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Anne Mills – A Creative Journey Rooted in Family and Nature
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Approaching The Art Mill Studio, there is an immediate sense of tranquillity that washes over you. Nestled among vibrant gardens, this space is where Anne Mills, a practising artist and art educator from Griffith, allows creativity to bloom. As she hands me a cuppa, we sit down to chat about her lifelong relationship with art.
For Anne, art is not about working through trauma or using it as therapy. It is simply part of who she is. “Art is therapy for a lot of people, but it’s not really therapy for me,” she tells me. “I can’t really tell you I’ve got a lot of trauma in my life that’s caused my art – but in saying that I can’t live without it.” Her art is, instead, a discipline that is central to her everyday life, a reflection of joy and connection.
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As we talk, it becomes clear that the beautiful garden surrounding her studio is a living extension of her art. Not only has Anne created this peaceful space, but it also serves as a connection to her family’s legacy of creativity, particularly the women who inspired her. “Well, I think like a lot of people, I had a creative mum,” she says, handing my daughter some pencils from her ever-present art supplies. “And a creative gran with the gardening... it's all a matter of creativity and being born in a household that embraces and fosters it.”
Growing up on a citrus farm surrounded by lush gardens, Anne’s childhood memories are the heart of her artistic inspiration. “Art comes from a happy place, a wealth of childhood memories, on my family’s citrus farm with the most wonderful garden. It was a carefree and happy childhood,” she shares. Though access to formal art lessons was limited, Anne’s natural inclination for drawing flourished at home, where she simply “just drew” whenever she could.
Anne’s distinctive style, characterised by vibrant colours and a focus on light, is a reflection of her bright approach to life. While she occasionally makes political statements in her work, her focus remains on the joy found in everyday objects, the garden, and the natural world around her. “I think my art’s cheerful and hopefully makes people happy to have in their home—and inspiring,” Anne explains. Her careful use of shadows to create a bright, joyful aesthetic is one of her hallmarks. She smiles as she recalls a conversation with fellow artist Richard Claremont. “When I said that I struggle to use a lot of darks, he told me, ‘You’re a medium bright girl, so that suits you.’”
Anne’s passion extends beyond her own artistic practice—she is deeply committed to fostering creativity in others. Her Wednesday painting group, which includes established local artists like Anne Moreshead and Lisa Taliano, is already preparing for a major exhibition at the Griffith Regional Art Gallery. On Tuesdays, she mentors emerging artists, working towards this group exhibition that will also showcase their growth and talent. |
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Anne also has a strong commitment to nurturing young artists. As a retired early childhood educator, she continues to offer art classes during school holidays, providing children with a safe and supportive space to explore their creativity. “As a fully qualified early childhood educator, I have been fortunate enough to share my love of art and educate both young children and now adults.” Anne is proud to see the young people in her classes come together and express themselves, much like any team sport would—but through art.
With several exciting projects on the horizon, Anne’s schedule is full. She is working on a joint exhibition with Green Gecko Studio, where her impressionistic style will contrast with the more abstract approach of her collaborator. They will be showcasing their recent travels through Europe and how their artistic experiences differ, despite visiting the same locations. On top of that, Anne has recently been preparing a new work inspired by the Barren Box Swamp for the community art exhibition The Fruits of Our Labour highlighting the legacy of the CSIRO in Griffith.
Despite her work’s international reach, Anne remains deeply connected to her roots in Griffith. Her family has lived in the area for generations—her grandfather even rode his bike to settle on a farm near Lake Wyangan—and the community has supported her art practice. “I’ve been lucky enough to have participated in many local community collaborative projects as well as exhibiting both individually and with fellow artists,” she says. “I sell my work Australia-wide and additionally have artwork in international collections.”
As our conversation winds down, I take in the birdsong from the surrounding trees and the late afternoon sunlight that warms the studio garden. Anne Mills isn’t just an artist; she’s a creative force within her community. Her work, her teaching, and her connection to nature reflect a deep and enduring relationship with the world around her. In both her art and her garden, there’s a sense of constant growth and vibrant life that’s utterly contagious.
To learn more about Anne’s work or to enquire about commissions, visit her website or follow her on Instagram and Threads. |
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Written by Zooey Korhonen, Western Riverina Arts Communications Officer
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