There are so many artists I admire on Instagram, and it seems like all of them are from Australia lately. Georgina Forbes of Lordie Dordie Art is one of them that I particularly enjoy. Her linework is immaculate yet with an organic human touch. Her colors are happy, bright and high chroma. Her illustrations can't help but make you smile inside and bring forth a happier mood. This interview is full of positivity, warmth, and great tidbits of realistic advice that will make you feel like you can do anything, no matter how little time you may have. Georgina, it was a pleasure to learn more about you and your creative process. Thank you so much for sharing and I look forward to you fulfilling some of those dreams, especially a solo show!
Tell us about yourself. How old are your children? Where can we find you?
Hello, I am Georgina Forbes and I’m a time poor but happy, Fine Artist and Illustrator. I live in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia with my husband and three children aged, 6, 5 and 3. Most of my earliest memories were of being creative in some way or another – drawing, collaging, painting, and I was encouraged from a young age (by my beautiful mother) to pursue my creative side. I could hold a pencil and draw before I could read a book! I always knew Art would somehow define me and be part of my life and career; hence it’s a huge part of who I am and what I am driven to do.
I am in the process of working on my website so run most of work through my Instagram account. Website and Social Media Links:
- Website: www.lordydordie.com
- Instagram: @ lordy_dordie_art
- Society6: https://society6.com/lordydordie
How has your approach to painting, your processes, medium, or your inspiration changed since having children?
At this point in my life, I am choosing mediums which are easy to use and fast drying. Being a stay at-home-mum, I guess I don’t have a working routine as such, I just grab time when I can. I would love to spend more time in my studio, but at this is point in my life, I want to be there for my children when they need me and therefore I am happy for every second/minute/hour I get to be in my art studio creating. In many ways my art has changed after having children, I’d say mostly for the better. My work is more colourful, detailed, quirky and fun. What does that say about my life! I’m so much more fulfilled as a mother.
When I do get some downtime and a quiet house, I love to draw illustrations with fine art pens and paint small illustrations. I happen to favour gouache at this particular point in time, as gouache works so well for me because of its fast-drying properties, higher colour pigment and its watercolour like opaque properties. I like to explore subjects from still life through to the absurdly abstract. The painting series I am currently working on has evolved out of an interest in the art element of line. The series of artworks are made up of fine line mark making incorporating vibrant colour in layers. Colour also plays a massive role in my art; it definitely drives the initial composition in most of my artworks.
Is it easy or difficult for you to find/make time to create? Did you have to give anything up? Do you have advice on what works for you?
I grab time when I can, although being a self confessed night owl, my creative brain works best and most efficiently at night time. I have learnt to quickly switch off my mummy mind (although it’s never ever completely switched off!), and switch over to my creative mind in an instant. Although when I have the urge to create, I just have to find the time, as it keeps me sane and I can paint out my frustrations.
Thankfully I have a wonderful supportive husband who frequently takes over “cactus hour” when needed and I can shut the door to my studio and work uninterrupted for hours. I find my studio time to be very meditative and I often loose track of time, as I’m so immersed in the artwork.
How does being an artist make you a better mother to your children? What do you hope they take away from seeing you as an artist doing something that fulfills you?
I believe mothers have an invaluable amount to contribute to creative society. It’s all about balance. Knowing that my path in life is to be both a mother and an artist allows me to maintain a certain balance between the two roles. Being able to do both is a real privilege!
I try to remain inspired, committed and determined to grow as both an artist and a mother. Although some days it is more of a struggle to find time and I have keep reminding myself of this. You can’t always realise your dreams in an instant. Sometimes they take a little time and I constantly remind my children of this too. Patience! I hope by incorporating art into our everyday family life, it shows my children that if you work hard and you have a passion for what you do, then you can achieve your goals and fulfil your dreams.
Where do you paint or create? What are your favourite things about your workspace and what would you improve? Do you ever create art with your kids?
I am lucky enough to have a beautiful light filled studio, airy at my home, where I can lock myself away and it’s just my space. I love that I have all my inspiration around me. I have covered the walls in artwork, fabric and imagery and the studio is overflowing with my art supplies that I can leave out and they aren’t touched or squeezed by little fingers! My children know that it’s “invite only” into my art studio, but I do often “invite” them with me for a little while when I’m working. It’s a real treat for them! I have found setting boundaries around my art studio space to be crucial, as it teaches respect for your work and lets everyone know what to expect.
We are always creating in our house, hence my house is never tidy and our kitchen table is caked in glitter! I find when the children are making art, they think creatively and open their minds to new ideas and ways of thinking. They are also very calm and can express feelings easily, with or without words. Art fits seamlessly into our lifestyle and I always make art and crafts supplies available and accessible to them to use whenever they please.
Do you have any tips to streamline / delegate / outsource household and childcare activities so that you can focus more time on your art? Has your lifestyle changed in any major ways?
I try not to put too much pressure on myself, so do what I can when I have the time. If I feel myself getting exhausted or run down, I take a rest from the studio. Although, I do have a few time saving tips up my sleeve.... Making one pot dinners (less washing up!), get a babysitter in once in a while, keep an art journal handy to jot down those creative midnight ideas, leave artwork out ready to pick up where you left off and keep your workspace studio tidy and free from clutter. It’s all a big balancing act and but I find I just have to be flexible and (somewhat) organised!
Do you have any big goals or dreams for your art that you’d like to share? What would be your dream project?
So many hopes, ideas and dreams that I couldn’t list them all here! I secretly would love to have a solo exhibition and building my online presence is at the top of my to do list. I’d also love to do more creative collaborations as I have really enjoyed all the projects have I worked on so far. SO many exciting ideas in my mind, I guess that’s part of the excitement of being an artist – we get to create and live our dreams.
