Page 21 - the Noise August 2016

jody miller:
majestic giants of the west
“as an artist I want to convey through my photos a sense of strength, a feeling of grace, the feeling of being distinct and celebrated from the
inside out,” says photographer, Jody Miller.
As a passion blooming in her twenties, she encountered her first horse, an
Arabian Gelding by the name of Zarod. “The horse seemed to look inside me and offer gentle healing and guidance. He offered me peace in the crazy world around me. As I photographed him and other horses, I sensed from my own experience those moments would translate into a photo and indeed inspire an- other,” she shares.
Since 2006, the photographer’s equine art has etched its way into the Prescott scene, becoming a recipient of the Phippen Award and several other commu- nity recognitions. In gratitude, each year she donates at least one work of art to Prescott charities. “I enjoy giving back to the community that has supported me throughout the years and this is one of the ways I have found to do so,” the artist says.
In her craft, the photographer’s focus is set upon finding the spirit of the horse and creating an image which “keeps on giving.” Every composition holds an agenda to bring renewal to the viewer and to reignite their connection with horses, to stir up feelings of strength, freedom, power, and energy within those who lay their eyes upon the “majestic giants.” Similar to the feelings she experi- ences when in the presence of a horse, the photographer hopes the imagery will guide the viewer to follow their dreams.
“I hope you feel alive, connected, courageous, and you discover your sense of spirit that awaits you in your own life,” she says, “This is my brand. This is what I hope you recognize when you see my photography, even before you look for my signature.”
Photography is more than a pastime for her; rather, it is a conduit for growth, fulfillment and life-long happiness. By viewing the world through the lens, she believes all of the world is connected in some way.
“My work continues to bring me joy and satisfaction deep in my heart,” she expresses, “This is all I want, to feel happy, loved and fulfilled. My horse photog- raphy does this!”
From the click of the shutter to the printing of an image, she seeks to voice ar- tistic expression and personal perspective. Relying solely on the horse for vision and clarity, the connection in-the-moment must transcend into the memory the final image represents.
“I began to notice during the editing process I was looking for the feeling of ‘that’s it!’ It felt like the shutter click and I recognized it as a signal to myself. This was the photo I was looking for. It was the photo I wanted my audience to see,” she says. “Some of my most rewarding times as an artist is when someone shares how moved they were by my work. Many people have been brought to tears by the emotions or memories my images bring them ... The horse photography is really the only medium I present to people, but I think my artistic passion weaves its way through everything I do,” Miller says.
The Gallery in Williams will feature one of her most recent series, “The Wind- swept Manes Collection” throughout the month of August. Last summer, the pho- tographer shot this collection on a beach in Oregon with an Andalusian and Frie- sian Stallion. In addition to this series, she will also display a few images from the “Cowboy Collection” and “The Salt River Wild Horses” series shot in April in Mesa.
The photographer’s artwork can also be seen at Arts Prescott Cooperative Gallery 134 South Montezuma Street in Prescott, where the photographer has been a member for seven years. For further information, visit JodyLMiller.com.
by nikki charnstrom
19 • {online at thenoise.us} JULY 2016 | the best of arizona | the Nöísẽ