HIDDEN FACES
The 2020 Victorian Salon des Refusés
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Cat. #22 Chris Seater
MAN OF THE HEART - DR IAN MILLS Mixed Media 61 cm h x 61 cm w NFS Artist’s Statement Ian Mills was an extraordinary man, I can truly say he was one of the most appealing and accomplished human beings that I have met in my life. His compassion for his fellow humans surrounded him and those he touched like a warm blanket of humility and understanding. He wrote and published a book called “Climate of the Heart” an alignment of eastern and western poetry, encompassing his philosophical ideas on the future relatedness of human beings. I believe this embodied the essence of the man. An adventurer, film maker, builder of things and relationships, I was honored to have known him and been fortunate to paint his portrait, a painting he did not see prior to his passing I’m disappointed to say. I remember when he agreed to be my subject for the 2020 Archibald, he was adamant, knowing of my experimental style of working, that I be free to express myself and was open to anything. I think this painting truly captures a great man with dignity, kindness and his unique essence of being. This portrait was submitted for the 2020 Archibald Prize. click on artwork to enlarge |