ARTIST PROFILE
About Eloiza Mills
Eloiza Mills was born and grew up in Surrey, UK. She studied Fine Art at Aberystwyth University from 2005-08, specialising in painting.
In her graduating year, Eloiza was shortlisted for the Threadneedle Prize, and in 2009 was shortlisted for the Bulldog Portrait Bursary.
Eloiza has periodically taken time away from her everyday routine to enjoy the revitalising effects of new sights and sounds. After being awarded the Geoffrey Crawshay Memorial Travelling Scholarship in 2008, she spent a month in Cyprus, at the art college in Lemba; In 2010 she stayed for two months with her sister in Virginia, USA, where she was introduced to American Naïve art and the extraordinary scenery of the Blue Ridge Mountains; In 2014, Eloiza took part in a Vedanta study course, living for three months at the Swami Dayananda Ashram near Coimbatore, India. Each of these experiences has had a unique effect in its own right in shaping Eloiza’s perspectives and motivations, and consequently her painting practice.
In 2015, Eloiza gave up her studio in Croydon to move to Hastings, where she is now making her home.
MY PAINTING PRACTICE
I am pulled most to painting and drawing by the mental shift needed when making an observational image from life. Instead of seeing a person or an object, with all the associated ideas and stories, I have to see only light and colour. It’s the most relaxing process – to lose your sense of self and quiet your mind in the flow of looking and responding, and intense concentration. At its best I find the actual process of painting can be like a meditation.
I tend towards subjects that complement this; I love to draw things that are quiet and harmonious. Faces are endlessly fascinating in all their expressions of intelligence.
CV
EXHIBITIONS
2018
The Royal Society of Portrait Painters' Annual Exhibition, Mall Galleries, London
2009
Solo Exhibition Fauber Gallery, St John's Church, Lynchburg, Virginia, USA
8th Focused Eye Awards (Miniature Focus), The Art Works Galleries, Newcastle (2nd prize)
2008
Threadneedle Figurative Prize, Mall Galleries, London (shortlisted)
Degree Show, University of Wales Aberystwyth, Aberystwyth
Imaging the Bible in Wales, School of Art Gallery & Museum, Aberystwyth
Aberystwyth Art Society Spring Exhibition, Morlan Centre, Aberystwyth
Graduates 08, Oriel Dafydd Hardy, Caernarfon
ARTIST IN RESIDENCE
2017
“In 45” Art Matters Community Studio, Earlswood, Surrey. Three month residency taking pencil portraits of members in 45 minutes each.
COMMISSIONS
2015
Irene Joseph portrait in oil
2010
Jane & Roger Tedstone double portrait in oil
Oliver portrait in pencil
Oliver #2 portrait in oil
2005
Flower Study still life in oil
BIBLIOGRAPHY
2009
Oliver Lange, An Instinctive Response, The Artist, June 2009
AWARDS AND HONOURS
2009
Second prize, 8th Focused Eye Awards, The Art Works Galleries
Shortlisted for the Bulldog Portrait Bursary, Royal Society of Portrait Painters
2008
Shortlisted for the Threadneedle Prize, Mall Galleries
Geoffrey Crawshay Memorial Travelling Scholarship, Aberystwyth University
2005
Merit Award – Fine Art, Aberystwyth University
EDUCATION
2008
Summer Studio, Cyprus College of Art, Lemba, Cyprus
2005-8
BA Fine Art, School of Art, University of Wales, Aberystwyth