For Georgie Wilson painting is an escape from her graphic design business and working to client briefs. Based in Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula, Georgie says she’s doing her “very best to be a full time artist in between juggling freelance graphic design and a very busy little family. I’ve spent most of my working life as a designer with lots of painting commissions and illustration work thrown into the mix – I’m a Gemini and thrive on chaos! Funnily enough when I’m painting or designing or just thinking about new ideas, I’m probably at my most zen”.
Georgie’s paintings are beautiful abstract florals which are a departure from her earlier more photo realistic style. She challenges herself by deliberately defacing the perfection of her painted blooms with graffiti style slashes across her works.
I caught up with Georgie last week for a chat about her art practice.
What is your background and are you a full time artist?
I’m doing my very best to be a full time artist in between juggling freelance graphic design and a very busy little family. I’ve spent most of my working life as a designer with lots of painting commissions and illustration work thrown into the mix – I’m a Gemini and thrive on chaos! Funnily enough when I’m painting or designing or just thinking about new ideas, I’m probably at my most zen.
Tell us about your creative process
I find myself keeping journals and making notes – I’ve got notes and little scraps of paper everywhere. I also love a bit of social media trawling -blogs – I love your logo btw (sigh!), insta, and pinterest is a complete rabbit hole for me: because I can store ideas in categories it gives my thoughts some sort of order. I tend to mock things up using my computer ‘cause that’s always been my creative process thanks to design. It also gives me a chance to really experiment, and come back later to look at things all a’fresh. I add things, delete things and rework until I’m happy. Then I paint!
How has your style evolved over time?
I think most creatives play around with styles while they try to find their thing. My latest work is probably influenced by my design background – I do love colour and shape and have really got a buzz out of experimenting with using aerosols. It’s been fun to just try new things. I’m about to start a new series that I’m super excited about – my poor family – I can feel them all take a deep breath! And Julia Green from Greenhouse Interiors (who represents me) has been such an amazing person helping me to get out there and see what works. Not everything does so it’s important to keep growing.
Who or what influences your work?
I’m trying not to be influenced by other artists but that’s super hard. I’m certainly inspired by a heap of other creatives and doers. I love lots of work that’s nothing like my own! But some favourite artists are Kirra Jamison, Steven Ormandy, Miranda Skoczek, Eugenia Loli, oh I could go on for hours…
I find inspiration through everyday life and times, my surroundings and social media goings on. Everyone used to work in such a bubble, but now there’s something new to drool over whenever you like. I love nature, graffiti, architecture and interiors, particularly mid century design. I dream of Scandinavian white interiors but can’t do them – colour just creeps in regardless.
Where to you create your art?
My studio is at home on the Mornington Peninsula. it’s a block from the beach and sits high in the treetops. I’m surrounded by moonahs which help calm my sometimes frantic mind (and life). I’ll paint them one day but I’m not sure how yet. At the moment I’m just admiring. I think one day I should probably work from somewhere else, so I leave the house. Perhaps a sea view would be nice!
What are the best and the hardest things about being an artist?
That’s easy – it’s being filled with ideas! And passion! And getting to create! And meeting a heap of other like-minded creatures. The hardest thing? Not knowing if other people will like anything you do, and learning to just keep going regardless!
Georgie Wilson sells her original paintings and stunningly reproduced limited edition art prints via Greenhouse Interiors. Check out what’s available for purchase here.
Connect with Georgie Wilson on Instagram @georgiewilsonartist