As the major sponsor of the Sunshine Coast Art Prize at the Caloundra Regional Gallery, Sunshine Coast Council, we are excited to share with you the six local artists on the Sunshine Coast.
Today we talk with Miles Allen, a full-time artisit from Flaxton who has been painting since 1998, inspired by an exhibition of Emily Kngwarreye's work.
What does it mean to you to be recognised as a finalist in the Sunshine Coast Art Prize 2021?
The art prize is well-known by artists from all over Australia and has an excellent reputation for showing a wide selection of works. It has been established for over 15 years and so in that time a diverse range of artists have had their work shown. More lately it seems to have been harder to get accepted. So it’s great to be recognised, it’s a boost to the fragile ego of an artist and it’s more special as it’s a ‘local’ prize.
What journey has brought you here to the Sunshine Coast?
I came from Wales over 30 years ago, first to Rockhampton then to Brisbane and for the last 8 years, Flaxton. I moved here to be with my partner and I love it here. The pace of life is a little bit slower here compared with Brisbane, it’s quieter, people are friendlier and more personable and it’s easier to work here as an artist surrounded by beautiful countryside.
What are your dreams and ambitions as an artist?
To continue to create work that has a meaning for me and others, that says something worth saying, that shows beauty where there was none before, that makes people look and get something from it and that promotes conversations. I would like to see my work exhibited in a variety of places and reach a wide audience.
Follow Miles Allen: Web www.milesallen.com Instagram @miles_allen_artist
Image: Miles Allen | What Einstein said about bees | 2020 | mixed media | 70 x 91cm
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