This week’s works of the week feature some of Ross Miller’s female figurative sculptures…
 
#22 ‘Maid of Oleans’ Bronze on Granite Base $1700
#25 ‘Seated Figure’ Bronze on Red Gum Base $3600
#28 ‘Beach Girl’ Bronze on Sandstone Base $2900

With these sculptures Ross Miller celebrates the independence and quiet strength of his female subjects. Each one depicts someone who is quietly confident and comfortable with her femininity.
‘Maid of Orleans’ is Miller’s interpretation of Joan of Arc with the figure striding forth with her sword drawn, yet held upright, not to attack, but to proclaim her mission.
‘Seated Figure’ is a softer and pensive pose, yet the set of the shoulders and crossed legs show a nude figure totally at ease with herself and totally unself-consciousness
‘’Beach Girl’ depicts the vitality of youth, casually walking forward while taking in her surroundings, and very comfortable just as she is; typical of many young girls and women that we see at the beach each summer.
The dynamic poses that Miller gives to his subjects brings them to life, they are mid-stream through whatever it is they are doing. The two standing figures are shown walking forward – not standing still or stiff, the eye follows forward to the perceived destination. The seated figure, likewise, has one leg crossed over the other with the upper leg looking as if it may be mid-motion and she is leaning forward - not static or stiff.
The elongation of the figures adds to their quality and the ‘poetry’ of the works. Miller is influenced, as the title of the exhibition suggests, by people, place and time and these three works are perfect examples of such memories…they each have their own stories to tell.

Ross Miller will be giving an Artist talk at the gallery this Saturday the 19th March at 11.00am, where he will discuss his work and influences and be happy to answer any questions. This is a free event.
 
The exhibition is current until Saturday, April 2. View exhibition online at http://www.quadrantgallery.com.au/ross-miller-people-place--time-2016.html