Iowa Artist

Eric Duke Miller, a surrealist artist

By Jackie Wilson

2/5/2025

Eric Duke Miller’s artwork is multidimensional. It’s not creating a painting, a sculpture, fashion items or repurposing objects; it’s all of the above. He finds motivation from recently researched history or whatever he discovers is relevant in today’s society.

Miller considers himself a surrealist artist. His studio at Mainframe Studios was established after the pandemic when he fled from the “riots” in Los Angeles where he lived. He lived most of his adult life in New York. When he lived in England and France, he gained inspiration with unique art opportunities in buildings, fashion and galleries.

Miller’s fascination with sarcophagi has spilled into his artwork. A sarcophagus includes ornately decorated enclosures and trunks, often used for coffins, hailing from ancient times.

“I watch documentaries about ancient objects, where I get ideas for my art. Sarcophagus are so grand. They are beautiful sculptures,” he says.

One piece he is working on is a Marilyn Monroe-inspired sculpture, which is nearly 5 feet tall with a dress, fur-lined coat and no body.

“I stumbled upon her birthday song from J.F. Kennedy. The cross pollination with the sarcophagus represents both past and present. It embodies her spirit in the dress.”

Another type of artwork he creates is reflection symmetry, where objects mirror images on opposite sides. When the objects open up, it provides unusual depth and curiosity. His diverse work includes taking other artists’ work and putting his own spin on it. For example, he has cut out puzzle pieces to rearrange the image. By rearranging a piece, it’s revitalized, and it’s better than tossing it out.

He admits, “I cannibalize a lot of stuff. I turn it into something different, something I like,” he says. “Some purists don’t like it and say it’s sinful by chopping up other’s work.”

As a child, Miller was continually creating art. When a teacher assigned a written report, he would make a wax sculpture instead. He attended Cooper Union in New York and obtained an architecture degree. He spent a year in New York studying fashion design. He began designing fashion scarves with images on them after a commissioned buyer liked his work. Another commission was creating artwork on skateboards. He expanded to create more skateboard art due to its popularity.

“I get materials and objects from across the world. I get a rush when an idea pops in my head,” he explains. “An example is the scarves. I love materials and go crazy buying them.”
A move into Mainframe Studios offers a space where people can see his artwork. Previously, some work was only shown in galleries, where a select group often attends. Mainframe is more accessible.

“Art is a supreme luxury. Kings and queens have the best art. Middle class can buy objects, too,” he reflects. “I want to make it affordable so everyone can enjoy art.”