····· artist statement
These paintings were triggered by my awe and wonder of our oceans, their fascinating shorelines, cliffs and glorious coral reefs that as a result of global warming are being compromised. In these paintings, I hoped to portray the beauty, intricacies, diversity, complexities, atmospheres and interconnectivity of our ocean environs and in doing so, the urgent need for action to be taken to protect them. (Ches Mills)
Alice “How long is forever?”
White Rabbit “Sometimes just one second”.
Alice’s adventures in Wonderland, Lewis Carroll
····· Ches Mills
····· artist's bio
Ches’ inspiration is found in the natural environment: rocks, plants, fauna, mountain views, deserts, and especially the ocean.
Whether it is a tiny fungi that is beginning to develop or a vast roaring expanse of ocean, the natural world around us never ceases to fill her with wonder and appreciation.
Her focus at the moment is based on her concern for the deterioration of our coral reefs. Within this destruction there is a certain beauty in the bleached white corals against the backdrop of the vibrant colours of the healthy corals. In portraying the beauty and delicate state of our reefs she aims to highlight the urgent need to address climate change and the protection of our reefs.
Currently Ches is using acrylic, ink and gouache on either canvas or paper to create vibrant, detailed works.
Ches Mills: Aquatic Realms
Burrinja Gallery exhibition, 31 July – 18 September
1 Fitzroy Island Dreaming, acrylic, ink, gouache on linen, 120 x 120 cm, $3450
2 Fitzroy Island, acrylic, ink, gouache on linen, 120 x 120 cm, $3450
3 Fading, acrylic, ink, gouache on linen, 120 x 120 cm, $3450
4 Altered State, acrylic, ink, gouache on linen, 120 x 120 cm, $3450
5 Horizontal Dance, acrylic, ink, gouache on linen, 120 x 120 cm, $3450
6 Blooming, acrylic, ink, gouache on linen, 120 x 120 cm, $3450 • SOLD
7 Coral Burst, acrylic, ink, gouache on linen, 90 x 120 cm, $2800
8 Coral Depths, acrylic, ink, gouache on linen, 120 x 120 cm, $3450
9 Reef, acrylic, ink, gouache on linen, 120 x 120 cm, $3450
10 Reef Waters, acrylic, ink, gouache on linen, 90 x 120 cm, $2800
11 Fragments, painted colographs, ink and gouache, 40 x 39cm, $420
12 Brainy Coral, painted colographs, ink and gouache, 40 x 39 cm, $420
13 Mushie Coral, painted colographs, ink and gouache, 40 x 39 cm, $420
14 Leafy Coral, painted colographs, ink and gouache, 40 x 39 cm, $420
15 Coral Bloom, painted colographs, ink and gouache, 40 x 39 cm, $420
16 Lace, ink and gouache on paper, 65 x 63 cm, $820
17 Intricacies, acrylic, ink gouache on linen, 120 x 120 cm, $3450
18 Meandering, ink and gouache on paper, 104 x 65 cm, $1250
19 Littoral, triptych on paper, ink, acrylic and gouache, 95 x 122 cm, $2750
20 Incessant, triptych on paper, ink, acrylic and gouache, 105 cm x 122 cm, $2900
21 Rock Pools, ink and gouache on paper, 89 x 73 cm, $1250
22 Ocean Garden, ink and gouache on paper, 56 x 64 cm, $690
23 Incoming, ink and gouache on paper, 65 x 63 cm, $820
24 Low Tide, ink and gouache on paper, 93 x 46 cm, $820 • SOLD
25 Pebble Beach, ink and gouache on paper, 41 x 48 cm, $460
26 Archipelago, ink and gouache on paper, 61 x 36 cm, $510
