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The Columbian Cafe: Heartbeat of Astoria
May 8, 2010
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The Columbian Cafe: Heartbeat of Astoria
Jody Miller
For thirty years, Astoria's Columbian Cafe has been a spirited center of life and culture on Oregon's north coast, earning a special place in the hearts of locals and visitors alike. To commemorate this landmark anniversary, RiverSea Gallery presents Heart of Astoria: A Photographic Tribute. The title refers to a new book about the iconic cafe by noted west coast photographer, Jody Miller, and an exhibition of photographs from the book.
It is clear that Miller has been charmed by the spell of the Columbian Cafe, and her atmospheric color photographs capture its very essence. Copies of the book will be available at the opening reception on Saturday, May 8th, 5-8 pm, and Jody Miller will be on hand to autograph them. The exhibition runs through June 8th.
Miller, who splits her time between Astoria and Los Angeles, came to Clatsop County five years ago and has considered Astoria her second home ever since. She discovered the Columbian Café like most of us, through word of mouth. The spirit of the place as well as its legendary, carefully crafted meals captivated her, and that’s where the book idea was born…sitting at the counter watching chef/proprietor Uriah Hulsey work his culinary magic while keeping up clever banter for those who sit ringside. This is Miller’s first published book of her photographs, and about her subject matter, she states- this book is a compilation of photographs celebrating 30 years of the culinary excellence that is the Columbian Cafe, in Astoria, Oregon. It is a must when visiting the northwest Oregon coast. Chef Uriah Hulsey is uncompromising in his use of the freshest seafood, vegetables and hand made pasta to prepare for his loyal diners. His standard of excellence and enthusiasm for simple, healthy cooking has been unwavering for 30 years now, and this book is a tribute to that effort.
For nearly her entire life, Miller has been an avid photographer, and considers herself fortunate to enjoy dual careers that support each other. In Los Angeles she works as a television art director and has been with ABC Network for the past 15 years where she does graphic animation and compositing for their promotion department. As an artist/photographer, she has been fortunate to study with Ansel Adams, Arthur Ollman, John Sexton as well as many other widely respected photographers. In Astoria she finds great inspiration in both the natural and man-made elements that make up the local landscape. As an animator and video compositor by trade for the television industry in Hollywood, my profession melds beautifully with my favorite pastime. I love the landscapes that present themselves to me and I try to present the idealized view that I see in my "mind's eye”.
Her imagery is typically about landscape as she travels the world bringing the viewer sights of wonder not commonly seen, always evoking a sense of reverence for her subject matter. Within this series, Miller shifts her focus to the interior, not merely documenting a business, but conveying the essential experience of the place, and those who help to create it, both patrons as well as staff. Her vision isolates the art, both through the physical as well as spirit of the Columbian Café. Miller’s mastery of light, composition and color come together in celebration of this unique Astoria icon. Her work has been exhibited in such prestigious institutions as the Tate Gallery in London and has been included into their permanent collection.
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