September 1987
Currently showing at the Potter's House Gallery is a one-person exhibition of black
and white photography by artist Miriam A. Kilmer.
In a world of harsh realities and tough art, Kilmer's images are exciting, fresh
and sensitive. "Harmony", the title of the show, brings together the artist's concerns for the reverence of
life as it expresses itself in orderly arrangements of objects, moments of communion with nature as well as
harmony of human relationships and inner spiritual integrity.
A highly personal exhibition, Kilmer has filled the gallery space with joy-filled
photos full of the wonders of common life. Those moments fleeting and of great fragility are recorded by the
camera through the artist's superb eye. The show in actuality is a personal invitation into the eye of a soul.
Many of the photos are uncropped, have a direct and visceral message without a sense of manipulation. It is
hoped that as the years progress, Miss Kilmer will become even more adept in her use of the camera in this
spontaneous style.
Very daring in her approach, Kilmer takes the common and often considered mundane
image and transforms it into a form of sign to remind us of that which should be preserved in this life. A
special note is "Newly Adopted", in which the artist depicts a young father asleep on the pillow with his
young child reaching over toward him. The composition is exquisite, the image potent, the contrast of dark
and light are especially moving. Her photos of persons work best, arranged objects and some of the landscapes
seem too literal. Also, it is regrettable that the Potter's House did not provide better lighting. Especially
distracting are the large titles under each work. In many cases, the large labels reduce the power of the images.
The beauty and power of the artist's selection of images and her ability for us
to touch her soul overcome any limitations that might be evident.
Miss Kilmer has exhibited extensively in the Washington area and throughout the
United States. She is director of Amor Dei Communications, a private enterprise specializing in spirituality
and fine arts. She is currently pursuing a M.A in spirituality at De Sales Hall School of Theology in
Washington, D.C. Her artistic pursuits include works in pastel as well as photography. She is a member
of the Washington Women's Arts Center, Catholic Artists of the 80's and the Art League of Virginia.
Miss Kilmer has had her work included in 33 juried group exhibitions as
well as four one-person shows in the past seven years. The Potter's House Coffee House hours are M-F,
11 a.m - 3 p.m. and Th-F 8 - 11 p.m. and is located at 1658 Columbia Road in Washington.
Jerry L. Eisley is a free-lance reviewer, and Curator of Foxhall Gallery
A photograph from "Harmony" may be seen a here: Rachel
Reading to Tinao
Please email Miriam if you would like me to research and scan more of these
early B&W photographs for my web site; I would make them available as Archival Giclée Platinum prints.
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