George J Harding
George is an oil painter and fine artist based in Bristol, UK.
George’s art is an exploration and journey of discovery. His aim is to find a greater sense of self, vision and spirit through the process of making art. He finds authenticity and enjoyment in the many forms, styles and approaches that painting offers.
The different strategies of painterly expression he uses feed into each other and are interchangeable. They reflect an intention to make art that is independent of its origins, ideals and meanings. They are to be enjoyed and experienced in the now.
This miscellany of approaches helps him to create a sense of perceptual clarity, validation and a deeper understanding of his subject and himself. His work intends to celebrate mental health difficulties and differences, and attempts to incorporate these aspects of experience into a broader human condition. Through creative expression, he believes these struggles can be transcended, and transformed into a source of life-enriching strength.
George believes that this journey is for everyone. He wants the value of art to be seen and felt by all.
His first solo exhibition, called ‘There is Good in Us’, was held at the Bethlem Gallery in 2012. A number of solo exhibitions in London and the Southwest have followed, but he retains close links with the Bethlem Gallery since a referral for mental health difficulties during his studies. His interest in mental health led to exposure as a featured cover artist for the British Journal of Psychiatry and 12 Lancet Psychiatry covers throughout 2015 writing essays for them and commenting on clinical trials surrounding art and its health benefits. George’s work appears in the Wellcome Collection, Bethlem Museum of the Mind and Bristol Museum amongst other public and private collections. In 2017 arts organisation OutsideIn and Arts Health South West, put on a radical new show called Alternative Visions. His painting ‘Pink Rain and Pain’ featured, and was the lead image for the exhibition. Alternative Visions toured the South West showing at the Bristol Museum and Art Gallery, Falmouth Art Gallery, The Wilson in Cheltenham and Poole Museum.
Works
Portraits
George’s portraits are a moment in time that show his interest in the person and celebrates who they are. His self-portraits, often distorted in rippled glass and misted mirror, serve as a metaphor for reality and what lies beyond our physical selves.
Signs and Symbols
George uses signs and symbols converging meaning, making new poetic thoughts and statements.
Abstract
George’s abstract paintings are about the fun and enjoyment of painting in a meditative state involving colour and texture.
Plein-Air
George’s Plein air paintings are quick sketches that are about the enjoyment and enrichment of the natural world and improving his observational skills as a painter.
Reliefs
George’s reliefs are about the joy of looking and scrutinizing exploring surface and depth through layering perspex and resin.