Meet the Artist: 5 Minutes with Georgie Wilson

When did you decide to take the leap and become an artist?
I was on mat leave with my second baby and I had time to think about what I’d really like to do. I really wasn’t loving my current job and was dreading going back! I’d painted before as part of my design work, but I really wanted to see if I could make a go of it and it seemed the perfect time to try. And the rest is history! Now I love what I’m doing every single day.
Can you tell us about your process?
My design background sort of dictated that I create my concepts digitally, so I find myself ‘collecting’ tons of textures, colours, inspo and foliage shots. My phone is jam-packed with screen grabs and photos. The evolution of my digital concepts is where all my creative play happens and I love it. Then I refine and refine, and then I paint! A lot more happens during the painting process that is random but my concepts are pretty tight. What I create then is very close to what the finished piece will look like. 

What's your favourite painting you've created?
My favourite painting is Senkoo Lady Luck. It’s the only one I’ve kept and I think I like it because it is simple but super balanced. I love that I was able to incorporate type within it (part of the work ‘Senkoo’ which is how my daughter used to pronounce "thank you") and I’m a little crazy superstitious so anything with a clover has got to be a winner for me. :)

Can you tell us about the pieces you're exhibiting?
I wanted to paint works that were light and gentle but could add pops of colour to a home. I loved this palate so even though the three are different, they work well altogether. I’d been hankering to paint some bamboo somewhere. My partner is Chinese and I love bamboo and what it represents in Chinese and Japanese cultures. Bamboo is flexible, bending with the wind but never breaking, capable of adapting to any circumstance. It suggests resilience, meaning that we have the ability to bounce back even from the most difficult times. This painting (Oriental Girl) came together really quickly. It got a really nice vibe I think!
What are some things you're loving at the moment? 
I’m addicted to Mary Portas - ‘Work like a Woman' podcasts! It’s all inspiring entrepreneurs. I’m very lucky to have great friends who are also very talented and we all help each other out to achieve more or be there when things aren’t going to plan. Greenhouse Interiors is certainly an example of a collaborative, supportive and flexible work environment that bends over backward to encourage and support, and it’s a great example of how this modern mindset is the way to go!
What's your advice for younger artists?
If you want to try your hand at a creative career - go for it. And the key (in my opinion) is momentum. Don’t stop if something doesn’t ‘work’. It’ll help with the next thing, or maybe it won’t. Just keep doing! Mistakes are part of the growth. My biggest bit of advice is don’t think something has to be perfect before you can move on or show someone. Get it out there and get on with your next thing!