Marie Louise Miller / About
I am a fine artist and designer dividing my time between studio based fine art practice and commercial design and illustration. My practice is centred around a passion for drawing. Creating evocative figurative drawings in a range of media. I have been an active member of Creekside Artists and The Strand Group since 2004 and I am now a member of The Arts Forum, Hastings.
EDUCATION
Trained in Academic Style drawing and painting under Val Beddington I studied Fashion Promotion & Illustration at Epsom School of Art & Design (HND 1991 – 1994) after completion of a Foundation Course at Central St Martins (Diploma 1990-1991). I went on to gain a First Class honours degree in Art for Community at the Roehampton Institute (BA 1997 – 1998), where I specialised in site-specific paintings for health care environments. This specialism has led to personal and joint commissions for Charing Cross Hospital and Kings College Hospital.
COMMERCIAL PRACTICE
Design since 1998
As a design consultant for Mediterraneo Ltd (www.mediterraneodesign.com) since 1998, I have developed a unique in depth knowledge of Venetian glass techniques. Working closely with the glass maestros based in Murano, Italy, and following a detailed brief from international architects and interior designers, my original designs of chandeliers, mirrors and glass sculptures can be seen in the most exclusive addresses around the world. I also specialises in glass mosaic design, working in partnership with Bisazza (www.bisazza.com). Recent projects include The Home Office (London), Ritz Carlton California (USA), Vinopolis Wine Museum (London), Savoy Group, Four Seasons Group, The Sanctuary Spa (London), Burj Al Arab (Dubai), amongst others.
Illustration since 1994
I have worked as a free-lance illustrator across abroad range of subjects and media from flyers to books. Creating drawings with attitude for drugs awareness campaigns for In-volve Consultancy, to spiritual ‘mudra’ drawings for Harper Collins.
STATEMENT
The central theme of the human form is visited in different drawing media throughout my practice. Tender renderings in charcoal, explosive observations in paint and mixed media are produced through a meditative practice working mainly from life. Close observational drawings are created within a practice of innovative mark making, which creates a diverse portfolio from the figurative to the abstract. Likewise, the rhythms in architecture and landscape, echoing those of our human frame, are explored alongside our universal experience of the horizon.
Portraiture and the human condition are of special interest and influence in my work. What it means to be a human being, the ‘beingness’, the ‘humaness’ as the essence of the creative process is explored through observational drawing from the model. This process-based research centres around the freedom of mark making and the tangible communication through light and line.
When working on commissions my practice involves a thorough consultation process with the commissioner – whether in developing a portrait, an illustration, a Venetian glass piece or a site-specific work. I particularly enjoy the constraints of a brief, which force the most creative and strong responses to arise, through an intuitive and mindful process. The detailed briefing process with the client is fundamental, be it a space, a page or a personality whose synergy of explicit parameters and implicit traits will direct the artwork.
Site-specific works are created not only in relation to a space or a theme, but more importantly to the community who will be experiencing the finished work. Once again, this is achieved through consultation. Workshops, personal interviews, community focus group and other forums will inform the art making process. A similar approach is applied to my design consultancy practice which enables the resulting artwork to be as effective as possible.
It is a privilege to be able to collaborate and work alongside the ancient and traditional artistic practices of Venetian glass blowing and mosaic. I work as a facilitator between the client and the artisan, providing to the former access to a unique range of decorative solutions and maintaining alive the skills of the latter. Working with a portfolio of designs dating back to the 11th century, contemporary bespoke pieces are created within the original and timeless traditions.