our lives, and all the forms, shapes, and colors are a giant part of the culture of this country. Yet you overlook it because it is an everyday object that you know you need …salt, coffee, food. I wanted to create art that is fun, but also makes you look at these objects in a new way."
While speaking to contemporary culture, the work is also inspired by Miller’s childhood memories of visiting diners with his father. As a six-year old boy he and his father would regularly stop by Kitty’s Diner, where the food was simple but really good. Fast Eddie, the cook, would stand over the grill, serving up a hearty hamburger and fries. At the end of the day, Kitty, a product of the depression era, would line up all the ketchup bottles on the horseshoe counter and top them off with water to make them last another day.
"Blue Plate Special" will be on view at the William Traver Gallery through August 31, 2003.
IMAGE
John Miller
SPEEDY
Blown glass
8"h x 21.5"dia
2001
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