Creative Rituals

Flipping the script for the final ep of season 2! My lovely friend and mentor Sadie Pickering from Soul Beauty Rituals kindly suggested interviewing me about my practice this week. We cover a lot in today’s episode, from my illustration journey and studio rituals to the seasons, cyclical living, visibility, the link between clothing and artistic expression and my upcoming solo show HERMIT. Find Sadie on Instagram here Find Georgie here Links Soul Beauty RitualsEveryday I Look at the World from My Window by Georgie StewartRachael DeanJulia and Axel: Thirty Years of Favourite Stories - exhibition at The LowryChocolat by Joanne HarrisPeriod Power by Maisie HillHERMIT - upcoming solo exhibition by Georgie StewartThe Gallery at Green & StoneWith Passion & PurposeDesert Island DiscsDishOff Air with Jane and FiSmall Things Like These by Claire KeeganFoster by Claire Keegan Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today’s interview is with children’s author and illustrator Helen Stephens. Helen is best known for her incredibly popular series of picture books How to Hide a Lion, which has also been adapted for the stage. As well as writing and illustrating countless other children’s books, Helen is a cofounder of The Goodship Illustration, an online art school that helps illustrators navigate their creative career. In today’s conversation, Helen shares a lot of helpful insights into the world of children’s books, as we discuss literary vs illustration agents, the financial practicalities of working as a children’s illustrator, and the rituals she has in place when creating a new picture book, which includes a magic dressing gown… Find Helen on Instagram here Find Georgie here Links: Cambridge School of Art Children’s Book Illustration Summer SchoolHow to Hide a Lion by Helen StephensGerry TurleyThe Good Ship Illustration Smelly Peggy by Helen StephensFleabag by Helen StephensQuentin Blake: Fifty Years of Illustration, Somerset House 2004The Science MuseumWhen Martha’s Away by Bruce IngmanCaran D’Ache Luminance Pencils The Royle Family - BBC sitcomAlan BennettTania WillisKatie ChappellAssociation of IllutratrorsShuggie Bain by Douglas StuartThe Glasgow School of ArtDemon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mark Haworth-Booth joins me on Creative Rituals this week. Mark is a poet, writer, photographer and was the Senior Curator of Photographs at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, where he played a major role in building up the museum’s collection of photography. We met by chance at a creative writing workshop Mark ran at the Appledore Book Festival here in Devon, and he kindly agreed to join me for a conversation about his writing routine, what is was like working and living with David Hockney in Los Angeles, and his 30 years as a curator at the V&A. To find out more about Mark’s work, visit his website Find Georgie here Links: Helen ChadwickThis is the Place To Be by Lara PawsonIan Hamilton FinlayEggs - photographic series by Tessa TraegerMarkéta LuskačováMarina WarnerEast Sussex Coast by Bill Brandt (1957)Ansel AdamsPaul StrandRobert FrankHenri Cartier-BressonLamb Bank Arvon Centre, West YorkshirePilgrims: Photographs by Markéta LuskačováRoger MayneWind by Ted HughesFrom Today, Painting Is Dead (V&A 1972)'River Scene, France' by Camille SilvyCamille Silvy: Photographer of Modern Life Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week I talk to artist and illustrator Tatiana Alida. Known for her signature carefree, colourful style of illustration adorned with uplifting quotes, Tatiana has collaborated with some huge names including Victoria Beckham, Warehouse, Hermes, and Rose Inc, the beauty brand of Rosie Huntington Whitely. She told me about her love of interiors, moving her studio to the countryside, the rituals she has in place around her work and who she’d love to collaborate with next… To shop Tatiana’s range of homeware, stationary and prints, visit her website Find Tatiana on Instagram here Find Georgie here Links: Hermione GibbsBattersea Business Centre The Biscuit Factory World of InteriorsThe Wallace CollectionThe Swing by Jean-Honoré Fragonard Inspiring Walt Disney: The Animation of French Decorative ArtsSalad Days MarketWild By TartThe Magic by Rhonda Byrne Flora Yukhnovich Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week I’m joined by artist and curator Laura Porter. Laura works primarily as a sculptor, using discarded clothing as her material of choice to make structural pieces that focus on sustainability. In 2020, Laura set up the artist led space Studio KIND. here in North Devon, which is where we met. We caught up to talk about how she juggles all the elements of her practice and the various hats she wears, her studio habits and the challenges of setting up a business in the midst of a pandemic. Find Laura’s work here Find Georgie here Links: Thames-side Studios, WoolwichArt Hub StudiosStudio KIND.Sharon GaleGeorge RaynerAdam Garratt Lee Mok Yee Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

My guest this week is the Irish artist and painter Kevin McSherry. Kevin and I met for the first time on the Greek island of Skopelos a couple of years ago during an artist residency. We caught up for an in depth chat about artist residencies, illustration vs fine art, how teaching art informs Kevin’s own work, and we even ended up agreeing to start a 30 day sketchbook challenge together. Find Kevin’s work here Find Georgie here Links David Hockney: The Arrival of Spring, Normandy, 2020Cill Rialaig Artist Residency, County KerryThe Skopelos Foundation for the ArtsGolden acrylic paints Mary SwanzyRubicon by Tom Holland Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Photographer and artist George Rayner invites me inside his cosy studio and dark room here in Devon. Known for his monochromatic portraits that are rich with brooding atmosphere, George lists mist and woodlands as his favourite subjects to capture. We talk about the magic and ritual behind the process of the dark room, the role nostalgia plays in his work, how growing up in the stunning backdrop of the North Devon landscape has influenced his practice and what’s inspiring him right now. Find George on Instagram here Find Georgie here Links: Studio KIND. The Bear Hung out to dry - photographic series by George Rayner John Gossage: The Pond The Death of Grass by John Christopher The Grampus Inn Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week I sit down with flower farmer Philippa Stewart of Just Dahlias, who also happens to be my auntie! Just Dahlias is a flower farm based in rural Cheshire, growing over 170 different varieties of dahlia. Philippa’s enthusiasm for her craft is infectious, and she explains how she turned her personal dahlia obsession into a thriving business, selling fresh and naturally dried stems in delectable shades. We discuss the magic of colour, cyclical living, finding your creative niche and what it was like appearing on Gardeners’ World. Find Just Dahlias on Instagram here Find Georgie here Links: Just Dahlias National Dahlia Collection Gardeners’ World Strawberry Hill House Éva Németh Flowers From the Farm Dahlia Breeding for the Farmer/Florist and the Home Gardener by Kristine Albrecht Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week I’m joined by Sydney Smith, Canadian author and illustrator of children’s books. Sydney has won many awards for his thoughtful and evocatively illustrated picture books that speak to the complex emotions of what it feels like to move through the world as a child. We sat down to talk about the complicated nature of childhood memories, finding inspiration in films and their colour palettes, plus a peak inside his sketchbook, pencil case and studio. Buy Sydney’s most recent book, Do You Remember here Find more of Sydney’s work here Find Georgie here Links Sidewalk Flowers by Jonarno Lawson and Sydney SmithRobert Frank: The Americans Lee Friedlander Fairfield PorterBen ShaunHitchcock/Truffaut by François Truffaut The Nutshell Library by Maurice SendakWhat to Look for in Winter by E. L. Grant WatsonThe Moon Jumpers by Janice May Udry and Maurice SendakThe 400 Blows - a film by François Truffaut Bunny and Tree by Balint Zsako Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We’re back! Creative Rituals returns for a second season, and to kick this one off I’m joined by Sasha Compton. Sasha is a British Artist and Designer who explores the natural world through her beautiful handmade creations, all of which are crafted by Sasha in her London studio. Known for her bold, joyful use of colour and fondness for an uplifting quote, Sasha’s work seeks to romanticise the everyday. Her artworks often draw references from the classical world, such as motifs from Greek mythology and architectural details. We sat down to discuss studio life, moodboards, the financial realities of working as an artist in London, our mixed feelings on running workshops and what it was like living as a creative in Amsterdam. Find Sasha’s work here Find Georgie here Links Dennis Severs’ HouseSave VeniceThe Gallery at Green & StoneAnd ObjectsCaran d'Ache Neocolor II Wax PastelsElephant FamilyGrit: Why Passion and Resilience are the Secrets to Success by Angela Duckworth Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For the final episode of Season 1, I’m joined by Rachael Dean - illustrator for none other than Dame Jacqueline Wilson’s books. Rachael tells me about this incredibly exciting chapter in her illustrative career, the rituals and routines she has in place around her practice, and her day-to-day life as a creative working in the children’s book industry. Find Rachael’s work here Find Georgie here Links Association of IllustratorsPickled Ink Coolors.com Weekly Planner by Papier Mark Conlan Julia SardaAdelina Lirius Oliver Jeffers The Queen and The Cave by Julia SardaSome Kind of Happiness by Claire Legrand Wild Wood by Colin Meloy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week I sit down with Sophie Wild - conscious birth and pregnancy coach, yoga teacher and holder of restorative women’s circles. She talks me through her morning and evening rituals, the power of natural cycle tracking, and how approaching our busy lives with the curious, playful energy of a child can help to boost our creativity. Find Sophie’s work here Find Georgie here Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Musician and graphic designer Charlie Straw joins me this week to discuss the multidisciplinary nature of his career as a creative. He tells me about his creative process for songwriting, the realities of working in the music industry and his love of compelling, narrative driven art. We also talk about his recent dream job rebranding a chocolate company, Glastonbury, clothing as a visual tool, and what Bowie would think of the current artistic landscape. Find Charlie’s music here And his design work here Find Georgie here Links Bowie predicts the impact of the internet to a bemused Jeremy PaxmanFaith, Hope and Carnage by Nick Cave and Seán O’HaganWater Log by Roger DeakinCleopatra and Frankenstein by Coco Mellors Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Artist Manon Steyaert invites me into her Bermondsey studio to tell me about her recent solo show at the most talked about space on the London art scene, Blue Shop Gallery. We discuss studio life, What Artists Wear, procrastination and how technology both benefits the artist and blocks them from creative work. Find Manon’s work here And her cooking here Find Georgie here Links Blueshop CottageWhat Artists Wear by Charlie Porter Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Author Leonie Swann joins me this week to talk me through her creative process and daily habits as a writer. I illustrated the cover for her most recent book, The Sunset Years of Agnes Sharp, and although we follow each other’s work online this is our first time chatting together. We had a roaming conversation about her unusual technique for developing the plot of crime novels, the importance of book cover art, the ins and outs of the industry and how to actually go about getting your first book published. Buy Leonie’s latest book The Sunset Years of Agnes Sharp here Follow Leonie here Find Georgie here Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Karen Staniland-Platt joins me this week to discuss all things creativity and visibility. Karen is a photographer, writer and the founder of her business, With Passion and Purpose. She talks to me about the importance of shining a light on the work of other women in the creative field, the dangers of editing and the filtered world we live in, the enduring power of the artist against AI robots and how she stays inspired within her work. Find Karen’s work here Find Georgie here Links Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert The Red of My Blood by Clover Stroud This is Not a Pity Memoir by Abi Morgan DJ Flourish Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I’m joined by a very special guest this week - Sadie Pickering, founder of Soul Beauty Rituals: a practice that centres around the cyclical energies. We delve into the power of manifestation and visualising your dreams into existence, the difference between ritual and routine, and how productivity can be a double edged sword when it comes to creativity. Find Soul Beauty Rituals here And Sadie’s music here Find Georgie here Links Back to the Garden Childcare ‘Eat that Frog! 21 Ways to Stop Procrastinating and Get More Done in Less Time’ by Brian Tracy Breatheolution Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week I’m joined by artist and painter Elle Jackson. Elle talks me through the rituals she has in place her artistic process that include music and ambient sounds, dance and somatic movement. We discuss the pros and cons of having a part time job as an artist, and leaving the studio to work outside on Hampstead Heath. Find Elle’s work here Find Georgie here Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week’s guest is Xanthe Gladstone: chef, organic vegetable grower and Instagram sensation. She talks to me about swapping city life for the Welsh countryside, and the creative rituals she has in place around food and the home. Find Xanthe’s recipes here And follow her here Find Georgie here Links Ballymaloe Cookery SchoolOrganic Reishi Tincture from Bristol FungariumSuperYou - Natural Stress Relief Supplement from Moon Juice Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to the Creative Rituals podcast! For our first episode, I’m joined by artist and plein air painter Deborah Last. In 2022, Deborah undertook the ambitious project ‘Painting the Year’ - 365 paintings, one from each day of the year, all created outside. In this episode Deborah talks about the challenges and joys she found within this project, and how it has shaped her as an artist. We take a deep dive into studio life and the daily habits she has in place to strengthen her artistic practice. Find Deborah’s work here Find Georgie here Links Jackson’s Onyx brush Daniel Smith water soluble oil colours Seawhite watercolour paperTwo Rivers paperSociety of All ArtistsWhopper brush!Anilinky paints Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.