About Sophie

Sophie Mill 
Cert.Med.(MBEd)
Artist and Art Tutor
Member of IMTTA The International Meditation Teachers and Therapists Association
Director, Sophie Mill School of Art

A note from Sophie Mill Artist 

I live in Braidwood, where my husband and I are relocating to a rural farm just outside of the town, three hours southwest of Sydney and one hour East of Canberra.

After 25 years of tutoring art, I made the significant decision to change my career path and become a Cabin Crew member for Qantas Airlines, where I flew over the Pilbara Region. I am now a Cabin Crew Manager for Link Airways. This transition enables me to earn a living, enjoy life, and connect with people, while also providing an opportunity to take a break from creativity to reflect on what my next creative project will entail in the coming years.

During my time as an art tutor, focusing on Renaissance painting through to contemporary styles, I heard many stories from people of all ages and backgrounds. The one consistent theme I encountered was the belief in a lack of connection to relationships, creativity, nature, and themselves. While this concern is not surprising, it remains significant.

I often have discussions with people who ask me if "art" can "fix" their anxiety, depression, lack of direction, or other inner emotional issues. This belief is misleading. Art or creativity alone will not miraculously rescue you from despair; however, being mindful of your art while painting and creating can certainly provide breaks from pain that go on to offer an enriching sense of self.

To overcome negativity and develop a more meaningful perspective on life, it is important to cultivate mental discipline and, if necessary, seek medically advised, research-based support. Focusing on a creative project while surrounded by positive influences—such as horses, beautiful views, clean air, and gentle sounds like birds chirping, grass rustling, and laughter—can serve as a form of "creative medicine." Ultimately, it is essential to be mindful of your moment in creativity and experiences during this process.

Starting in 2027, I will offer 'tables in the paddock' for people to learn to paint and draw, discuss life, and find fulfilment through nature and the benefits of creativity.

Please feel free to email me via the website or at sophiemill@bigpond.com.

Kind regards,




Sophie Mill  

Artist and Creative Thinker


Sophie gained her Early Childhood, Primary, and Senior qualifications in teaching later in life; it was time to pass on her valuable Oil Painting and Drawing knowledge to the next generation. Sophie's first post as 'Artist in Resident' was Irrawang High School, Raymond Terrace. Sophie was the first Artist to be employed by the NSW State Government under the Gonski Scheme. Her second position as Artist in Resident and Art Tutor in Oil painting techniques was at Pymble Ladies College, Sydney.

Growing up on Sydney's North Shore and attending Pymble Ladies College, Sophie was determined to lead an artistic life be it be in a small way or on a large scale. Either way, she remained determined and committed.

By practicing art/painting with Sophie Mill Art School students have the space to practice building up their memory of composition, shapes, darks, and lights; students can negotiate the painting process. This process includes,  
  1. being adaptable to the non-reliable way paint wants to fall
  2. being able to accept disappointments
  3. understanding the frustration of art
  4. understanding commitment
  5. understanding the 'ugly' side of constructing a picture
  6. understanding the benefits of planning
  7. taking your time
  8. being adaptable to change and being able to 'kill the darlings' 
Killing the darlings is an expression in art, it refers to your 'favourite' parts of the picture (or story) and they make no sense in the overall composition. The phrase “in writing you must kill all your darlings” has been attributed to writer and Nobel prize laureate William Faulkner.

More information:


Contact Us 

Phone: 13 77 88 

Email: creativekids@service.nsw.gov.au


Provider Qualifications Providers need to share an overview of the qualifications they hold to teach the chosen activities. You have one of the following criteria: A teaching degree and practical experience in relevant field A degree in relevant field i.e. fine arts, drama, music Five or more years of professional experience in the relevant area Awards or industry recognition or accreditation in relevant field For cultural experiences, be a recognised cultural elder or provider within that culture.

Sophie Mill 


sophiemill@bigpond.com


Facebook: sophiemillartist

Linkedin: Sophie C Mill Artist and Art School

Working with Children Check valid – wwc 0189225 E

Police Check valid - Reference number 2882614PC

First Aid Certificate 2017