When I think of Georgie Daphne’s work I cannot help but smile. Her designs are full of bright bold colour and hand painted botanicals that are beautiful and fun.
Originally from Western Australia, Georgie made a move to Melbourne 18 years ago to study textile design at RMIT (fun fact – I studied with Georgie at the time), and honed her skills as a designer working for a range of well known Australian retailers for over 10 years.
Taking her skills to the next level, Georgie decided to recently make the leap and develop her distinctive watercolour botanical illustrations into her own range of round cushions and open edition art prints.
Literally painting and designing the ‘Sundown’ collection as her 2 year old son was asleep (which aptly inspired it’s name), Georgie has created an expressive, energetic and colourful collection of art and homewares that are sure to uplift any interior.
Read on below for my interview with Georgie as we discuss her inspirations, passions and aspirations. And make sure you check out her website and Instagram to follow her creative journey and get a sneak peek of some upcoming new art.
Tell us a little bit about yourself and what led you to becoming an artist?
I always knew I wanted to do something creative when I was a kid and for many years could never work out exactly what. I came to Melbourne from WA 18 years ago to study textile design and have definitely settled here now! Once I discovered textile design I was in love with it. Being a textile designer can be a super creative and fun job. Fast forward to 2016, we had our son and I began to paint during nap times. I feel like this is when I actually could call myself an artist. But I still find it very weird to call myself that!!
How would you describe your work?
Botanical and colourful. Detailed and spontaneous depending on my mood!
Can you give us some insight into your process?
I like to spend a fair chunk of time coming up with colour combinations first. Then I find beautiful botanical imagery to paint from. Some of this has been photos from my Mums unusual garden in WA or photos from my travels. I then paint lots of rough paintings in my journal until I find an idea that I like. Then I try to replicate this on a larger scale in more detail. But it usually totally changes by the time I’ve finished it, so it never looks like what I intended it to. The beauty of creating, it’s always mysterious and surprising!
What inspires your artworks?
Definitely nature! I’m always observing different textures, colours and patterns on plants when I’m out.
What are 3 of your favourite resources which you look to for inspiration?
1. www.panteek.com This is an incredible resource of vintage painted botanicals.
2. My books. Here are 3 books I’m currently looking at –
O’Keeffe Preston Cossington Smith Making Modernism by Heidi museum of Modern Art
It’s beautiful here by Megan Morton
Flora Inside The Secret World of Plants by The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
3. www.vogue.com.au I love looking at fashion for colour ideas.
Tell us about some of the people who inspire you and why?
Justina Blakeney – Such an incredible woman who’s so down to earth and encouraging of other women chasing their dreams.
Fleur Woods – I love how she’s found her unique style and techniques and I just think she is really nailing it.
If you could create an artwork for anyone in the world, who would it be?
I’m kinda nervous to say this but Lucy Feagins!
What would your dream project be?
A collab with Gorman.
What is favourite place in Melbourne?
The Piranha gardens up in the Dandenongs. The autumn leaves are stunning!
All images provided by Georgie Daphne
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