Artists Registry

Thomas Miller

Whippany NJ United States

http://www.9-11art.com
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Tom Miller
Artist Statement

I founded the Wisconsin Vietnam Veterans Memorial Project, Inc., The High Ground in 1984 (www.thehighground.org). Since that time the memorial subject has been the primary emphasis in my art work. I work with the challenging subject matter of loss to honor and remember those who have made sacrifices, including the individuals and their families. It is my intention to instill a sense of pride.
My first memorial series was based on the Holocaust. I then went on to the subject of the Vietnam War, specifically “Operation Harvest Moon” which I participated in as a US Marine. I was in the midst of this series on September 11, 2001. I felt compelled to shift my energy and the events surrounding September 11th became a primary focus for a new body of work. 9/11 and its aftermath, as well as the war in Iraq/Afghanistan, remain my current focus.
In the 9/11 Series (part of which is shown here) I attempt to bring out the horrors of the exceptional destruction, personal loss and sense of helplessness of that day. I am also looking at the heroics of the people involved. I strive to bring across the sadness, shock and chaotic happenings as they unfolded, and the heroic attempts of the rescuers. Stress and pain is etched on all the faces as they wait for the injured or attempt to find the survivors of that dreadful day.
Extensive historic research forms the foundation of each individual work and series. I gather many images and build an archive of reference materials. These form the groundwork for the art. It is important to me that the work be historically accurate in all its detail, from the specific individuals, their clothing, time of day, etc. I depict the mood of the specific moment in time and portray the demeanor of the various subjects, be it pride, shock or horror. The individuals emotions are important to me. To help tell the story I use color and concentrate on natural forces such as fire, rain or clouds. I use various art formats to express my ideas from painting, drawing, sculpture and ceramics to public art.
The work is not created for commercial purposes. Some of the original art works have been created to help raise funds for veterans groups, hospitals and non-profit organizations.
For additional information on Tom Miller’s artwork go to www.9-11art.com

Thomas F. Miller
1902 Appleton Way, Whippany, New Jersey
973.887.2987 • tfmillerini@verizon.net • www.9-11art.com

Education
(1998 - ) Fairleigh Dickinson University, Madison, NJ 07940, Certificate in Entrepreneurial and Business Management Studies.
(1972 - ‘74) University of Idaho, Moscow, ID 83843, Master of Fine Arts (Painting and Sculpture).
(1967 - ‘71) University of Wisc., Whitewater, WI 53190, Bach. of Science in Education (Broadfield Art).

Professional Experience
(1995 - ) Owner, Marketing And Creation, www.9-11art.com, Whippany, NJ 07981-1776
(1983 - ‘87) Ex. Director, Wisconsin Vietnam Veterans Memorial Project Inc., a/k/a “The High Ground,” P.O. Box 457, Neillsville, WI 54456-0457, www.thehighground.org.
I conceived, founded and directed this project from conception to initiation and on. One of the top three Vietnam veteran’s memorials in the United States. It is the leading and most beautiful 20th Century United States veteran’s memorial in the world.

Military Service
(1963 - ‘66) United States Marine Corps, tactical air controller - Vietnam, I Corps and II Corps
I was disabled on December 18, 1965 and discharged/retired on April 1, 1966.

Honors
2010 “Marine of the Year”, Marine Corps League, Slattery Det. #306, Whippany, NJ 07981
1987 State of Wisconsin Outstanding Veteran Achievement Award - Vietnam Vets of America.
1986 - ) “Who’s Who in America”, 1986 – 1990 and “Who’s Who in the Midwest”, 1986 and 1987,
“Who’s Who in Emerging Leaders in America”, 1987.
“Who’s Who in Advertising in America”, 1990.

Volunteer Work
(2006 - ‘09) Hanover Township Veteran’s Alliance Memorial Committee, Whippany, NJ 07981
Designer of our $25,000 memorial and a member of our site preparation section.
(2005 - ‘11) American Red Cross, Disaster Action Team, Northern NJ Red Cross, Morristown, NJ
Working disasters of Hurricane Rita (2005), Delaware River floods (2006), the Northern
New Jersey floods (2007) and local emergencies 2008, 2009 & 2010 and Northern New Jersey floods (2010).
(2005 - ) Marine Corps League, Det. #306 – Jr. Vice Commandant (2006)/Detachment Artist (2005 - )
Working with the Marines Care by giving aid to the newly wounded in Bethesda and Walter Reed.
(1998 - )Lenten Soup Kitchen, Notre Dame of Mt. Carmel R. C. Church, Cedar Knolls, NJ
A member of a group that runs the soup kitchen at my home parish.

Exhibitions
(2002 - ‘07)Fund-raising Shows, “Art Ability,” at the Bren Mahr Rehabilitation Hospital, in Malvern, PA.
2002 State of New Jersey, Invitational Show of 10 artists.
2002 Morris Museum Invitational “9/11 Remembrance Show” of 5 artists.
(1973 – )Various One-man and Group Shows, Including “Best of Show” and “Selected Artists Show” in various areas of the United States.

BIOGRAPHY of T. Miller

I grew up in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and graduated from high school in 1959 with a “general elective” degree. I worked as an assistant manager for the largest television store in the state and later at a large furniture store when I received my draft notice. This was the middle of August of 1963, so, I went to the local Marine recruiter and enlisted.

After being wounded, I returned from the war and I attended the University of Wisconsin satellite campus at Whitewater. There, in 1971, I graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Education degree, moved out to Moscow, Idaho. There I attended the University of Idaho where I gained a Master of Fine Arts degree.

I moved back to Wisconsin, bought a farm and raised Doberman Pinchers and Arabian horses. I started the Wisconsin Vietnam Veterans Memorial Project in
1984 (www.thehighground.org)

In 1987, I moved to New Jersey to operate a business I owned. 1987 saw me leaving that business and starting as a freelance graphic artist and then an art director at Merrill Lynch.

After 7 years there, I left to go back to school. I am now happily married to a wonderful woman and I attend Fairleigh Dickinson University. I volunteer with: the Red Cross (Disaster Action Team), my church and the local Marine Corps League.

I also work on my various series and I show in national, international, and individual shows. My work is included in the collections of The National Museum of the Marine Corps, Morgan Stanley, the 33rd and 34th Commandants of the Marine Corps, many non-profit worthy groups plus local, state, and federal organizations, as well as veteran and private holdings.

I’m busy.

T. Miller