milie
woods

Milie’s journey finally led to fulfilment.

ABOUT MILIE:

I was exposed to design, illustration and art in general as my family’s business was publishing. Teaching myself to paint and draw under the bed at night, using an array of strange and different materials my love of art flourished. Unfortunately, I was discouraged from following my passion as an artist and was sent to secretarial college, the fate of most non academic girls of my era and worked in many jobs never feeling fulfilled or gratified.

After the passing of my parents and a marriage breakup I moved to Tasmania with my 2 sons. It was there that I embarked on a journey that would be the making of me and the nourishing of my creative soul.

At 33 I enrolled in an Associate Diploma of Graphic Design at Launceston TAFE, soaking up, learning and experimenting with everything that came my way. I gained skills in many varied art forms, from printing, life drawing, illustration, photography and of course design. I returned to Melbourne for a short time to study a degree at Swinburne International School of Design. However, Tasmania was calling me back, so I returned and worked as a designer for many years.

I lived in many different parts of the state, at times living quite an unconventional lifestyle, but all the while developing my style and experimenting with new creative ideas and furthering my studies in art and design.

I have written and illustrated a children’s book for the children in my extensive family and have exhibited in several group exhibitions. I became interested in the healing potential of art in mental health and in 2017 I began a 3 year Masters in Creative Arts Therapy. I worked as a therapist in Launceston until my sister became ill and I returned to Healesville to care for her, and I stayed.

My work is as varied as the stages of my life, however I feel I have now finally found a style of work that speaks of my journey and that expresses who I have become.

Medium: painting, drawing
Tags: mixed media, inks, gold leaf, acrylic paint makers, watercolour, acrylic paint, Arches 300 gsm watercolour paper.