Harriet Millar’s landscape and botanical paintng will be on display at her solo exhibiton at the Turua Gallery in August.
Harriet, a mother of five, has grown her career and love of painting now that each of her children attend school. Much of her inspiration comes from the beautiful New Zealand landscape.
When did you begin perusing an art career and why?
I grew up painting and drawing constantly and the joy never really left me. About seven years ago it was suggested to me that I would be great at selling other artists’ work, but all I could think was, “No, I want to sell my work!” It was that moment I knew what I wanted to do and so I studied hard and still do.
What motivates you to create pieces?
Suddenly spotting an image, whether it be a landscape or a bunch of flowers. It’s the instant knowing accompanied by butterflies in the stomach, that the composition works, the light is right, and everything comes together naturally.
Do you ever suffer creative block, and if so, how do get through it?
Creative blocks happen more regularly than I would like, normally after finishing a piece I’m not happy with. I lose all confidence and am consumed with the fear that I need to start looking for another line of work. I make regular trips to the dump so that people will never see those works!
What has been your favourite piece of work?
My favourite piece currently is a large dahlia painting – the flowers were dying and the petals so beautiful I had to capture it. This piece is meant for my upcoming exhibition at Turua Gallery, and I’m finding it hard knowing it must be packaged up and sent quite soon. I would really like to keep it! My other favourites are the paintings in my kitchen of my five children, a great alternative to photos.
