Ina Millman celebrated artist and inspiring art teacher in Kibler Park
As an artist, she shares her passion for life and painting through conducting art courses, art holidays, workshops and classes.
Ina Millman (70) originally from Mondeor, is a South African artist and sought-after art teacher based in Kibler Park, south of Johannesburg.
Millman’s journey began when she was three years old when she sold her first painting.
“My dad’s German friend bought it from me and I remember it was a painting of a ‘rooibokkie’ (an impala). I, then decided I wanted to be an artist,” explained Millman.
Art over everything
However, her father would not let her study art, because according to him she was too clever to study what he called ‘airy fairy art’.
“I was one of the top learners at school and I didn’t know what to do after I finished school. All I wanted to do was study art,” she said.
Millman studied psychology at North-West University (NWU) but when she did her internship, she realised she could never do this.
“I’m not ‘hard’ enough and took all the clients’ problems home. I could not cut myself off from all their problems,” she highlighted.
She made another attempt to ask her dad if she could study art, but he refused yet again.
Millman then studied languages and during her time at university, she would do various art courses as an extramural.
“Each weekend I would do a different course such as landscapes or a portrait course and when the other ladies were doing waitressing to make money, I drew and painted people’s portraits for extra money,” emphasised Millman.
With her qualifications, this renowned artist then began teaching and on weekends she would host art weekends where she taught people how to paint.
“I didn’t have a degree in art, but my upbringing in art was because I spent months under the guidance of well-known South African artists I admired back then.”
A creative expression
Millman’s success comes from her diverse work and her ability to reflect her warmth and enthusiasm in her paintings, as nature inspires her and she loves to work from real life.
She is also comfortable painting with watercolours, oils, acrylics, pastels and mixed mediums.
Her vast experience and inspiration range from beautiful lifelike portraits, and flowers, to African landscapes, seascapes and wildlife.
“Painting is a creative expression of my inner soul. It is healing, energising and a quiet place for me. I become immersed in my work to the extent that I am unable to worry about mundane things,” she expressed.
Millman connects to nature, God and the collective subconscious through painting and loves what she does. Her paintings have been sold to clients in Australia, New Zealand, Germany, the USA, the UK, and Canada and her work showcased at many juried shows and exhibitions, including Canada.
Paying it forward
Millman holds regular art lessons at her home where she guides students of various proficiencies through the process of creating artwork.
She believes it is necessary to live life to the fullest to share one’s observations and enthusiasm for a subject through painting.
“Art has taught me to be in the ‘now’ and see beyond what is just in front of me. I encourage my students to look at life through the same lens,” said Millman.
Her art lessons are suitable for artists of all levels – from beginners to advanced. It takes place on Tuesdays from 18:30 to 20:30 and Fridays from 10:00 to 12:30.
If you wish to unleash your creativity under the expert guidance of Millman or for more information, contact 083 409 3867 or email ina@inamillman.com.
