GLENNA MILLS
“Glenna Mills, a remarkable artist with a unique and captivating approach to her work, has ventured through a creative journey as diverse and rich as her imagination”
Glenna's artistic odyssey commenced as a student at the College of Idaho. Coming from a background rooted in farm life and being the eldest of seven siblings, her initial experiences were far from the conventional art world. Glenna initially majored in sociology, with aspirations of reforming the prison system, but fate had different plans for her.
The turning point in her life came when art beckoned, drawing her into a world she had yet to explore. Glenna's journey in art took an unexpected twist when she decided to get married, leading to a move to Illinois. She was just one semester away from graduation, but life had other ideas. Once settled in Minnesota, she embarked on a new artistic path by enrolling in a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) program in film, inspired by the works of experimental filmmakers like Stan Brakhage and James White.
Glenna Mills, “She Saw”
Glenna Mills, “ Rebecca Paints Her Walls”
Glenna's early foray into film was an exhilarating experience, driven by her admiration for the works of Brakhage and White. Her talents soon found recognition, with one of her films even making its way to the Belgium Film Archive.
Continuing her artistic exploration, she delved into photography and sculpture. Her transition to sculpture saw her working with slab clay, further expanding her creative horizons. The amalgamation of film, photography, and sculpture led to numerous exhibitions and art sales. Glenna actively participated in organizations like See|Me, which helped showcase artists to the public.
Fuelled by an unceasing well of creative energy, Glenna also explored the world of voiceover and became a part of a group that recorded stories for children, showcasing her versatility in the realm of art.
Glenna Mills, “Bygone Days”
The Transformative Period
During a period of recovery from a broken leg and severe surgery, Glenna delved into her collection of photographs, a treasure trove of memories. She began manipulating these images on her computer, not content with merely reproducing them but eager to paint on them and breathe new life into them. This marked the beginning of her journey into transferring these images onto canvas.
In 2021, Glenna expanded her creative energy to embrace large canvases, where her unique style truly blossomed. Her artwork is a stunning blend of colors and altered imagery inspired by mythology, family, dreams, and personal experiences.
Glenna Mills, “Brothers”
A Peek into Glenna's Artistic Philosophy
In her own words, Glenna Mills shares her artistic philosophy for 2023: "I had just finished a three-act play, 'SEX AND CLIMATE CHANGE,' and had scheduled a reading when Covid hit. Unable to walk and talk safely, I decided to take on all the photographs I had shot over the years and remake them into another form of art."
She explains how she manipulated these images into broken parts, fantastical hair, dresses, or stories. Her creative journey changed as she transformed her photographic works into large canvases. Her artistry primarily focuses on portraits, where she infuses life and emotion into old black-and-white photographs, reshaping the narrative and breathing fresh life into the subjects.
Glenna's artistic endeavors have brought her immense joy and excitement. She effortlessly creates vivid expressions with her paintbrush, mirroring the enthusiasm she experienced when crafting clay sculptures over the years. She describes her passion for creating as a lifelong commitment, asserting that if she had 400 years to live, she would spend her days sculpting clay critters and painting, switching between the two forms of artistry.
In conclusion, Glenna Mills' journey in the art world is a testament to the transformative power of creativity. Her diverse artistic explorations and unique painting style on old photographs have captured the essence of family, emotion, and storytelling. Glenna's remarkable journey inspires aspiring artists and is a testament to the ever-evolving nature of artistic expression.
Learn More About Glenna Mills HERE