Once again we are in for a massive treat – Stormie Mills (who we interviewed last year) is back in Melbourne this week for his final solo show of the year, with People & Places. We recently caught up and heard Stormie talk at the Art Series Conversation Corner, and it was a rare and fascinating insight into his current working practices and creative trajectory. As one of the pioneers of the Perth graffiti and street art scene, his work has evolved over the years into a distinctive style and entity all unto its own – and this Wednesday, you can see it for yourself.

“Metro Gallery is proud to present Peoples and Places, an exhibition of new work by Australian contemporary artist, Stormie Mills.

As a child Stormie Mills travelled extensively. He attended 8 different schools and was constantly on the move, experiencing new places and cultures. It was though this travel that Stormie developed his passion for observing people which continues to inform his character based work. Peoples and Places takes this examination one step further by contextualising the characters with an environment and how it has the potential to impact on who we ultimately become.

Stormie said, “I’m a firm believer, as a watcher of people that where we come from forms a major part of who we are. 

Having travelled extensively since i was a small child I’ve watched people and believe that our immediate surroundings have a huge impact on the physical way we carry ourselves or move. This in turn becomes ingrained in us mentally as well. 

Animals are subject to an evolutionary process that shapes them to suit their environment. For us it’s about the development of a set of characteristics and self-adornment that directly responds to our surrounds.”

It was a recent trip to Antarctica that inspired Stormie to contemplate the idea that people evolve in response to their environment. The idea what we are “Shaped” by our surroundings is explored in Peoples and Places, inspired by travels throughout America, Europe, Asia and Antarctica where Stormie spent time people watching and recording the subtle nuances that gave each community its own set of characteristics.

By connecting the idea of landscape and environment to his unique characters Stormie delivers a further insight into what it is that shapes who we are and how we get there. The body of work is exploring the idea of nature vs nurture.”

Check out this great interview with Stormie on the Age website for a heap more info on the show.

Who: Stormie Mills
What: People and Places solo show
Where: Metro Gallery, 1214 High St, Armadale, VIC
When: Show opens Wednesday October 3rd from 6:30pm til 8:30pm and runs til the 20th October

Check out Stormie Mills and the Metro Gallery website for more info.