Local Artist Spotlight: Georgia Anson
Published on 18 October 2021
Frankston artist, Georgia Anson, is inspired to keep creating throughout the pandemic thanks to a Professional Development Grant from Frankston City Council.
A graduate of The Victorian College of the Arts, Ms Anson was attracted to living in Frankston by the proximity to the beach and nature.
“While living here I have been able to set up my own art studio at home and have met a few artists in the area. I believe that many artists flock here for a beachy lifestyle and to get away from the city. I love visiting the McClelland Sculpture Park, going walking in the quarry and visiting the Australian natives at Moonlit Sanctuary!”
The pandemic affected Ms Anson’s ability to do local craft markets, leading to isolation but also the ability to experiment and learn different techniques in jewellery and ceramics.
“Speaking to other artists in my situation really brought home that even if we do often work alone in our studios, we do need the support and camaraderie of other artists.
“This grant came to me at a really pivotal point in my career, like everyone else, I was feeling the isolation and uncertainty that the pandemic has brought on,” she said.
“To be recognised in this way has given me a positive boost to keep persevering in this work that I do not often get acknowledged for.”
As an emerging artist, Ms Anson works predominantly with handcrafted processes of ceramics, drawing, painting and jewellery.
She is excited to be mentored by professional creatives she admires and learn from their practices thanks to the grant.
“This is something that I have wanted to do for a long time! I am excited to experiment making some ceramic glazes and do some high temperature firing with Melbourne artist Madeleine Thornton-Smith.”
“I believe there is a big interest in Melbourne for learning to make ceramics and I hope to refine my ceramic skills and branch out into doing ceramics workshops.”
Frankston Council significantly expanded its Community and Business Grants program in 2020 to support up to 16 artists and creatives.
Designed to help artists and those working in creative industries to pursue their passion while delivering culturally important work to the community, they included Artist Project Grants of up to $4,000 and Professional Development Grants of up to $2,500.
This was a result of the $6.434 million Relief and Recovery Package, which the council created to help Frankston City recover from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. For more information about artist grant recipients and opportunities for local creatives, subscribe to the Frankston Arts Centre e-news.