The Gallery Mt Macedon 

MARGARET MILES

Painter 

I Migrated from Sussex, England, in 1968 with husband and our two little girls. Our first stop being Broadmeadows, Victoria, for a few years, finally settling in Sunbury, Victoria.  

I was a fully trained florist in England, but could not get work like that in our early days, so I worked at various jobs, initially with Eriksson Telephone Co. in Broadmeadows and later in Sunbury at the florists in O’Shanassy Street, which I eventually purchased and ran for a few years. After that I worked in the family business of “The Trophy Maker” as an engraver.  

I had always had an interest in the Arts, especially in painting and drawing, which I had done since childhood.  When our young family grew up, I decided to go for a tertiary training in fine art Painting & Sculpture.  Starting at Preston College of TAFE, going on to Phillip Institute, completing a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Painting and Sculpture.  

While working as a professional artist, I have continued to work to support my art.  My first employment as an artist was at HM Prison Pentridge, Victoria. Giving some of the 'clients’, an opportunity to use their creative abilities in other ways.  

I have spent many years teaching art to children through various private venues.  A very special three years as artist in residence at Sunbury Primary School where we produced some wonderful garden sculptures and the “Time Machine”.  I still teach adults in drawing and painting, mainly oils and watercolour and enjoy sharing my skills and knowledge.  

My work these days is mainly about life as it presents itself to me.  I love the great stories of myths and legends. I love the circus, the colour and excitement.  Nature itself is a never ending source of imagery.  I like to explore with different textures and mediums, these are all pertinent to my work. 

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