My Story
My name is Harrison Mills, and I work and exhibit in under the name HILLS hence STUDIO HILLS.
I specialised in drawing and printmaking during my Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree at the Faculty of Fine Arts and Music, University of Melbourne.
I predominately work with charcoal, however, I also have a prolific sculptural and installation practice which can be seen in my portfolio.
I showcase the beauty and emotion of the human body through hyper-realistic, life-sized charcoal portraits.
Why HILLS?
In 2020 I changed my artist name to HILLS.
I believe that in all facets of our life we wear a mask, whether it is in a professional environment, around our close friends and family, and even when we are alone.
My work explores the idea that the human experience is rehearsed and ritualised.
Aligning with this theme, I make work under the guise of my own mask - HILLS.
I have made it the mission of my artistic practice to explore what lies beneath the mask - if it is even possible to find out such realities.
My work is about what lies beneath the mask. The truth we don’t see.
Why charcoal?
Charcoal is a material born from fire. It signifies transformation, purification, and the absorption of negative energy
As charcoal is created by fire, it carries the memory of intense heat and pressure. It embodies the idea of rebirth, and symbolises survival, resilience, and your true essence remaining after life tests you.
I ask you, if charcoal can overcome it’s own destruction and become something beautiful, then why can’t we?
All of my charcoal pieces are made with natural materials. The charcoal and cotton paper are void of any artificial additives that degrade the artwork over time.
Once framed, all works are archival quality.
