We have an exciting new artist to introduce you to this week. Welcome to the gallery Paula Mills!
-
Paula’s art practice is based on the idea that art is nourishing. Working in a variety of mediums including oils, watercolour and ink, her art creates a richly coloured world full of extraordinary texture and organic shapes. There is something plush about her work as though she has the ability to paint with velvet.
-
Collection of Paula's paintings in her studio
-
Originally from South Africa, she began painting and drawing from as far back as she can remember. One of her very first childhood memories is of painting a bright yellow sun while playing outside on a sunny day. “I grew up in a creative environment, in many beautiful parts of the world as my family travelled around.” She studied Commercial Art and Design in Cape Town which lead to a career as an art director in London before she immigrated to Melbourne in 2007. “After tragically losing my mother, art became a way for me to heal. I turned back to painting and drawing and focused my career more towards illustration and painting.”
-
Inside Paula's studio
-
She now works from her home studio in Yarraville, the walls of which are plastered with an assortment of beautiful imagery she draws inspiration from. Among her collage of inspiration is everything from postcards of exhibitions to patterned paper and of course flowers.
-
-
Inside Paula's studio
-
Paula is moved by the every day beauty in nature, pattern, and colour. "My studies, drawings and paintings are an intimate connection between the beauty and strength in nature.” Her subject matter is often feminine and tender but captured with intense colour and bold marks. She is influenced by all the different places she has traveled and lived around the world. The Protea often features in Paula’s work, a robust plant which is native to South Africa and thrives in Australia (perhaps much like Paula herself).
-
Inside Paula's studio
-
Continuously developing her skills over time by experimenting, failing, and learning from trying new things, she always feared painting in oils. “It felt so daunting. I tried having a go on my own in my studio but often ended up with a muddy mess. I persevered, enrolled in a few ‘painting in oils’ foundation classes at The Art Room, Fitzroy Painting and with Andrew Forsythe. I kept going and now I love painting in oils, I am still learning but thankfully have worked out how to avoid everything looking like mud!”
-
Inside Paula's studio
-
She strongly believes that creativity brings encouragement, hope and joy and that it should be embraced and shared in our everyday lives. “Art can be viewed as a response to the demanding times we live in. Sometimes it feels like we are all busy all the time. When we engage in and experience art, we stop, we look, and allow ourselves to be moved. It pulls us together in commonality, reminding us that we are connected in seeking creativity.” We couldn’t agree more.
-
Inside Paula's studio
-
You can indulge in viewing all of Paula’s artworks HERE and are of course welcome to visit the gallery anytime to experience them in person.