Creative Rituals

For the final episode of season 3, today I’m sharing a conversation with Suzy Glaskie, health coach and founder of Peppermint Wellness. Suzy helps burn-out perfectionists reclaim their health, energy and emotional resilience - something I was in desperate need of in August 2024. Suzy coached me for the second half of last year, and in this conversation we discuss how I reached burnout in my own practice as an illustrator, and the work we did together to find a way out of that, towards a more balanced, happy and infinitely more creative life.If you’ve reached a point of creative burnout I hope some of the things we discussed in today’s episode were helpful for you. Thank you and I hope you’ve enjoyed listening to this season of Creative Rituals! 🩷 Find Suzy hereFind Georgie hereLinksThe Change Cycle Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week’s interview is with Bella Bowker. Bella is an artist and founder of her successful business Sew Bella, creating beautiful and unique personalised items using embroidery techniques. Bella first learnt to embroider whilst on crutches following an accident at university, and over the last five years her business has flourished, going on to work with some huge names including Jo Malone and Selfridges. Bella recently moved to Copenhagen, and we caught up to discuss what it’s like running her business from abroad, what she embroidered for her own wedding, and some of the crazy projects we’ve both worked on over the years.Find Bella hereFind Georgie hereLinks:CopenHot - urban garden of hot tubs, saunas and cold plunge tubs in CopenhagenSalad Days MarketTomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week we talk to artist and illustrator Emmy Porter, otherwise known as Emmy Oranges. As well as her work as an illustrator, Emmy also recently set up her business Art Ease, which seeks to provide workshops and artistic opportunities to her local area. Emmy is a shining light in her town of Southport, spreading colour and joy through her drawings and sunny disposition everywhere she goes. In this conversation we cover the role community plays in Emmy’s work, her brilliant shared studio space, how she took the leap from nursing to freelance life and the vulnerabilities that caused her to leave art school twice. Find Emmy hereFind Georgie hereThe Engine RoomArt Ease CICRachael DeanUncannyZOE Science & NutritionFeel Better Live More with Dr Rangan ChatterjeeHot Milk by Deborah LevyMake Change That Lasts by Dr Rangan Chatterjee Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week we sit down with the artist and painter Sophie Castle. Sophie lives and works as an artist in Falmouth, which she also balances with an interior design job in London. She told me about how she juggles her time between the two, her studio habits, living as an artist by the sea, how to get past feeling vulnerable sharing your work online and why it’s always better to be weirdest and most true self. Find Sophie hereFind Georgie hereLinks:Robi WaltersNettle GrellierChloe WiseAnna WeyantNatalia Gonzales Martin The Chintz Bar and Underland, FalmouthAll Fours by Miranda JulyMorgans gallery, Falmouth  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

My guest this week is friend of Creative Rituals, children’s illustrator Rachael Dean, who illustrates the books for none other than Dame Jacqueline Wilson. I’d been inspired to reach out to Rachael again after resonating with a lot of the subjects she’d been sharing online recently. In this episode we discuss the things that can sometimes be a little tricky about working as an illustrator, how we both tackle difficult deadlines, making space for other areas of creativity in our lives, and reclaiming our voices via Substack. Find Rachael here and her Substack, The Art of Being Real hereFind Georgie here and her Substack, Creative Rituals hereTwelve Moons: A Year Under a Shared Sky by Caro Giles Sleepovers by Jacqueline WilsonThe Seaside Sleepover by Jacqueline WilsonWhistle Down Farm series by Nicola BakerOne Home by Hiba Noor KhanThink Again by Jacqueline WilsonThe Wolves of Willoughby Chase by Joan Aiken Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

My guest this week is the bestselling author Veronica Henry. I’ve been a reader of Veronica’s books for many years, and couldn’t believe it when I discovered she lives just round the corner from me, in Devon! We met for the first time last year at The Appledore Book Festival, where Veronica was giving a talk on one of her novels, The Secret Beach. I was lucky enough to visit Veronica in the beautiful pink living room of her lovely home overlooking the sea for this conversation, and she told me all about her process as a writer and how it is that she’s come to write a whopping 24 books. We discuss her approach to plotting, sources of inspiration, her love of interiors and clothes and how living by the sea informs her work. Find Veronica on Instagram hereFind Georgie hereVeronica’s new novel One Night at the Chateau is out now, order your copy hereAppledore Book FestivalThe Secret Beach by Veronica HenryThe Seven Basic Plots by Christopher Booker Lisa Jewell Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

My guest this week is the Brooklyn based interior designer and author Emma Beryl Kemper. Emma’s style is the perfect marriage between comfort and luxury, and her first book, House Rules: 100 Ways to Feel at Home was just published this January. The book, a handy pocket sized guide for anyone looking for ways to elevate their home, was actually illustrated by me! I had the pleasure of creating the artwork for the cover and 100 rules that fill the book’s inside pages. After a year of talking through our editor via email, in this episode Emma and I actually meet for the first time to talk about the book, as well as her work as a designer and what makes her happy at home. Find Emma hereFind Georgie hereHouse Rules: 100 Ways to Feel at Home by Emma KemperDavid Bowie on the creative process Le Labo Laurier 62 Classic CandleThe Nix by Nathan HillLibrary in Mexico City by appointment only - Tlacuilo Biblioteca Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week we sit down with London based artist and illustrator Natalie Newsome. Natalie’s work seeks to capture the potency of memories. Through her use of colour and mark-making, she hopes to transport the viewer to a particular moment in time - somewhere familiar or nostalgic. She works across mediums, often using watercolour, pastel and acrylic to create expressive pieces filled with movement. Nat talked to us from her beautiful, airy workspace in East London, and we discussed all things wedding stationery, the struggles and joys of working as a freelancer, the distinction between artist and illustrator and how she’s continuing her grandma’s legacy. Find Natalie’s artist page here and her illustrations hereFind Georgie hereDenise Henry James TurrellYorkshire Sculpture ParkDeer Shelter Skyspace by James TurrellSymposium Tom Lake by Ann Patchett Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Todays’ episode is more catch up than interview - we’re talking to previous podcast guest Elle Jackson. After a turbulent summer, Elle and I navigate the ups and downs of artistic life, tarot card readings, art making as therapy + intuitive healing, plus lots on Elle’s duo show Alchemy at Yorkton Workshops.Find Elle’s work hereFind Georgie hereZack Bush Charleston TrustWilding by Isabella TreeThis Book is a Plant by the Welcome CollectionPeter BuggenhoutCoombeshead Farm Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome back to season 3 of Creative Rituals! My first guest to kick off season 3 is the bespoke engagement ring designer Sophie Whitelaw. After training as a gemologist in Antwerp, Sophie is now the founder of her successful business Whitelaw Gold, creating beautifully unique, personal pieces that celebrate the style and personality of the people who wear them. Having just got engaged myself it was the perfect time for this chat, and we dive into all things proposal related, mood boards, the magic and creativity involved in Sophie’s job, and her favourite daily ritual as a creative working in London.Find Sophie on Instagram here and her website hereFind Georgie hereLinks:Miranda Does Brands90s AnxietyHatton GardenThe Flying HorseWe Live in Time Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 hereFind Georgie hereLinksSoul 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 hereFind Georgie hereLinks: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 websiteFind Georgie hereLinks: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 hereFind Georgie hereLinks: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 hereFind Georgie hereLinksDavid 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 hereFind Georgie hereLinks:Studio KIND. The Bear Hung out to dry - photographic series by George RaynerJohn Gossage: The PondThe Death of Grass by John ChristopherThe 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 hereFind Georgie hereLinks:Just DahliasNational Dahlia CollectionGardeners’ WorldStrawberry 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 hereFind more of Sydney’s work hereFind Georgie hereLinks 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 hereFind Georgie hereLinksDennis Severs’ House Save Venice The Gallery at Green & Stone And Objects Caran d'Ache Neocolor II Wax Pastels Elephant FamilyGrit: Why Passion and Resilience are the Secrets to Success by Angela Duckworth Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.