James Miller – New Work

Christina Parker Gallery is pleased to announce an exhibition titled NEW WORK with painter James Miller that is primarily focused on a series of new paintings of the sea.

The exhibition opens both virtually on line and in the main gallery on December 12^th.

My fascination with the Newfoundland coastline is in the details of the colours, the textures, and the light.  Always changing , never the same. Each summer I explore the coastal coves and beaches in search of artistic inspiration. The effects of sunlight on the coastal environment is never ending in its intrigue and potential as a source for my next creation.

There is a timeless quality in the paintings of James Miller. His affinity for classical Dutch painting lives on in the new work. It’s found in his every horizon, allowing for lots of sky and especially clouds, with their drama of contrasting light.

While he describes his work as realism, classic and contemporary, some of his influences are unexpectedly, surrealists like Salvador Dali and Max Ernst. “Because what they give you is freedom”, Miller states.

Every coastline is a symphony of the sea meeting the land thunderous in the percussion and then suddenly muted in a moment of tranquility, while another wave builds strength and explodes into the ragged edges of the land.

Miller was born in St. John’s, but grew up in the United States and then Montreal where his father, an employee of National Cash Register, was transferred. He came back to St. John’s to finish high school at PWC, where two pivotal events occurred: he was taught by Reginald Shepherd [1924-2002], the acclaimed Newfoundland painter of poetic realism, and he saw an exhibition of 18th century Dutch realism at what was then the MUN Art Gallery. He went on to study at the Ontario College of Art as well as in Montreal and Halifax.

Due to COVID protocols we will only be open to small groups in the gallery during gallery hours and will NOT be hosting an opening reception. We ask that guests maintain social distancing protocols and wear a mask inside the gallery.

Gallery hours are 11-5pm Monday through Saturday.