Catherine Mills

About Catherine Mills

Catherine Mills is a Canadian artist whose work captivates audiences with its evocative exploration of beauty's more nuanced and unconventional aspects. Based in Whitby, Ontario, Mills's artistry delves into the themes of damaged or eccentric beauty through a series of insect still lifes, portraiture, and other still life compositions. Her latest series, "Cartography of Healing," creatively interprets her personal experience with facial differences, manifesting as portraits sewn with wire, scarred, and "repaired," symbolizing the universal journey of healing both visible and invisible wounds.

Born in Schefferville, Quebec, and later settling in Scarborough, Toronto, Mills's formative years were shaped by numerous surgeries for a cleft lip and palate, fueling her lifelong inquiry into perceptions of beauty and imperfections. Her artistic journey began with a passion for creativity that defied conventional career paths. A pivotal moment came when a furniture design instructor recognized her inclination toward painting rather than crafting, leading her toward the decorative arts. Mills spent three decades as a decorative painter, perfecting techniques such as faux finishes and trompe l’oeil, before transitioning fully into the realm of fine art.

Mills's training is a tapestry of formal and self-directed learning. She holds a Bachelor of Science from the University of Guelph, and her artistic education includes studies under the tutelage of renowned painters like Max Ginsburg in New York and Katharine Stone on Canada's West Coast. Her dedication to her craft is evident in her mastery of classical French techniques, harmoniously blended with modern materials. She often paints on aluminum panels and uses self-refined linseed oil, demonstrating a meticulous approach to her medium.

Her work has been recognized in prestigious exhibitions, garnering accolades such as the 2021 2nd Place award at the Annual Juried Members Show at the Station Gallery in Whitby. Catherine Mills continues to be inspired by her students and the world around her, seeking to refine her artistic voice and offer enriching experiences through her art. Supported by her partner Alexander, their daughter, and comforted by her studio companion, a cat named Moonshine, Mills remains committed to exploring the alchemical possibilities of paint, aiming to create works that resonate with both herself and her audience.