Lorna Dolby-Stevens dives into Georgie Harrison’s artistic journey to discover the inspirations behind her beautiful Cornish seascapes.

Can you tell us about the process of making your work and the materials that you use?

I use both a drone and a camera to capture the scenery around me. I like to reference all possible angles to get a real sense of the place I’m painting. I then go home and sketch the chosen scene on canvas textured paper and use acrylics to bring the image alive.

Was there a pivotal moment when you decided to follow your path as an artist?

I have a very creative, entrepreneurial family - both traits which have rubbed off on me. When I was younger I wanted to be an artist. So when it was time to go to university, I chose to study Fine Art. But while I arrived there as a traditional artist, something else soon took over.

I went in as a traditional Fine Artist, painting landscapes and animals. Anyone with a Fine Art background will know just how much they encourage you to explore the “weird and wonderful” – I was soon creating installations and carving sculptures whilst being inspired by environmental art. My mission was to overcome the human tendency to value our own personal experiences over the unforeseeable future. I wanted to disengage from facts and figures by making the data ‘vivid’ and real through my artwork; something tangible which we all could relate to. Having gone to university as a traditional painter I soon turned into what I felt was an activist artist!

In contrast, alongside university I was designing interior products and wall art for a factory in Fuzhou. I exhibited multiple times at the Canton Fair in Guangzhou. Sales were low and competition was high, so after university I decided to take a different route. I studied Entrepreneurship at Falmouth University and was involved in a tech start-up called Roamey, positioned in the travel industry. But then Covid-19 struck and Roamey was put on pause. This was my time to get the paints out again and I’ve been overwhelmed with the response - if sales carry on the way they are I may well become the artist I’ve always dreamed of becoming.

What inspirations from the natural world do you transfer to your pieces and how do you want people to feel when they look at your work?

I’ve always taken inspiration from the sea. I didn’t grow up by the seaside but I’ve always been fascinated by reflections on water and capturing the tranquility. I’ve only recently moved to Cornwall - I’m completely in my element. I find inspiration everywhere when I walk, cycle and kayak around the beautiful hidden gems that Cornwall has to offer. I want people to feel both energised and calm and both exhilarated and peaceful when they see my paintings. I want people to catch that famous “Cornish bug” we all talk about.

What is the best piece of advice that you have been given, and what would you say to someone who wants to pursue art as a career?

My best advice is to follow your heart. Do what you love. Do what makes you happy. Say yes to every opportunity and then figure out the ‘how’ later.

What brings you happiness every day?

Being able to paint brings me happiness every day.

What are your artistic plans for the future?

I have many top secret plans ready for the future - ones which I can’t discuss but I will be sure to keep you posted. Just make sure you are following me: @Gee_By_The_Sea on Instagram!!

I would like to thank Georgie on behalf of Bloom In Doom for her time and for offering some insight into her working practice. Her paintings showcase Cornwall’s natural beauty: of soaring cliffs and wildflowers; of turquoise sea and sun-kissed sand. They awake a nostalgia within everyone who has ever visited Cornwall and are just waiting for an opportunity to return.

Follow Georgie on Instagram