1.39.5(H) x 13(W) 2.34.25(H) x 12.5(W)

American. Mid-20th C. A pair of cut out sheet metal figures by American outsider artist R.A. Miller (1912-2006). 39.5 x 13" and 34.25 x 12.5". From the Marty Osler Collection. $300/500. Reuben Aaron Miller (1912-2006) was born in Rabbittown, Georgia. His father was shot and killed over a land dispute six months before R.A.'s birth, resulting in a tough, fatherless life of cotton farming, hunting and fishing to get by. He spent most of his life this way, later becoming a minister before retiring at age 65 due to deteriorating vision. He began to create whirligigs, metal cut-outs and drawings to pass the time in retirement. His works included a variety of animal subjects including birds, chickens, pigs, snakes and even dinosaurs. By the end of his life, he had received recognition for his work with pieces selling for upwards of $800. Exhibitions, the inclusion of his work in museums' permanent collections, and articles in international publications have contributed to Miller's status as an elder statesman among Georgia's self-taught artists.