The art and artists who inspire me

I spent many years travelling to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities as part of my paid employment. I learned how to be quiet, to be present and still and I learned to listen. Mr Roughsey, of Mornington Island, created this painting of wildfire using the edge of a eucalypt leaf - every single stroke. Up close it is mind blowing to see the individual marks.

I visited Lockhart River about a year after the tragic plane crash that claimed the lives of so many travelling from Seisia / Bamaga. After our official business, I wandered over to the Arts Centre and Mr Platt was still working on this one. The paint was wet and I had to wait several weeks for it to be shipped home to me.

Hermione is a commission from Melbourne based artist Sophie McKinnon. Her sheep are beyond gorgeous, and Hermione's gaze seems to follow me around the studio where she proudly hangs out with the other textiles.

A favourite is Cunningham's Gap, which we view from back entertainment area. This liquid graphite work was created by my sister, Sue George and hangs in our entry.

Lisa Call's stitched art works are exquisite. I met Lisa i Philadelphia in 2012 and we've been in touch ever since. Lisa is a life coach and created the Make Big Art community (full disclosure, I'm a member). These three pieces are visible from every aspect of the studio and hang on the opposite wall. Simply stunning.

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Making progress Trees #2

Repurposing quilts

I made a king sized quilt many decades ago for a friend and after many winters she returned it because of wear and tear. Instead of faithful service, stories and history, she saw something that no longer held value. There were tears and wear points, and the only other option if I couldn't repair it, was to throw it away. I suggested she give it back and I'd turn it into bags. Fifteen so far, and that used one of the side panels. Two side panels and the top of the quilt to go. I'll try to find some other ways of giving the quilt a second or third life, ever so glad it stayed out of landfill.

Planning an artist's life - exhibition time!

Another catchup with Rebecca and some serious planning for our end of 2024 exhibition. apart from creating gallery worthy pieces, we need to consider the exhibition space, and how we can use it to its best advantage. We have been considering our general theme, the things that unite us in style, size, colour, scale and shape, and what will bring the exhibition gravitas, what will our "wow factor" be? We're also considering related activities, workshops, artist talks, the "shop", how we best involve visitors and give them the best experience we can. Hard work, that we both enjoy in the planning stage, as much as the independent making phase. I can't wait to move into the new house and get the indoor studio established - then the work and magic will really begin.

Ali George Artist

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