“My paintings focus on objects I find engaging, they are objects that resonate with me on many levels. I place the work in an ambiguous space to keep the viewer’s attention focused on the object. Seventeenth century Vanitas paintings that were made popular with the Dutch and Flemish often used everyday items that were and were given important symbolic connotations. They were not your average still life. They were little paintings with big ideas. My paintings are similar in the sense that they isolate an object or group of objects that may contain historic or symbolic references. But I ignore historical reference and symbolic implications and the object is valued for purely personal reasons. The result has an element of cognitive dissonance to the reasons behind its selection. This work draws attention to possible metaphors these objects present and links their qualities to an intimate human condition. Particularly mine. And hopefully the viewer’s as well. These objects are metaphors for identity, self preservation, and mortality. I am attempting to illustrate their significance to more grand ideas. It is the grand ideas that connect me back into the circle of humanity.” - PJ Mills