LIFE has been far from smooth sailing for Mount Gambier man Owen Mills, but his passion for model boats has given him a national profile among like-minded enthusiasts.
Breaking his neck in an accident around five years ago, Mr Mills has battled to recapture his love of model boat making, which involves collecting and using recycling materials from across the Limestone Coast.
Mr Mills was just five years old when his parents presented him a model battleship, unaware it would spark a passion that would span decades.
The dream was almost stolen as a result of the accident, which changed Mr Mills’ life.
“I had to learn how to walk again and how to use my hands again so once I started moving I would get my walker and go up and down the corridors in the hospital.
“I just wanted to get out of there.”
After a long journey, Mr Mills is now able to continue his craft, creating model ships out of items he has found washed ashore.
“I can now make these models from my own memory,” Mr Mills said.
“I do not need a design or instructions, I can do it freely.”
Mainly crafting his ships out of driftwood, Mr Mills said he had used wine barrels among other items to make his boats.
“Things like shells and other bits and pieces that I find washed up ashore make for great decorations for the ships,” the craftsman said.
“I have learnt how to make the ropes with twine from previous work and it has become second nature really.
“Over the years from working as a fisherman I have learnt how to make sliding knots and how to make the netting on the model boats very tight.”
His skill has also been honed from years of store-bought model kits, including warships and planes.
“I would wander the stores and realised that each store had the same things,” he said.
“Then my son asked me to build something other than warships and planes.
“So I did.”
Mr Mills said his “feather touch” allowed him to add on finer details.
“I always try to challenge myself,” he said.
“Each boat I try to make more complicated than the last.
“I try to add on working gadgets and other things that can move, made from things I have found out in nature.”
Mr Mills vowed to continue perfecting his craft with more intricate and show-stopping creations.
