Crafting Together
Image: Georgia’s critical eye has elevated our artwork
Trust: The Art of Creating Together
Art is often thought of as a solitary pursuit, but for us, it’s a deeply collaborative process—one that bridges generations, nurtures trust, and fosters a shared vision. What makes our art truly special is the partnership between my daughter, Georgie, and me. Together, we create pieces that not only capture the beauty of nature but also tell a powerful story about the importance of collaboration, trust, and the emotional bonds that tie us together.
The Role of Georgie: An Uncompromising Eye
Georgie’s role in our artistic journey goes beyond being my daughter; she is an integral part of the creative process. With her sharp, uncompromising eye, she offers invaluable critiques that help refine our work and elevate it to the next level. While I take the lead on many aspects of the drawings, Georgie’s contribution is essential—her meticulous nature ensures that every detail is perfect.
In particular, she has taken full responsibility for the intricate paw prints in our Baby Paws series. These paw prints, which are a crucial part of each piece, reflect not only her technical skill but also her understanding of the emotional impact that these details have. Her ability to work with the same level of patience and precision required for hyperrealism is something I admire deeply, and it’s a testament to her dedication to the craft.
Image: The rare occasion we draw together as opposed to taking it in turns
Building Trust Through Collaboration
Trust is at the core of our creative process. As the lead artist, I typically spend around 60 hours or more on each piece before passing it to Georgie. This handover is an act of complete trust because charcoal is an unforgiving medium; every mark made carries weight, and once it’s on the paper, there’s no turning back. Early on, I was hesitant—anxious even—about letting go of the pencil and trusting Georgie with such fine details. But over time, I’ve learned to trust her steady hand and focused attention. Georgie’s patience and focus make her uniquely suited to the demands of hyperrealism, and I’ve come to realize that she brings a perspective and precision to our work that only enhances the finished piece.
Our collaboration goes beyond technical skill—it’s built on a mutual drive for perfection and a shared vision of what we want our art to communicate. While I have the final say on many aspects of the work, Georgie’s contributions are never simply secondary. They are integral to the art itself, adding depth, texture, and detail that would be impossible without her input.
Image: In our Home/Studio on Sydney’s Northern Beaches
A Shared Journey: The Power of Two Generations
The satisfaction we feel upon completing a piece is multiplied by the fact that we’ve created it together. There’s something profound about the way our bond as father and daughter manifests in the work. Every piece carries with it not just our shared vision but also our shared values. Through our art, we aim to elevate awareness of nature and wildlife, creating pieces that inspire not only appreciation for the natural world but also a call to action to protect it.
Working alongside Georgie has taught me more than just artistic techniques—it has shown me the power of connection. The process of creating together has strengthened our relationship, and it’s something I will always cherish. The trust that we’ve built through this process, and the respect we have for each other’s unique contributions, has enriched our art in ways I never could have imagined.
Image: Passing the pencil over to Georgia requires trust but she has earned it
Beyond the Art: A Deeper Connection
Ultimately, our process is about more than just producing beautiful artwork. It’s about building a deeper connection—not just between the two of us, but also with our audience. When viewers engage with our work, we want them to feel the bond between father and daughter, the trust, the collaboration, and the shared values that underpin everything we create.
Through Georgie’s contributions and our shared vision, we hope to create works that resonate on a deeper level—pieces that speak not only to the beauty of wildlife but also to the significance of collaboration, trust, and the power of working together.
In the end, it’s this connection—that sense of shared purpose—that makes our art meaningful, both for us as creators and for those who experience it. And as we continue our artistic journey together, we know that the trust and bond we share will continue to shape and elevate every piece we create
Image: The sense of achievement is priceless, knowing we have created something together
