Dr Megan Spiers
Artist, researcher and teacher
I am inspired by the wilderness, birds and nature, ships and the sea, and by people, place and country. I have created fine art of exceptional quality for more than thirty years, with paintings sold in galleries and exhibitions in Australia and overseas, and regularly commissioned for private collections. My visual arts practice is informed by a Bachelor of Design Illustration (Honours) from the University of South Australia and a lifetime of respectfully observing, drawing and painting from life.
I have had the privilege of teaching and learning from students in almost every educational context. I began teaching at a remote adult education college and university campus in the Northern Territory, often travelling to remote communities and outstations to facilitate learning. I taught in schools, community education and private English language colleges in London, Oxford and Cambridge for two years. More recently, I have worked as a casual teacher in schools in Western Sydney and Darwin.
In November 2020, after completing my thesis during the pandemic, I was awarded a Doctor of Philosophy in Aboriginal Education from Edith Cowan University. This was the culmination of a lifelong passion for improving the cultural responsiveness of teachers. When we increase our knowledge of the important ways in which language, culture and community may influence what happens in the classroom, we have the capacity to positively influence the future pathways of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. You can read my thesis here.
A few favourite moments…
- Office of the Chief of Navy Commission
- HMAS Adelaide Ship’s Company Commission
- International Fleet Review 2013 Private Commission
- Kuwait Exhibition Opened by the Australian Ambassador
- Solo Exhibitions in the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney
Dr Megan Spiers 