Welcome
Heather has authored over thirty books for children including three award-winning picture books; Look Behind! Tales of Animal Ends, (published by Greenwillow 2008) This Is Your Life Cycle, (published by Clarion 2008) and Subway Ride (published by Charlesbridge 2009) Visit Heather’s Author Site for more information about her books!
ARTIST
Heather Miller was born in Minnesota where she spent her early years carving forts and imaginary creatures from the snow, and gathering colorful rocks while she tromped through the ravine behind her childhood home. Her connection to nature was cultivated as a child and even now, as an adult living in a suburban home in northeast Indiana, Heather still reaches for the sky when inspiration seems to dim.
“I definitely work intuitively. I listen to my gut, my inner voice, the universe, whatever you want to claim it to be. My surroundings have a huge influence on my work. If the weather is drab and listless I try to embrace that emotion and throw it into my painting. I try to keep my color palate simple, often choosing just one color and then playing with the values. Sometimes I work as a partner with nature. If the rain is pouring down I may step outside with a canvas gripped in two fists and let the water beat over the painted surface, then watch the colors swirl and mix together. I never know where a painting will take me. Sometimes the journey is quick and instantly satisfying and other times the process is defeating and frustrating. I have to know when to step away from the paint. If I give myself enough time, I can feel what do to next, then I act quickly. My best work happens when I can work fearlessly.”
Heather also enjoys experimenting with clay as she builds organic, slab vessels. A wide range of natural material, including rocks, corn, leaves, seeds, pine needles, bark, and grass, are used to imprint the clay with texture. “Sometimes I throw the slabs directly onto organic materials and let the clay pick up the impressions of objects as it spread across the work surface. While creating the form of the vessel, I follow the guidance given by the shape of the actual slab, the strength of the clay, and my mood and temperament of the day. The very movement of the clay working with and against gravity dictates its final form. It is my hope that each piece captures a feeling of life and movement, as if the work itself were an organic, living being.”
With a degree in education and a prolific list of publishing credits, Heather also works as an art teacher and a children’s book author. Her most recent publications include, Subway Ride and This is Your Life Cycle, both of which received notable awards including the Oppenheimer Gold Seal. Heather chooses to leave the illustration of her books in the hands of other artists. “I like the added layer of thinking they bring to the table. I’ve been pleasantly surprised by all of the illustrator my editors have chosen.”
Heather serves the children of her region as a strong advocate for the arts. Heather works for Oak Farm Montessori School as the art specialist. Her art program stresses creative thinking, problem-solving, visual communication, and public service. She also stands as the Vice President of the Foundation for Art and Music in Education, also known as FAME. The foundation offers an abundance of programming such as a residential arts camp, coordinating artist visits to schools through northeast Indiana, and hosts a huge art festival for all children in the region. Heather works in her studio at home where she also teaches art classes after school to the children in her community.
Heather’s work is represented by
Northside Galleries, Fort Wayne, IN
Marion Street Gallery in Oak Park, Il
Xanadu Gallery in Scottsdale, AZ.
Essentials and Frosting, Auburn, IN
Giclee prints are available for purchase at
http://HeatherLynnMiller.imagekind.com
Northside Galleries, Fort Wayne, Indiana
INSTRUCTOR
For the past eight years Heather has served the students of Oak Farm Montessori School in Avilla, Indiana as the campus Art Specialist. The Visual Arts Program at Oak Farm Montessori School fosters creative thinking by presenting students with stimulating challenges that emphasize both problem solving and self-expression.
Heather was recently named Vice President of the Foundation for Art and Music Education, also known as FAME. The organization offers seven highly acclaimed educational arts programs to the youth of northern Indiana.
Author, Artist, instructor