MiriamDwyer
Expressionist landscape artist
About me...
I grew up in Melbourne Australia, in a family that appreciated and enjoyed all forms of art. We visited galleries and exhibitions regularly. My father was a photographer and my mother took up painting later in life. I vividly remember the smell of turpentine!
The opportunity came for me to begin my own journey in art almost 20 years ago in New Zealand by taking classes with well known artist Pam Watson for 5 years. After starting in watercolours, I began acrylic painting a couple of years later. I began painting in oils also about three years ago.
After my husband and I moved back to Canada in 2007, I have continued to do regular workshops and courses through the Ottawa School of Art.
In 1992 I began my career in Therapeutic Recreation (Diversional Therapy as it is called in Australia and New Zealand). I gained certificates in Diversional Therapy and in Adult Teaching, and have continued with all kinds of relevant training throughout my working life. As an educator for The Alzheimer's Society in New Zealand I worked with staff, family and caregivers in the needs of those with dementia. I believe I am extremely well qualified to work with seniors and those with memory loss and dementia. I have worked in Day Programs, Long Term Care and Retirement Homes providing all kinds of activities for clients and residents.
Although I retired three years ago, I decided to keep working in Long Term Care in Ottawa, just to " keep my hand in", however my real passion is to see the light of creativity be ignited in anyone who so desires.
I continue to paint and my work is always evolving! I have exhibited my art regularly and my work can be found in private collections in Australia, New Zealand and Canada.
Over the course of the last 30 years, I have inspired residents to create all kinds of wonderful works of art!