Page 8 Creative Collaboration Fat her-Daughter Local artist Peter Sills has found a new direction for his artwork. Partnering with his eight-year-old daughter Sofia, the duo creates outstanding paintings that are colorful, whimsical and witty. Sills has been creating art with his child since she was four years old. Like any father, Sills wanted to encourage his child and give her a creative outlet. “I just wanted to see her create the same art as any other kid but on a larger scale,” said Sills. The paintings focus on interesting imagery using everyday items like a cat or sunglasses but add a degree of ingenuity that comes naturally to a child. The process includes Sills setting up a studio for his daughter with a variety of materials and a large basic canvas. Sofia and her friends are all invited to paint for an hour, and then Peter takes over and adds his own ideas, picking up where they left off. This process can repeat multiple times with one piece. “There isn’t a production schedule and sometimes we don’t touch it for several days,” said Peter. Most canvases are finished within approximately a month, although they never put a limit on their process. What was once just a four-year-old girl painting on a canvas in the garage has grown to an intricate collaboration between father and daughter. And as Sofia has grown, a real change is evident in her work. The collection of canvases “map her developing interests in imagery, as well as my attachment to, and memory of, the childhood process of making,” said Sills. “Recent works have become more of a game,” said Sills. “Simple narratives that begin with her drawing, and my response with paint, or vice versa…responding to each other’s moves,” said Sills. Although the method of creation may be different from a traditional artist, the end result is the same. The idea and history behind each painting gives the work a unique twist. Recently Sills exhibited their artwork at Cartel Coffee in Scottsdale in August. The work adorned the walls of the coffee shop with the addition of a lovely handwritten Continued on page 9 By Nicole Royce Making Access easier F o r Y o u r H o m e & B u s i n e s s LiftMaster 8550 Belt Drive Opener Come see our beautiful Entry Gate Designs online! General Maintenance or Repairs w/built-in MyQ Technology Open & close with your smartphone! Includes battery backup, 2 remotes, & 1 keyless Additional $20 for 8’ high With this ad only While supplies last With this ad only | Expires 11/30/2013 $ 365 Installed+Tax $ 65 Plus Parts &Tax All 2-Car Garage Doors $ 200 OFF Licensed • Bonded • Insured ROC 116382 Residential ROC 119480 Commercial 941 W. 23rd St. Tempe, AZ 85282 (480) 967-1100 www.kaisergarage.com Specializing in sales of custom rustic garage doors & Gates, installation, & repair services art ne gallery 480.946.5076 . artonegalleryinc.com . 4130 n marshall way . scottsdale representing students of american and european universities, local and community colleges, high schools and emerging arizona artists. 20th Anniversary CELEBRATION hors d’oeuvres and drinks provided in support of Art One Gallery and Newlon-Foote foundation! hors d’oeuvres by EDDIE’S HOUSE Thursday, November 7th 5pm - 9pm during artwalk

Page 9 and history the work a ir artwork at August. The coffee shop handwritten ued on page 9 Continued from page 8 note from Sofia telling about their creation process. “It was great to put the paintings up in Cartel, they are a fun group of people, and a coffee house is a great venue for art,” said Sills. Bringing exposure to their project and process was exciting. Next up, they plan to work with a larger group of kids and explore different media. Sills would also like to “bring more narrative into the paintings.” Currently they are working on a large diptych about the old Godzilla movie “MOTHRA!” which should prove to be another exciting painting and perhaps a new direction. To find out more about art from Peter and Sofia Sills go to: http://petersills. tumblr.com 50% OFF ENTIRE FRAMING ORDER www.mycustomframingstore.com 4110 E. Bell Rd., Phoenix 602-996-1882 4633 E. Thomas Rd., Phoenix 602-237-5003 Must present ad for discount.