petermiller.nz

A key theme of Peter Miller's work is the transient nature of existence. An original inspiration for Miller was the Dutch Vanitas painters who had a central Memento Mori message. The influence of the Dutch Vanitas on Miller’s recent work is subtle but the core themes of human mortality and the impermanence of existence remain.

Miller built his reputation on his meticulous oil paintings of antique toy cars, which show the effects of time's passing. Terry McNamara said of these works: “To copy things exactly as they appear is craft,  but to make them metaphorical, symbolic and memorable is art.”

Miller’s portraits, too, are stunning. Often with a single colour in the background the eyes of his subjects are captivating and their presence is palpable. Miller describes these portraits as a celebration of human potential. His portraits often have a sense of story, sometimes alluded to by the title of the work or through the look the subjects convey in their attitude or presentation.

His bird paintings, featuring a small bird perched on large caring hands, have a sweet gentleness to them. These paintings are a timely reminder to consider our relationship with our natural environment and to act as guardians of nature.

Miller’s work is heartfelt, intelligent and skilful culminating in works of art that are beautiful and thought provoking.