CHES MILLS MA : FINE ARTIST
I acknowledges the traditional Custodians of the land of which I live and work today and I pay my respects to their Elders past and present. I extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. -Ches Mills
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' works range in size from 1.5 square metres to more delicate 20 square cm.
Her work hangs in private collections within Australia and overseas
QUALIFICATIONS
Master of Visual Arts - Monash University
Diploma of Visual Arts - Chisholm
Bachelor of Education, majoring in Art - Monash University
Diploma of Education, majoring in Art - Deakin
Artist Study Tour - Greece, Spain, Italy
EXHIBITIONS
2023 Art/Science collaboration/commission, Melbourne University
Selected for Ravenswood Art Award
Finalist Bayside Art Prize
2022 Dandenong Ranges Open Studios and exhibition
2021 Aquatic Realms 2, solo, Red Gallery, Fitzroy
Aquatic Realms, solo, Burrinja Cultural Centre
Finalist Footscray Art Award
2020 Finalist Southern Buoy Studios, Mornington
Burrinja Cultural Centre, Grand Reopening, Solo,
2019 Winner of The People’s Choice Award, Dandenong Ranges
Open Studios, Burrinja Gallery,
2018 Finalist John Lesley Art Award, Gippsland Regional Gallery
Selected for Dandenong Ranges Open Studios
Marysville Art Show, Professional Hangers Award
2017 Selected for Dandenong Ranges Open Studios
Finalist for Burrinja Biennial ‘Climate Change’ exhibition
“Earth”, Arvy’s Gallery, Olinda, Solo
2011-16 Selected for Dandenong Ranges Open Studios
Burrinja Gallery, Yarra Ranges
2015 Helen Bassett Gallery, Yarraville
Finalist for Burrinja Biennial ‘Climate Change’ exhibition
2014 “ Gravitas” Steps Gallery, Fitzroy, Solo
2010-14 Steven Print Gallery, Fitzroy
2008 The Marriott, Pattaya, Thailand,solo
2006 The Bakery Gallery, Melbourne, Victoria,solo
2005 Manyung Gallery, Mornington
2004 The Curved Wall, Frankston Arts Centre, solo
Finalist, John Lesley Art Award,Gippsland Regional Gallery
2003 Published in “Selected Contemporary Artists of Australia”
Manyung Gallery, Mornington
Nielson Hays Rotunda Gallery,solo, Bangkok,Thailand
Cardinia Cultural centre Inaugural Exhibition
Federation Square, Melbourne,Sustainable living Festival
Contemporary Arts society of Vic, Eckersleys,
2002 Neilson Hays Rotunda Gallery, Bangkok,Thailand ,solo
Winner Best Contemporary, Emerald Art Society
2001 Neilson Hays Rotunda Gallery, Bangkok,Thailand, solo Manyung
Gallery, Mornington