Mimi Miles
The moment I sat down with a lump of clay to throw my first pot, I knew this was my medium. Turning clay on the potter’s wheel, I felt tapped into the centrifugal force spinning the smallest molecule and the farthest reaches of space.
I loved using the lines of the throwing process to define and emphasize forms. I realized throwing on the wheel connected the clay, my hands and the lines to an organic expression.
I threw my first female torso in college--something a bit bawdy for a grin. Years later, the joke was on me as I embarked on a quest to throw the human figure completely on the wheel. This endeavor became involved and complicated as I realized throwing lines mimic anatomical lines.
This process suddenly felt authentic. I felt like I was tapping into something much larger than myself realizing natural forms, including the human form, are created by a far, far advanced version of the potter’s wheel, some spiraling cosmic conception, and that I was trying to crack a similar code.
Faith that I was on to something sustained me through innumerable failed attempts. I now know that with each success and failure I was getting closer to true, the taste of which sustains and seduces me every time.
CV
Education
BFA Ceramics
University of Washington
Solo Exhibitions
1996-2008 Winter/Spring Studio Open House
Group Exhibitions
2009 “Floral pattern series” West Seattle Art Walk
“How does your garden grow” Ida Culver House
2008 “Above and below” University House Seattle
1993 “Hands on pots” Workshop 3d Seattle
“Licton springs” North Seattle Community College
1990 “Local artists exhibition” Seattle Pacific University
Teaching
Alki Community Center 2013-2014
South Seattle Community Center 1990-1993
Tile Installations
2017 J. Neiderberger Residence, Bathroom
2016 Christ Our Hope Catholic Church, Exterior Alcove
2014 Christ Our Hope Catholic Church, Fireplace
2011 D. Miles Residence, Bathroom, Fireplace, Exterior Bay
2010 T. Gionet Residence, Bathroom
2009 M. Gorman Residence, Fireplace
J. Cecil Residence, Fireplace
2008 M. Miller Residence, Bathroom
2007 A. May Residence, Fireplace
M. Robbins Residence, Bathroom
2006 D. Thorniley Residence, Kitchen
W. Miles Residence, Kitchen
2005 London House Salon, Bathroom