Elemental Collaborative

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Artist
Chris Miller
Print/Original
Original
Medium
Acrylic on stretched canvas on panel
Artwork Dimensions
20 x 16

Chris Miller

Born in Carmel, California, Chris Miller grew up in Southern California's San Fernando Valley as it transitioned from agriculture to suburb, where pockets of abandoned orchards interspersed with emergent residential subdivisions made it possible for him to explore the natural world from a young age. He continues to find inspiration in that world.

Chris is the son of the late Ron and Diane Miller and grandson of Walt and Lillian Disney. After raising their two daughters in Telluride, Colorado, Chris and his wife Catherine McNamee moved to Napa Valley's Soda Canyon, where they have lived since 2012. Chris serves as a board member for The Walt Disney Family Museum and Walt Disney Family Foundation.

About the Exhibition

This vibrant collection consists of both large- and small-scale abstract paintings that Chris has created over this past year, complemented by a singular special piece from his archives. Each artwork explores captured or remembered experiences in nature—the beauty of unique trees, rocks, flowers, and views, which have long served as sources of Chris' inspiration—and the powerful influences of past and present artists.

A native Californian, Chris was born in Carmel and grew up in Southern California. During his childhood years, the San Fernando Valley was in its late transition from an agriculture hub to a suburb, and pockets of abandoned orchards were interspersed with emergent residential subdivisions. Those orchards and the nearby Santa Monica Mountains afforded access to the natural world, and, as with many children, Chris was frequently absorbed in expressing experiences in crayon and colored pencil drawings, giving physical form to his imagination. He would also find inspiration and encouragement from his grandfather, Walt Disney.

Chris reflects, "When I was maybe seven or eight—and the subject of my art was dominated by detailed depictions of classic American western gunfights, Civil War battlefields, sinking battleships, and aerial dogfights—my grandfather introduced me to a simple, little art game by making a random scribble on paper and then adding small details to convert it into a recognizable form: a tree, an apple, a mouse! I took my grandfather's exercise and played it in reverse, breaking down recognizable objects into color, form, and texture that might be vaguely familiar—welcoming scrutiny and inviting exploration. I paint the occasional landscapes, still lifes, and portraits, but abstraction is my ground."

Artwork Proceeds

Proceeds from the sale of these artworks will benefit the museum's educational initiatives, including The Walt Disney Family Museum Animation Academy.

Shipping & Pickup

When purchasing artwork, please select either the pick-up or delivery option. Shipping costs and sales tax are added during the checkout process.

Artworks designated for delivery will be shipped to the recipient after the exhibition closes—tentatively scheduled for March 20, 2023—no later than April 30, 2023 via FedEx (insured) with signature required. Please note: Shipping is only available to locations in the U.S.

Artworks designated for pick-up at The Walt Disney Family Museum will be available after the exhibition closes—tentatively scheduled for March 20, 2023 (subject to change, customers will be notified of changes). Directions and pick-up procedure will be provided before the exhibition closes.

Artwork Preparation

These artworks are sold unframed and will be wrapped and packaged before pick-up or shipment.

Artwork Discount for Members

Before becoming available to the public, artworks featured in Chris Miller: Kaleidoscope are available for purchase exclusively to members Thursday, November 17 through Sunday, November 20. Members also receive the standard membership discount on exhibition artworks. Members must log in to the Member Portal to receive discounts. Remaining artworks are available for purchase to the public beginning Monday, November 21 on the museum’s website or in the Museum Store.

To receive a discount and access to the member-exclusive purchasing window on artworks, join as a member today.