March Creator of the Month: Margaret Miller
The creative arts have been part of Margaret Miller’s life since childhood. Her mother was a gifted fabric artist and at home, Margaret was surrounded by art and introduced to the world of crafts. When she was a little girl, Margaret’s mother taught her needlecraft and she spent many hours making and ornamenting felt clothes for her Troll and Barbie.
During the early days of covid Margaret says she felt compelled to return to this practice. She began to make creatures out of colourful pieces of felt, embroidered with sequins, beads, and small bells and stuffed with wool. Margaret has great interest and concern for endangered species, and her creations often showcase animals under threat of extinction. (Though they also include a rescue pig, a selkie, and many many hearts). As she sews her creatures come to life, brightening up rooms. They are very cheerful and as such, she often makes them for her friends.
When asked how long it takes to make a piece, she commented that the process is quite slow. Having Parkinson’s disease – a brain illness that causes tremors and other uncontrollable movements – can sometimes make it more difficult. Still, in addition to taking exercise classes with the BC Brain Wellness Program, this art form has become one of the best ways that Margaret has discovered to express herself and relieve stress.
Her art also inspired her friend, Phil Hall, to write a series of poems. The poems describe the animals’ search for the sacred caribou. They are currently looking for a publisher!
Margaret says she thinks that art is important because it gives people an opportunity to explore their feelings and life itself beyond the day-to-day. To her, “art of any kind allows us to feel more and to deeply look at the world.” She says that as her illness has moved in different ways, art and creating have become increasingly important to her.
“Since childhood, art has been part of my way of being in the world. Like nature, art fills my soul. To be able to more deeply explore this practice now is a great gift.”
- Margaret Miller
Howdy don’t stare
I am a pink star
maybe a starfish
maybe a sky star
maybe a tree star
my dots
are my enthusiasms
my blemishes
and my shine
my arms are my legs
my arms are my heads
I have 5 heads
5 arms and 5 legs
eyes like glue
and no face
but I am cute
not a monster
how many eyes
heads legs and arms
do you have today
I like all of the faces
you make
go wide to be me
we are so much alike
From We Are So Much Alike by Phil Hall and Margaret Miller
