Find out more about artist Georgina Payne, who has been creating artworks for our Heritage Art Trail that highlight the people, places, and memories of the Black community in Wellingborough.
What kind of artist are you?
I would describe myself as a multidisciplinary artist, educator, and Creative Expressive Therapeutic Facilitator. I draw upon themes such as identity, society and heritage to develop a meaningful journey of people, place and memory. With extensive experience working with young people, SEND, and the local community, my practice is based around building a safe space for those to explore the arts and engage creatively.
Through art, dance and movement, music, and drama, I invite others to explore their shared histories and lived experiences. This is achieved through a mixed-media approach, supported by my personal art styles, which include lino printing, acrylic, ink and watercolour painting, mixed media, illustration, photography, and film. In addition to being a freelance artist and facilitator, I am the Managing Director of Mixit! Arts Academy and Operational Director at Serendipity Institute for Black Arts and Heritage.
Where do you find inspiration?
As a Black British female multidisciplinary artist, my sources of inspiration are rich in heritage, layered in culture, and share the complexity of identity and lived experiences. To be able to draw from the obvious intersections to those pieces of self that are hidden. From taking immediate inspiration from my family to various other Black female artists such as Cynthia McLean, Sonia Boyce and Kara Walker, just to name a few, but also music, a good playlist, vocals and instrumental elements all provide a phenomenal source of visual stimuli.
What advice would you give to anyone who wants to be an artist in Northamptonshire?
My advice for any artist, whether based in Northamptonshire, within the UK or internationally, is to trust your gut, be playful and never stop learning!
“Creativity Takes Courage” – Henri Matisse
As an artist, understand what your mission, style and ethos are. Yes, this will develop as you grow as an artist, but start by thinking about what you champion, what you may disagree with and most importantly, what you want your art to explore.
Do you have any memories of Made With Many Projects that are important to you?
As the Black Heritage Art Trail is my first project with Made With Many, a core memory so far has to be meeting with various members of the Wellingborough Black Community. It has been a pleasure hearing their stories, laughing and discussing many different topics.
What is your favourite biscuit?
Oooh that’s a hard question, as I don’t think that I have a favourite but do love a Jaffa Cake!
