A TALENTED Gourock artist has revealed how a conversation about volunteering helped secure her first solo exhibition - and landed her a part-time job into the bargain. 

Margaret Diamond is displaying her work, which includes motorised steak bakes and a self-stirring cup of coffee, at The Wyllieum until the end of October. 

Margaret's work was exhibited as part of an open exhibition at Beacon Arts Centre two years ago, but she has never had a show dedicated to her own work. 

She said seeing her work gathered in the Greenock museum is a 'very proud moment'. 

Margaret, 62, said: "At my stage of life, I can now say that I'm an exhibiting contemporary artist.

"I've done a lot of things in my life but now my creative side is properly getting the chance to come out.

"I'm really happy to be back in my niche."

(Image: George Munro) Margaret initially got in touch with The Wyllieum's general manager Willie Sutherland to find out about volunteering. 

She said: "I've been part of Inverclyde Shed for years, and I found out about The Wyllieum through them. 

"He loved my work and said he wanted to host an exhibition - and offered me a part-time job as deputy manager as well. 

"It all happened so quickly. It's fantastic."

(Image: George Munro) Some of Margaret's works include Formula Driven, three hollowed out and varnished Greggs steak bakes which move on motors, and Quietly Suffering, a collection of pins which jump around driven by the grooves on a Mull of Kintyre record. 

Margaret's exhibition also features a delicate jacket, photographs taken through a letterbox, and Highly Strung, a collection of wires which can be called like a telephone. 

The team at Inverclyde Shed helped with some of the installations. 

Margaret got interested in art at school and did a foundation course in art and design at college in London. 

(Image: George Munro) She then went onto study art and design at university in Leeds and Derby, and moved to Gourock 15 years ago. 

Margaret has had a variety of jobs, including chef, catering manager, advertising executive, and self-employed dog walker, but says she now feels like she's where she's meant to be.

The artist said all of her works have a message. 

She revealed: "There has to be something extra to it, something quirky. 

"The steak bakes add an element of the absurd, and they get people talking. 

"It's great to be reconnecting with my creative side."

Margaret said she's thrilled with the reaction she's had from visitors so far. 

She said: "I've had very positive feedback from people and it's been really lovely. 

"There's a real sense of achievement in being an artist when you create something that you are happy with and that other people like. 

"It suppose it's like a comedian making people laugh."

Wyllieum general manager Willie Sutherland said: "I'm really delighted for Margaret.

"She first approached me about volunteering, and when she showed me her work online, I offered her a job straight away. 

"Her work deserves to be seen. 

"I wanted to capitalise on the Galoshans programming and increased footfall to give Margaret's work the exposure it deserves."

Margaret Diamond: A Retrospective runs in the upstairs gallery at The Wyllieum from 12-5pm.