Mixed Media
Georgina Downs
Georgina is a Tasmanian collage artist that fuses her 25 years music teaching experience into her art. Her passion for the intricacy of music composition is translated into a vibrant visual language
Artist Profile
Georgina is a Tasmanian collage artist that fuses her 25 years music teaching experience into her art. Her passion for the intricacy of music composition is translated into a vibrant visual language. Having studied counterpoint and harmony for many years she always used collage to further her understanding of musical concepts but it is only in the past few years that her daily art making has begun when she moved her practice to her studio in Collingwood, Melbourne.
Music is a written language that works horizontally and vertically, usually with repeated motifs and rhythm. The overall piece will have a united form. The endless possibilities of pattern and form that music contains gives endless inspiration to work with. Translating that into a visual form gives the artist continuous joy.
Artist Interview
What medium do you work with, and why have you chosen them?
Taking an art class 30 years ago I saw a Robert Motherwell collage which contained music manuscript. I was immediately struck with possibilities the medium could offer in exploring music. From there I began to make collage consistently. I rarely use a blade, preferring the freedom of large scissors which give me the ability to leave rough cut marks on the paper.
How does your artwork get from initial concept to exhibition stage?
I work in the abstract expressionist vein, there is no concept at the beginning. My studio is filled with paper, in boxes and all over the large work bench. I begin by finding an interesting shape, I may even pick it up off the floor, I then move the paper around continuously. Sometimes I tip the whole combination off the board of paper and start again. I finished work will always contain pre-cut shapes from the desk or floor with fresh cuttings I intuitively make to fit. There will be many collages around the studio in a raw state on various benches. When I am happy with the finished piece I then glue them down with rice paper glue. I don’t have a rubbish bin in my studio, just a tiny plastic container which would contain only the smallest scraps of unusable paper. All the paper shapes have potential to be used. I often work on vintage book covers because I love bringing old paper back to life in a new way. Creating a collage is all play. I play until I am happy, until it feels balanced, like a song. My visual language of shapes is constantly evolving and is sometimes inspired by the music ‘Threnody for the victims of Hiroshima’ by Penderecki who created a new musical notation language for this famous work.
Can you tell us a little more about your creative working environment/studio?
I view the ability to work from my studio as a great privilege. To be able to leave the paper cuttings and various papers in view inspires the creative process. It’s also wonderful to be around and make friendships with the other artists working there as we pool knowledge and experience.
Career Highlights
- First group show exhibition
