Reclaimed vinyl flooring and salvaged linoleum are transformed into highly textured narrative paintings by Washington D.C. artist Bill Miller. In a style he describes as “somewhere between collage and stained glass”, the artist illustrates poignant stories of days gone by.
Three Sisters, 16″ x 24″
His work is informed by the history of the material and a keen ability for storytelling. Memories common to my generation live on as he expertly pieces together hand cut vintage patterns of colorful flooring, creating a hypnotic effect for the viewer. As you study each layered scene, laid out like a feast for hungry eyes, you quickly fall under the spell of a Miller painting and almost always come back for a second helping. Watch a video of the artist as he prepares for an exhibit here.
Paper or Plastic, 24″ x 32″
A lot of times, I’ll see a pattern on a piece of linoleum in my studio, and I’ll see a face in that. I’ll see the shape, the color, the gesture in a piece.
That IS hypnotic! So much detail!
And -wow!- I have a piece of (vintage) linoleum like the sleeve of the woman with the outstretched arm in Three Sisters. My sister found it in an old house on property they bought.
As usual, thanks for bringing such interesting work for us to see!