We recently connected with Jake Miller and have shared our conversation below.

Jake , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

I am the son of working class folks. My father was a heavy equipment mechanic for 35 years, my mother a elementary school cook. Both are very hard working individuals who taught me a strong work ethic. I was always building something or tearing something apart. All the men in my family were blue-collar tradesmen , electricians, plumbers, mechanics, painters, carpenters . I was grew up around them and learned from all of them. Im thankful for that knowledge, it has helped me in so many ways.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I am from a small rural town in northwestern illinois on the Mississippi River. I received my bachelors degree from Western Illinois University in 2016.WIU is were things started to fall in place for me, i discovered a love for sculpture and was given much needed time to explore. I decided to continue my education and was lucky enough to be able to attend The University Of Tennessee. They have a great sculpture program and it was at UT where i learned just how important my roots in the rural midwest were to me. My thesis work centered around blue-collar labor in rural midwestern culture. My recent work has focused more on labor in general and overworking of employees/workers. Using tools as stand ins for bodies or tools that have been manipulated twisted or armed with spikes, fighting back or showing exhaustion or frustration.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

Being raised in a rural community unfortunately my art education was not great. Art was seen as unimportant and impractical. I often think of what type of artist i would be now if i would have been exposed to thought provoking art or art history earlier in my life. Which is why its so important to me that my artwork is often shown in rural places, where rural communities have the opportunity to experience an art show. I have shown my work in old hair salons, barns , gymnasiums, and farm homes. Each experience was unique ,and came with different challenges. The feedback I received and being able to watch community members engage in thoughtful discussions of art made the challenges worth it. I think everyone should make art and have access to the arts regardless of where you live.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

During the end of my time in graduate school i was applying for teaching jobs at universities, with no luck unfortunately. So i decided to pursue fabrication, something ive already been doing for a while for my art practice. Before this i had never really given fabrication and serious thought as a career path. Luckily it was the right move for me. Not only do i get paid to conceptualize, design and build things for clients. But fabrication has allowed me the workspaces to create my own art. Which being a sculptor space is a premium. As an artist i think it’s important to be able to roll with the punches and take advantage of opportunities when they are presented, even if it is not the original plan.

Contact Info:

• Website: Jakemillersculpture.com
• Instagram: @Jake_miller_art