Artospective: Figurative Paintings by Chuck Miller from Texas.

Ms. Lillias 48x24

An Interview with Chuck Miller.

Who and where are you from?

I am a 6th generation native Texan born and raised in Corsicana, TX.. I worked as a commercial artist and designer for over 30 years, I now paint full time in my studio with my wife, also an artist, our dog “Gus” and more cats than Hemingway.

How you got into this?

I have created art for as long as he can remember. From drawing "Mickey Mouse" and “Peanut’s" characters as a small child to being inspired my "The Breck Girl" illustrations of the early seventies as well as Norman Rockwell’s work in my teens.

What is your driving force?

"I have always been fascinated by how the human form can change so dramatically just through the simple act of movement. It is a totally different subject depending on if it's sitting, standing, under force, or at rest. That dynamic is what keeps me consistently engaged in the practice”.

What kind of work you do and why?

I have always been fascinated with the human form, and paint primarily nudes. My work is about what is not seen rather than what is actually portrayed on the canvas. I was asked if I consider my work sexual or erotic I replied, "I grew up in a time that real women had curves. I don't subscribe to society's perception of what a woman has to be, but I do have a view on what I consider beautiful, classic, and strong." "I want to portray the female form in a more classical and honest view, and not have it descended into what 'society' dictates as beautiful or perfect."

In my paintings faces are often omitted, identities are concealed, but the precise, minute details of a person's stomach, back, and the rest of their body are always highlighted. I often work in close crops that focus on specific bodily sections, "I attempt to treat the bodies of my subjects with poise and respectful curiosity.” I am captivated by the complexities of flesh. Every imperfection of the body is captured in paint. My depictions of the human form are "authentic and matter-of-fact", hiding no rolls of flesh or stretch marks or the things that illustrate our humanity.