JAMES MILLER
I am a multi-discipline artist and often find the media I use is an integral part of the art that is inspired. In many cases, the media is also my message.
My challenge is to give you a sense of the depth and scope of my work without overwhelming you. To do that, I’m providing a gallery of photos on this page with a representative work from the category mentioned (unless appearing in the previous gallery) with links to more artwork or information, where applicable.
My art is presented in two major categories: Media and Subject.
I then present four major pieces of work; my relevant work experience and education.
Media Used Includes:
Acrylic or oil on canvas or paper; pencil and pencil color on paper; photography and video; writing; a quilt; wood carvings; found objects (e.g. rocks, candy box, discarded wash pan, egg cartons); Styrofoam; motorcycle helmets; 3D prints; boxes; t-shirts, clothing, overalls, embroidery; music writing and recording; etc.
Subject
In addition to diverse media, my work also explores a variety of subjects including: still life; portraiture; humour and whimsy (Happy Face Series, Wanted Poster: Happiness); LOVE (2D & 3D); religious art (a major part of Western tradition until its recent decline); Spiritualism (pure non-dualism) and political commentary; and abstract design.
Selected Major Works
For the Sinless (2026) – Box Set series
Using a 3D printer, wooden box, colour shift paint and Cricut text, I have created an interactive piece as part of my “Box Set” series.
This piece references the Bible story of Jesus and the Adulteress (John 8:1-11).
Jesus is confronted by the religious authorities of the day with an adulterous woman. According to Mosaic Law, she should be stoned to death. How can Jesus show mercy and yet obey Mosaic Law? At first, Jesus pretends he doesn’t hear but finally makes a simple statement saying: He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her. (KJV)
While most art pieces ask observers not to touch, the Box Set Series involves the viewer in an active process of exploration. In this case, participants go through the process of imagining they are “without sin” and open the box to be gifted their “first stone”. I believe this is a powerful piece as it directly involves the viewer, asking them to look at who they are in terms of judging. The exterior of the box has a three word statement: For the Sinless. Opened the inner lid of box has two words, 3D printed, that read: Your first, while the bottom contains a 3D printed holder and a stone. When the stone is removed from the ellipse the stone sat in, it reveals text below it. The text, taken from A Course in Miracles, sheds further light on the teachings of Jesus and His essential message of love and forgiveness. It reads:
As sin is an idea you taught yourself, forgiveness must be learned by you as well, but from a Teacher other than yourself, Who represents the other Self in you. ⁴Through Him you learn how to forgive the self you think you made, and let it disappear. ⁵Thus you return your mind as one to Him Who is your Self, and Who can never sin. (ACIM, W-121.6:3-5)
The Spirit of Prince George, 2015, (2014)
This piece was commissioned by Timberspan Wood Products of Prince George to commemorate the city’s centennial.
After creating the design for the work, I used a variety of power tools to carve the Douglas fir panels.
Death from A to Z by Adam Lanza, Dec. 14, 2012 (2013)
This work explores the issue of gun control through the creation of a quilt using NRA baby-bibs embroidered with the names and birth dates of the 26 people (mostly elementary school children) shot at the school. An interesting note, I was living in Sandy Hook, British Columbia while designing this piece.
Brand New Song
My music video produced in 2020 features my song, written and recorded in Victoria in 2005.
Warning! Disturbing images. The visual images feature my art while also referencing substance abuse, drug addiction and mental illness.
RELEVANT WORK EXPERIENCE
ART & MATHEMATICS TEACHER (Aug 2002 – Jul 2012)
Various International Schools
Teaching and curriculum development for Art for Irish Leaving Certificate, International Baccalaureate and IGCSE at primary, middle school and high school levels in Libya, Mongolia, Saudi Arabia and Norway. Mathematics instruction in Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Japan.
MARKETING MANAGER (May 1997 – Jul 2002)
T-MAR Industries, Campbell River, BC
Monthly stock advertising preparation; photographing equipment; designing, writing and producing marketing supports including apparel, swag, brochures, trade show booths, billboards and newsletters.
FREELANCE JOURNALIST (Sep 1995 – May 1997)
BC Business Examiner, Free Press Real Estate, Free Press Showcase
Providing editorial copy and supporting photography for a number of Nanaimo publications.
FRANCHISE OWNER & SALES MANAGER (May 1990 – Jul 1995)
Val-Pak Vancouver Island Advertising, Nanaimo, BC
Advertising sales, promotion design and response analysis; hiring and training; budgeting; and postal scheduling.
JOURNALISM INSTRUCTOR (Sep 1987 – May 1988)
Grant MacEwan Community College, Edmonton, AB
Taught graphic design, mass media, photojournalism, and news laboratory.
COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER (Jul 1983 – Aug 1987)
The University of Calgary, Calgary, AB
Participated in communications planning and implementation; co-edited the internal tabloid, the Gazette; provided writing, graphic design and photography.
EDUCATION
THE UNIVERSITY OF CALGARY (Sep 1984 – Apr 1985)
Calgary, AB
Completed courses: Art & Arch of Canada 1870 – 1980; Topics in Prairie Canada; Communications Research Methods.
THE UNIVERSITY OF ALBERTA – BFA STUDIES & B.Ed. – Art (Sep 1969 – Apr 1983)
Edmonton, AB
Enrolled in BFA program in Visual Arts and completed first year with studies in Art History and Visual Communication I & II. Later studied Painting, Drawing and Visual Communications at Senior Level. Transferred to Faculty of Education to study Art Education in 1975, with studies including History of 20th Century Art and History of Greek Art at senior level. Further studies include History of 19th Century Art and two Senior Painting Classes. Also completed courses in Art Education, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics and Anatomy. Granted Bachelor Degree in Education (Art).
HARRY AINLAY COMPOSITE HIGH SCHOOL (Sep 1966 – Jul 1969)
Edmonton, AB
Senior matriculation with studies in Commercial Art.
ASSOCIATION MEMBERSHIP
GALLERY@501 (Feb 2024 – Aug 2026)
Sherwood Park, AB
I have been a member of Gallery@501 in Sherwood Park, AB for two years and have presented works in “Members Show” for the past two years.
James Miller, August, 2026