Simple pleasures of early 1800s life captured in 3-D art

When Ian Miller retired he had to find something to do with his hands.

"I'm not much of a reader," he admitted. "This is my capture of idle time."

The 80-year-old Zephyr Cove resident has become an accomplished artist in the 3-D medium. He used to work in business and finance in San Francisco as systems director or controller in several U.S. corporations, before retiring in 1980.

Miller's interest in 3-Dl pictures began after viewing an exhibit in "The Best of Holland" store in San Francisco. The exhibit was by Dutch artist Anton Pieck. Miller said he was fascinated by Pieck's rendering of life in the days before he was born.

"The 'Thanksgiving Dinner' piece is one of my favorites," he said. The picture depicts a family sitting at a round table with a feast in front of them.

Miller cuts individual pieces from a picture, then layers them. He uses a foam core to raise the pieces, enhancing the depth of the dimensions. The picture is then matted and framed.

"Some are easier to create than others - some are a bear.

"I do all steps myself. If I were to just work on one at a time, it would take about two to three days to complete it," Miller said.

The pictures have a Dickensian quality. They are reminiscent of the early 1800s lifestyle, depicting simple pleasures, daily tasks and children playing. There is the grocer, a pharmacist, and carolers singing joyously under gas street lamps.

"I've been doing this style of art for about 30 years now," Miller said.

"Pretty much, this is what I do. And I'm a life master in bridge."

Miller has more than 20 pieces on display and for sale at the Roberts House Museum, 1207 N. Carson St., until mid-July. An artist's Q & A is at 2 p.m. July 18.

"Three-dimensional art is not very common. You don't see much of it around," Miller said.

If you go:

What: 3-D-art display by Ian Miller

When: 1-3 p.m., Friday through Sunday, through mid-July

Where: Roberts House Museum, 1207 N. Carson St.

Admission: Viewing free with paid admission of $3

Call: 887-8865

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What: Artist's Q&A with Ian Miller

When: 2 p.m. July 18

Where: Roberts House Museum

Contact Rhonda Costa-Landers at rcosta-landers@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1223.