Jodi Miller: Landscape, Memory & a Sense of Belonging
Based in Canada, impressionist painter Jodi Miller explores the fundamental connection between humans and their environment. Miller’s work is largely inspired by her own adventures in nature and the impact of these experiences on her identity. Through each painting, Miller sparks a curiosity for how our surroundings can cultivate a sense of belonging.
How did your creative journey begin?
I have always loved being out in nature and had a really supportive art teacher when I was in grade school who led me to explore art and view the world in so many new ways. Unfortunately, I come from a really practical family who thought my drawing and creating was a fun hobby, but not something to be pursued as a career. Not one to shy from adventure, I decided to join the military as an aerospace engineer where I spent 20 years working on aircraft and projects across Canada and abroad. All the while, I continued to draw then shifted to painting in my down time as a stress relief. Ultimately, all of these experiences helped me develop my passion for narrating our landscapes and finding a sense of belonging through painting and writing. I made the shift to become a creative full time in 2015 and am so grateful to be able to be on this amazing journey!
Where do you find inspiration for your work?
In all of my travels and living abroad, I found myself looking to the skies as a means of staying connected to my roots growing up on the prairies and as a reminder that time is fleeting so we need to celebrate the everyday. I draw on my time growing up in the country and am always observing the nuances of each new landscape I encounter to save them away as memories and links to stories about our identity. I journal, I walk, I collect bits from nature, I try to be part of the landscape and bring all of that as inspiration to my paintings.
How has your work shifted and evolved over time?
Originally I was afraid to try to capture the vastness of the sky for fear that I couldn't do it justice. I think I was a bit stuck focusing on representing what my eyes were seeing rather than all that I was feeling and remembering. By allowing space for the work itself to become part of the story, I have moved from more rigid representation of a specific space to painting imagined places that link more closely to memories and remnants of simple things that are relatable and every day, yet special and worth celebrating. I let the seasons influence my work and palettes and try to spend more time reflecting and listening to stories to try to find a way of representing those connections in paint.
What does a typical day in the studio look like for you, and how has your art practice grown or changed?
My studio is in my home, which is super helpful as I have a houseful of teenagers. I like to be in the studio in the morning light and always with coffee (or tea in the afternoon). I generally have a few pieces on the go at once in various stages so that if one becomes too forced, I can change gears and approach a different piece. I like to write and do a thumbnail sketch before I start an underpainting. I might use a few photos taken from drives or sent to me by others as a starting point for the first layer or so. Once I begin with my chosen palette, I like to work quickly and intuitively, letting the narrative evolve and allowing some play in the paint itself. I think our art practices continue to evolve with our work and opportunities and for me, the time of year and time I can dedicate to exploration versus production is always changing my approach. I love new challenges so being open to that is super important.
Which experiences have impacted your work as an artist?
Growing up on the farm gave me a strong appreciation for the land, how delicate it is and how much we rely on it. Travelling the world and being in the Royal Canadian Air Force gave me a sense of how big world is, yet showed me how similar and connected our landscapes and stories truly are. Being a mom has taught me that its okay to make mistakes and given me a whole new level of gratitude for the beauty of life every day. Shifting from being an engineer to create has taught me that it's okay to challenge our fears and important to celebrate the victories along the way. Life is one beautiful journey!
How has social media impacted your art career?
I know it can be distracting, but I love the way that I have been able to connect with collectors, people with amazing stories, other creatives and truly beautiful humans from all around the globe through social media! Especially during the pandemic, it was a way to remember that we are all on this journey together. It's been a reminder to be kind and supportive because that's what I have enjoyed from those that interact with me on social media. It doesn't replace personal connections, but I believe that it's a tool that can certainly help us stay connected and enjoy belonging and sharing.
What are your future goals and aspirations?
My goal is always to continue to grow personally and professionally! I am continually listening to podcasts, finding books about other artists, reaching out to those I admire online and generally trying to live each day as something precious. I want to continue to find reasons to celebrate and enjoy the journey. I want my art to be authentic and meaningful both in its creation and in its connection with those who view it. Mostly I just want to be the happiest person I know!
Website: www.jodimillerfineart.com
Instagram: @jodimillerfineart