We had the good fortune of connecting with Jody L. Miller and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Jody L., is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
Dedication and persistence. I took my first photograph of a horse in 1984. I have been dedicated to capturing the essence and connection between human and horse ever since. Even in the years when I took a break from photographing horses, I always carried the connection with me.
Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I took my first Horse Photograph in the early 1980’s while working on an Arabian Horse Ranch in Thermal, CA I really had no idea it would lead to a lifelong journey of capturing horses on film and sharing those images with others. I was raised to believe I needed a “real job” and that following my dream of being a professional artist was not the best career choice. I realize now that that belief came from fear. Fear of not knowing anyone that was a professional artist, fear of not trusting that if you believe in something it will come true. Those fears were transferred to me along with my own internal fear of not living my true potential and my true self. Those were challenges I needed to overcome. Since that time I have had many successes as well as a few failures, but mistakes happen! As adults, fear of making mistakes is an emotional deal. It’s simply not logical to encourage people to make mistakes. But without mistakes you don’t have the big innovations either. Horses have taught me to stay true to myself. Horses helped me to become a strong woman and their sensitivity and keen intuitiveness allowed me to find the strength to “come out” to my family and not be embarrassed to share with people that I was gay. Horses helped bring me out of the shadows. Horses also helped me to heal when my father passed in 1984. It seemed a perfect storm and the perfect time for me to find a deeper connection with myself. Horses were my therapy then and still are today. That horse healing therapy has stayed with me in my heart ever since then. I believe that healing sense can be found in some of my more heartfelt and moving images. That’s what makes my horse art stand out a bit differently. My horse art reaches out from the walls and offers encouragement, soothing, support and big hug!
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
There are so many wonderful things about living in Prescott, Arizona. When visitors are in town one of the first places we go is historic Whiskey Row. There are wonderful shops, restaurants, bars and Art Galleries on Whiskey Row. The top gallery in town (which also offers my horse art) is Van Gogh’s Ear Gallery. Another great spot to check out while in Prescott, Arizona is Goldwater Lake, Watson and Willow Lake and Lynx Lake. There are great hiking trails all around these lakes and an opportunity for wildlife sightings. Golf around the Prescott area is also a favorite for many people. Talking Rock Ranch offers a beautiful Golf Course and their gift shop, Coops Coffee House has a small selection of my horse art too. If you’re interested in the western lifestyle, be sure and visit The Phippen Western Museum.
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Thanks to my childhood friend and lifelong equestrian. Laurie Bielik that introduced me to horses at a young age. Thanks to my wife and top Equine Bodyworker, Christy Garavetto for truly understanding my focus on horses and encouraging me to continue my art. Thanks to all the collectors who have purchased my work over the years. Thanks to my family and friends who have supported my dreams. Thanks especially to all the Horses, whose spirit inspire and amaze me every day!
Website: https://jodylmiller.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jodylmillerhorsephotos/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JodyLMillerPhotography