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Woodland Spirits by Jan Mills

Jan Mills lives and works in rural Eastern Ontario. His work is largely informed by his natural surroundings and demonstrates his keen sense and handling of found, manmade and natural materials

Mills often employs found-objects as a way to connect with his subject. Blown tire fragments turn into crows, gnawed beaver sticks become enigmatic wall sculptures, and birch bark becomes the moon and the water in which it reflects.

WOODLAND SPIRITS - Solo Show

August 27th to September 20th

Opening Reception Saturday August 29th 1-4 pm with Artist in attendance

The works in this exhibition reflect my deep spiritual connection with nature.

Woodland Spirits Series

This series was born out of a very rare and vivid dream, a Marketplace listing for vintage handsaws, and the memory of a earthenware piece by artist Carl Beam; all while I was in the hospital recovering from complications following treatment for my second round with cancer.

Not only did the saw handles remind me of the shamanic images that I recalled from Beam’s work, they represent a time when humans only took what they needed and were very respectful of our codependency with nature. Here’s hoping we can return to that relationship.

Lunar Reflection Series

An ongoing series of mixed-media works that celebrate the mystique and charismatic energy of the moon.

Beaverstick Series

A collaboration with the beavers from a local creek. Gnawed sticks that have washed up on the shore have been utilized to create this series of wall-based sculptures.

Beaver Hut Series
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