Selden Gile was born in Maine in 1877, where he attended business college. After graduating, Gile moved out to California where he worked as payroll master for a large ranch. Leaving that job, Gile moved to Oakland.

Largely a self-taught artist, Gile would spend most of his free time hiking and sketching the hills near Oakland and Berkeley. Gile’s home became a meeting place for like-minded artists, and Gile’s hospitality was legendary. Banding with five other artists, Gile would be a member of one of the finest and most unique painting groups California had ever seen.

Called “The Society of Six,” the group was devoted to a unique, modernist style of representation most reminiscent of the French Fauvists. During the 1920’s the group hiked, painted, exhibited, and even lived together at times. They were active together in the Bay Area from around 1918-1930.

Gile died in Marin County in 1947.