TAC Member Highlight: Robert Miller, Finding Form in the Mud

Since 2018, Tulsa-based artist Robert Miller has been drawn to the tactile world of ceramics. Years spent exploring the nuances of drawing and painting laid a foundation for a lifelong artistic pursuit. However, it wasn’t until a stint in Taos, New Mexico, a region steeped in rich ceramic history, that a new medium began to whisper its potential. Returning to Tulsa in 2018, a single pottery class proved to be a revelation. Robert knew, with a certainty that resonated deep within, that clay was his true calling.

His creative process often begins with a comforting ritual: a steaming cup of coffee and a flick through the pages of a vintage Ceramic Monthly from the 1970s. This quiet contemplation, sometimes punctuated by a touch of creative anxiety, eventually gives way to the spark of an idea. For this artist, the journey with clay is one of constant exploration. Still relatively early in his ceramic career, a significant portion of his time is dedicated to understanding and recreating the forms and techniques of master ceramicists of the past. “I figure I've got a few more years of exploring the old masters before I find my truly personal, or unique, voice in ceramics,” Robert confides.

While other mediums held their own appeal, ceramics has a unique power for this artist. There’s a grounding quality in working with clay, a connection to the earth that settles something profound within the soul, a feeling that graphite and oils simply couldn’t replicate.

Form and texture are the cornerstones of Robert’s artistic style. He gravitates towards simple, well-executed forms that possess a quiet elegance, drawing the viewer in with their understated beauty. Equally captivating is the exploration of the raw, naturally occurring textures of clay. Through deliberate acts of breaking, tearing, stretching, cutting, and chipping, the artist uncovers the inherent characteristics of each clay body. These accidental discoveries are often the most inspiring, leading to attempts to recreate and understand the unique behavior of different materials. This process of intentional experimentation fosters an intimate knowledge of the medium.

Motivation is a constant companion. Each day brings a fresh wave of ideas, “every day another dozen ideas emerge from the subconscious and occupy my forethought.” Inspiration is rarely lacking, though the limitations of the current workspace sometimes require certain ambitious projects to be shelved until a larger studio becomes a reality. This constraint, however, often fuels further creativity, forcing a focus on what can be achieved with the tools at hand.

For those looking to embark on their own artistic journeys, this artist offers valuable advice: practice, patience, and personal investigation. Honing skills and perfecting the fundamentals of a chosen medium are paramount. Patience is crucial in navigating the desire for recognition; quality work, he believes, speaks for itself. “The most important part of taking your art to the next level is asking yourself ‘why?’” Robert says. Questioning every mark, every element, and the choice of medium itself leads to a deeper understanding of intent and ultimately, more unique and honest art.

This artist finds solace and focus in the solitude of their personal practice. However, engaging with other artists, whether through conversation or assisting with their work, provides inspiration and motivation. A favorite pastime involves lively critiques of Tulsa’s pop-up art markets, debating the merits and hype surrounding local artists.

Teaching classes at Third Street Clayworks, the very place where his own ceramic journey began in 2018, has proven to be an invaluable learning experience. The adage “you learn best from teaching” rings true, fostering a deeper awareness of technique and intention. It has also cultivated a sense of self-compassion, a reminder that mistakes are part of the process. The mantra often shared with students – “we’re all just here to play in the mud” – serves as a personal reminder to embrace imperfections and learn from them.

Currently, Robert’s focus remains on personal exploration, with ongoing projects like fountains and lamps, and the exciting endeavor of creating a handmade dinnerware set. These are the quiet moments of creative fulfillment, projects driven by personal curiosity rather than the need for public acclaim.

Being a Tulsa native, the artist acknowledges the influence of the region, even without direct indigenous roots. The prolific history of Native American pottery has subtly informed some of the forms he creates. Additionally, artwork in the local scene serves as a unique motivator, pushing him to strive for excellence and create pieces that stand out.

Having been aware of the Tulsa Artists’ Coalition (TAC) for many years, his first participation was in a 5x5 event around eight years ago, a memorable piece involving a mannequin hand and a touch of performance art. This January marked his first time as a TAC member and his first submission of work, both pieces of which were accepted.

This Tulsa artist’s story is one of embracing the past while forging a path towards a unique artistic voice, one formed by the earth, shaped by intention, and driven by a relentless curiosity. The studio, filled with the promise of raw clay, remains a space of endless exploration, where form emerges from the mud, and the artist continues to discover the profound connection between hand and earth.

Follow Robert Miller: instagram.com/robertmiller_ceramics/