Skip to main content
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 9

John Miller Blue Plate Special Hamburger 2008 Blown Pop Art Glass Sculpture

About the Item

Inspired by Americana, Miller's work stands to bring new light and perspective to the often overlooked but ubiquitous cultural artifacts that form the American visual lexicon and lived experience. Maybe as impressive as the work itself, is the magnitude of which his creations come to life. At such an impressive scale, his process is truly spectacle to witness. Pieces from his famed ‘Blue Plate Special’ series from 2008 have been displayed at the Society for Contemporary Craft, Morgan Contemporary Glass Gallery, SOFA (Sculpture Objects & Functional Art) exhibition in Chicago and start a number of galleries across the US. The series pays homage to pop artist Claes Oldenburg, whose larger-than-life sculptures of everyday objects inspired Miller to investigate the translation of fast food to giantic proportions. Th series speaks speaks to the fast-paced life of a blue-collar worker, according to the artist. “Breakfast of Champions,” which includes a beer, cigarette, lighter and donut, and “Brunch” with its Styrofoam cup, cigarette and Percocet, are perfect socio-political commentaries on the plight — and sought relief — of the working man and woman everywhere, not to mention the notion of a ‘real’ American identity, it’s “authentic’ traditions, it’s glorification of commodity culture and the daily rituals that this entails. As rich as these associations are, Miller’s sculptures also function as pure form. Visual interest emerges from the bold interplay of the elemental lines and shapes that comprise each arrangement, which can each be seen as mini-installations that change character according to the way its parts are positioned. Thus, some groupings emphasize the formality of the medium with which it is made and how it moves; while others envelope a sense of humor and playfulness. “My work is about control and proportion as much as it is about finding new textures and forms,” Miller says This listing is for the monumental hamburger with cheese. Ketchup, mustard, Cola with Straw, French Fries (Curky and Crinkle) also available. Provenance: Private Collection, Los Angeles Russell Gallery, New York Artist statement: My work reflects both a love of the immediacy of the glass material and a respect for its demanding properties. Some pieces are very formal and about glass and how it moves; others envelope a sense of humor and playfulness. I am always interested in pushing the medium to its heights. My work is about control and proportion as much as it is about finding new textures and forms... While looking through images of the work of Pop artist’s from the 1960's, something clicked for me. Previously, I had been making artwork that revolved around serious topics. I felt that this work revealed only one side of me. The predominant side of my personality is very loose and comical, but this had not come out yet artistically. One of my main influences growing up was the silent comedy genius of Buster Keaton. Although humor was central to his art, he was intensely serious about his work. I feel our approach to the creative process is similar. Keaton managed to find a balance between his difficult life and his brilliant slapstick gags. Similarly, I try to find equilibrium between the intensity of glass blowing and the humor which can be found in art and the art making process.” Bio: John Miller has been working in glass for more than 20 years and focuses on blown sculpture. He earned his MFA at the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana and has worked at Pilchuck Glass School for 15 years. He exhibits internationally, lectures and demonstrates nationally, and is an assistant professor and head of the glass department at Illinois State University. In 1998, he was awarded the C.G.C.A. Fellowship at Wheaton Village.
  • Creator:
    John Miller (Artist)
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 9 in (22.86 cm)Width: 12 in (30.48 cm)Depth: 12 in (30.48 cm)
  • Style:
    Post-Modern (Of the Period)
  • Materials and Techniques:
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    2008
  • Condition:
    Very good. This is a large piece. It weighs nearly 30 pounds.
  • Seller Location:
    Brooklyn, NY
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU4190315109691
More From This SellerView All
  • John Miller Blue Plate Special Curly Fries 2008 Blown Pop Art Glass Sculptures
    By John Miller
    Located in Brooklyn, NY
    Inspired by Americana, Miller's work stands to bring new light and perspective to the often overlooked but ubiquitous cultural artifacts that form the American visual lexicon and liv...
    Category

    Early 2000s American Post-Modern Figurative Sculptures

    Materials

    Blown Glass

  • John Miller Blue Plate Special Cola & Straw 2008 Blown Pop Art Glass Sculpture
    By John Miller
    Located in Brooklyn, NY
    Inspired by Americana, Miller's work stands to bring new light and perspective to the often overlooked but ubiquitous cultural artifacts that form the American visual lexicon and liv...
    Category

    Early 2000s American Post-Modern Figurative Sculptures

    Materials

    Blown Glass, Art Glass

  • Pop Art Glass Sculpture John Miller Blue Plate Special, Mustard 2008 hand-blown
    By John Miller
    Located in Brooklyn, NY
    Inspired by Americana, Miller's work stands to bring new light and perspective to the often overlooked but ubiquitous cultural artifacts that form the American visual lexicon and liv...
    Category

    Early 2000s American Post-Modern Figurative Sculptures

    Materials

    Blown Glass

  • John Miller Blue Plate Special Fries 2008 Hand Blown Pop Art Glass Sculptures
    By John Miller
    Located in Brooklyn, NY
    Inspired by Americana, Miller's work stands to bring new light and perspective to the often overlooked but ubiquitous cultural artifacts that form the American visual lexicon and liv...
    Category

    Early 2000s American Post-Modern Figurative Sculptures

    Materials

    Blown Glass

  • John Miller Blue Plate Special Ketchup Catsup 2008 Blown Pop Art Glass Sculpture
    By John Miller
    Located in Brooklyn, NY
    Inspired by Americana, Miller's work stands to bring new light and perspective to the often overlooked but ubiquitous cultural artifacts that form the American visual lexicon and liv...
    Category

    Early 2000s American Post-Modern Figurative Sculptures

    Materials

    Blown Glass

  • Pop Art Blue Plate Special Burger & Fries Glass Sculpture Set John Miller, 2008
    By John Miller
    Located in Brooklyn, NY
    Inspired by Americana, Miller's work stands to bring new light and perspective to the often overlooked but ubiquitous cultural artifacts that form the American visual lexicon and liv...
    Category

    21st Century and Contemporary American Post-Modern Figurative Sculptures

    Materials

    Art Glass, Blown Glass

You May Also Like
  • Two Rare Signed Hand Blown Glass Sculptures by John Bingham
    By John Bingham
    Located in Los Angeles, CA
    Set of two clear art glass orb sculptures by John Bingham, circa 1980. Signed (engraved) "John Bingham" the base of the rims. Dimensions listed are for the larger of the two. S...
    Category

    Vintage 1980s American Post-Modern Abstract Sculptures

    Materials

    Art Glass

  • Pop Art Capsule Sculpture
    Located in Richmond, VA
    Pop Art oversized capsule sculpture made from solid maple. Original decorative piece made by hand, with a smooth texture and durable finish. Measures...
    Category

    2010s American Post-Modern Abstract Sculptures

    Materials

    Wood, Hardwood, Maple

  • Blown art glass sculpture in blue with lime green beaded rim
    Located in Kenilworth, IL
    Abstract ripple form blown art glass sculpture in a mottled gradient blue with a lime green beaded rim. The work can be positioned and presented in two orientations for different eff...
    Category

    20th Century Abstract Sculptures

    Materials

    Blown Glass

  • Art Glass Sculpture Titled “Beatus Vir” Blue Clear Blown Glass Gold Italian 2007
    Located in London, GB
    A impressive and beautiful sculpture titled “ Beatus Vir ” Art blown Murano glass, clear, blue with gold inclusions submerged technique by artist Luigi Benzoni. Made in Murano Italy,...
    Category

    Early 2000s Italian Modern Abstract Sculptures

    Materials

    Blown Glass

  • Pop Art Lipstick Sculpture Vanity
    Located in Richmond, VA
    Original designed Pop Art Lipstick Vanity made from solid cherry wood. Has 5" x 7" mirror with small bevel around the edge. Meant as a fun but practica...
    Category

    2010s American Post-Modern Figurative Sculptures

    Materials

    Mirror, Wood, Hardwood, Cherry

  • Contemporary Blue and Multicolour Medium Blown Glass Pumpkin Sculpture
    Located in Toronto, ON
    A beautiful contemporary medium blue and multicolour blown glass pumpkin by a Canadian artist.
    Category

    2010s Canadian Natural Specimens

    Materials

    Blown Glass

Recently Viewed

View All