John Paul Miller

John Paul Miller is noted for reviving the ancient technique of granulation, a process of attaching tiny gold granules to a gold surface without using solder. Miller studied industrial design and ceramics at the Cleveland Institute of Art before enlisting in the Army in 1941. During his service, he painted twelve murals for the recreation hall on the military base and made illustrations and maps for the tactical uses of tanks. After being discharged, Miller returned to the institute to teach classes in watercolor, design, film animation, painting, jewelry, and silversmithing until 1983. He spent his evenings making jewelry with fellow metalsmith Fred A. Miller, and used his summers to travel to the Rocky Mountains, where he found inspiration for his pieces in his deep appreciation of music and nature.