Tony Milner – artist, writer
I was born in Durban, South Africa, educated and grew up in Malawi, Central Africa, and travelled extensively before settling in Nelson. I arrived here in 1982 with my wife and three year old daughter.
New Zealand is now my home, yet Africa’s beauty and artistic appeal will always be a part of me. My travels around Africa and other parts of the world have been part of the education process that helped develop my character and artistic perspective.
I see my artistic skills as a special gift. As a schoolboy, I discovered I could faithfully sketch or paint what I saw, but I soon learned there was more to it – there was the creative side. So, I set about developing as a “real” artist.
I read, I listen, I question and observe. I study the works of other artists – old masters as well as contemporary artists – and learn from them. But mainly, I learn by the most effective method – simply getting down and doing it.
I work mainly in oils, but also use watercolours, pen and wash, and pastels. My style tends towards “representational”.
I’ve sold my art through galleries and exhibitions, and commissions. My paintings enliven walls in houses around New Zealand, and other parts of the world. One of my paintings was bought by a person who travels the world in a cruise liner, so the painting has probably been to more places than I have. I guess that makes me a truly international artist.
Writing is my other passion (among a host of other interests). I love working with words, and definitely find it easier to express myself with the written word rather than the spoken word. I’ve completed two novels and am in the process of trying to find a publisher – which seems to be the hardest part.
The creative journey is on-going and will always be so. That’s the most enjoyable part.
