Get to know Geoff Filmer

Having a reading disorder, dyslexia did not help Geoff Filmer in his early schooling at Tharwa village south of Canberra and later at Chisholm High School and Tuggeranong College. Yet it has enriched his artistic journey, as he saw his parents Peter and Jenny’s determination to support him with technology and art to give him every chance to grow to his full potential.

A parks ranger who later grew flowers commercially, Peter Filmer was resourceful. When a drought struck he became a wood turner crafting fine and saleable works, winning awards and having his best pieces displayed in Parliament House and Canberra’s embassies.

When his son was aged 8, in bed with appendicitis, Peter gave Geoff a flower to draw. Geoff replicated it with precision, revealing his artistic talent. He made a little pocket money himself, digging out rose hips, grafting them and selling them at markets.

Leaving school Geoff worked in several fields, including as a diesel mechanic and setting out instruments for seismic surveys for the Australian Geological Survey organisation.

Art resurfaced in his life when he began painting on legal art spaces throughout Canberra, perfecting his technique and turning people’s eyes. Jaws Automotive, Phillip, had a big wall that kept getting tagged, which he turned into a stunning piece featuring great white sharks. Auto Talk around the corner saw it and enlisted the talented painter. 

From there, an exceptional business was born. This has progressed to where Geoff now works alongside Peter Filmer, to whom he will always be grateful. “He taught me the fundamentals of being a creative business person,” says Geoff. “You can do what you want but you must ensure your customers feel like they are being nurtured on that creative journey. “