“Adam D. Miller: Condalia” at The Future Perfect, New York. Photography by Joe Kramm …
“Adam D. Miller: Condalia” at The Future Perfect, New York. Photography by Joe Kramm …
“Santa Rita Cactus Lamp 3” (2023). Image courtesy of The Pit …
DESIGNER OF THE DAY

Designer of the Day: Adam D. Miller

Adam D. Miller worked for years as a painter before meeting ceramicist and curator Tony Marsh, who encouraged him to pursue a more craft-based medium; he then assisted in producing Sterling Ruby’s ceramics before launching his own studio, where his creativity truly took off. Besides running the beloved artist-run L.A. gallery The Pit and creating a production line of ceramics called Reaperware, he crafts stools, lamps, bud vases, and other small vessels with vivid, borderline psychedelic imagery that draws from a multitude of influences like the Yucca desert where his family calls home, punk aesthetics, and the 1960s Japanese sci-fi television show Ultraman.

Adam D. Miller worked for years as a painter before meeting ceramicist and curator Tony Marsh, who encouraged him to pursue a more craft-based medium; he then assisted in producing Sterling Ruby’s ceramics before launching his own studio, where his creativity truly took off. Besides running the beloved artist-run L.A. gallery The Pit and creating a production line of ceramics called Reaperware, he crafts stools, lamps, bud vases, and other small vessels with vivid, borderline psychedelic imagery that draws from a multitude of influences like the Yucca desert where his family calls home, punk aesthetics, and the 1960s Japanese sci-fi television show Ultraman.

Here, we ask designers to take a selfie and give us an inside look at their life.

Age: 42

Occupation: Artist and gallerist.

Instagram: @adamdmiller_thepit

Hometown: Los Angeles.

Studio location: Los Angeles.

Describe what you make: I work in clay. The objects range from vessels to dishware to lighting, and ceramic furniture. I exhibit unique pieces with galleries. I also own and operate a functional line of ceramic homeware, called Reaperware. In addition to my studio practice, I am also one of the owners of The Pit, a contemporary art gallery in Los Angeles and Palm Springs.

“Adam D. Miller: Condalia” at The Future Perfect, New York. Photography by Joe Kramm …
“Adam D. Miller: Condalia” at The Future Perfect, New York. Photography by Joe Kramm …

The most important thing you’ve designed to date: Each show feels important in its own way. I recently made a body of work that will be on display at The Future Perfect gallery at their New York location. This is the first time that I’ve made lighting, which was a memorable challenge. I’m very happy with how they turned out.

Describe the problem your work solves: With Reaperware, we made a line of hand-built objects that are available for a much lower price point than the work I show with galleries, and are really meant for daily use. I love living with and using hand-made objects but often they’re too expensive for people. I really wanted to make something unique but also accessible.

Describe the project you are working on now: My solo exhibition at The Future Perfect’s New York gallery. I’ve started a new body of work which will be on view with Mindy Solomon Gallery in Miami next summer. I’m also making these extra-large wall-bound ceramic tondo pieces which will be in my solo exhibition there. It’s the first time that I’ve made these. 

“Adam D. Miller: Condalia” at The Future Perfect, New York. Photography by Joe Kramm …
“Adam D. Miller: Condalia” at The Future Perfect, New York. Photography by Joe Kramm …

A new or forthcoming project we should know about: Next summer, I’m doing a two-month artist residency in Versailles. It’ll culminate with a solo show at Galerie Lefebvre & Fils in Paris.

What you absolutely must have in your studio: I’ve gotta have music in the studio! I can’t work without Devo.

What you do when you’re not working: Take my kids to the skatepark, watch horror movies, and snuggle with my dogs. 

Sources of creative envy: H.C. Westermann’s sculptures and A.R. Penck’s paintings. 

“Santa Rita Cactus Stool 2” (2023). Image courtesy of The Pit …
“Santa Rita Cactus Lamp 3” (2023). Image courtesy of The Pit …

Concrete or marble? Concrete.

High-rise or townhouse? Townhouse.

Aliens or ghosts? Aliens.

Dark or light? Dark.

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