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- 1. HPR1.COM | May 31, 2012 | HIGH PLAINS READER 13 say he was doing a good job. Miller said they could pass him if they wished, but the driver responded, No were following you. Youre from North Dakota. Hours spent broken down in the middle of nowhere, i.e. rural North Dakota, getting stuck on roads that appeared to be dry and safe for travel, contribute to his talent for driv- ing in poor conditions. Miller is doesnt mind spending hours by himself in his car, driving through the country- side and scoping out unique and often unno- ticed opportunities for photographs. As long as hes got National Public Radio, he doesnt get bored. Dakota Moniker, his previous and ongoing project, has led him through most of eastern and southwestern North Dakota over the last three years. The Moniker project now has two installments, meant to capture the weird and intriguing aspects of the rural countryside of North Dakota that many drive by without noticing. Much like his trip for Scenic Overlook, his Moniker routes are not predetermined. Hes spent hours and hours venturing through ran- dom dirt roads, turning directions on a whim. As unique or even as weird as some of the images Miller captures may seem, none of them are photo-shopped. I try to keep every- thing as close to form as using film, Miller says. His career hasnt been without a few major setbacks. He lost 95 percent of his work in the flood of 97; mildew and water destroyed many of his negatives and prints. Earlier this year, all of his camera equipment was stolen from his car. Friends and area business came together to help Miller after the robbery. Friends donated the space, food, and bever- ages for a benefit show held in December. The funds raised afforded Miller enough for a new camera body and lens. Hundreds of people of showed up. I sold a lot of pieces, and met a lot of new people who were interested in what I was doing Im still without a lot of equipment from the rob- bery, but slowly but surely, with the shows Im doing, Ill be able to start recouping some of the costs of what was taken, says Miller. Funding may still be the biggest obstacle for Millers projects. Traveling and scouring the countryside is not cheap at todays gas prices. Framing expenses can be just as expen- sive. He hopes the Moniker project will even- tually raise enough to turn the collection into a book. Miller plans to continue showing and work- ing on Moniker project, which won him a fea- tured artist spot in the Art on the Plains show at the Plains Art Museum. The project was also displayed during the Spring Art Gala. He hopes to wrap up his Moniker project by the fall of 2013. The summer months will give him the opportunity to work on the third installment of the project, as winter is not the ideal time for anyone to be traveling the back- roads of North Dakota. The reception for his latest collection, A Scenic Overlook, will be held at DK Custom Framing at Gallery 14 on Thurs., June 7 at 6 p.m. Food and drinks will be available, and the show is free to attend. The collection will be on display at the gallery until the end of the month. Miller was born in Thief River Falls, Minn. and has lived in Fargo since he was 13. He studied photography at Central Lakes College and Minnesota State University Moorhead. For more information about the artist visit jearlmiller.com. Questions and Comments: brittany@hpr1.com Big things definitely come in small packages! Sarah Peacock is a powerhouse pop country vocalist and performer with a style reminiscent of Heart's Ann Wilson and a boot-kickin' twist of the Sugarland "country-ness." Add a hint of classic rock on the palate, throw in the fact that her songs are melodic and catchy, and you've got a star in the making! Averaging over 200 dates a year, Atlanta native, Sarah Peacock tours full time to cities all over the globe. June 8 7:30 pm Cut the conversation, were here for the music 300. -*45&/*/( 5)& More Information & Online reservations: thelisteningroomfargo.com Located at 頭閥罰 陶半鳩鳩 鐙判判隼頭閥罰 陶半鳩鳩 鐙判判隼頭閥罰 陶半鳩鳩 鐙判判隼頭閥罰 陶半鳩鳩 鐙判判隼 111 Broadway North Up the street from Hotel Donaldson Over Moxie Java enter the red door! Sara PeacockSara PeacockSara PeacockSara Peacock