Combining Painting, Ceramics & Film Photography with Artist Fin G - ISSUE 60

Influenced by tattoo artists & old cartoon characters, Fin G puts his mark on handmade ceramic pieces.

Finn G at the wheel doing his thing.

Lately I have had the pleasure of discovering and connecting with more local artists and it’s expanded my social circle and also made me feel really inspired. Today’s interview is one of those artists.

Long time readers will know that I have many loves that aren’t photography related, and as my career is developing I’m finding those interests are being piqued even more.

The last few months I have worked with hotels, fashion brands I admire and a range of hospitality venues and food and drink products. These are pretty much all my fav things rolled into one and I can’t wait to see what’s on the horizon for 2024.

Finding my feet in the content creation industry has been a challenge but each time I do something I learn and get closer to the thing I do want.

Plans For 2024??

If you are wanting 2024 to be the year you take on the world and hustle to make your dream a reality, whether that’s as a professional photographer, a content creator, a professional artist or just give that side hustle idea a go then grab your spot for November/December and I’ll help you take the steps towards that goal!

Breaking down your idea, formulating a plan and taking action on those next steps is the key to getting your idea off the ground. In my 1:1 90 minute sessions we can look over where you’re at currently, overhaul things like social media, your portfolio and what action you can take to get closer to the thing you want.

Below are a few words from a recent session with a photographer in the community who was feeling stuck on a personal project and wanting to chat through their portfolio and how to find the strength and motivation to put their work out there. Thank you Molly for sharing your work and practice with me.

The session not only checked all the boxes on my list of goals for our time together, but it surpassed my expectations. I can't express how much I enjoyed this session and how impactful it has been for me. Thank you! 

Giveaway Winner

Last week I announced a giveaway in partnership with Girls To The Front zine founder, Jessie Dinan and I am excited to say that the winner was drawn this morning!

I have Direct Messaged you on Instagram @rah__hahaha_ so if you are reading this newsletter go check so I can get your postage details and send you the film + zine prize. For those of you who didn’t win you can still grab a copy of GTTF zine for just $12 and support an awesome project + two amazing charities. Read more about them here.

Free Resource

Not ready for a 1:1 session yet but still want to make some moves towards your creative career or journey? Download my FREE guide to resources resource (a bit meta I know) on my website or hit the button below to take you straight there!

Now let’s get into todays little chat with ceramicist and artist Fin George.

Hey Fin, Thanks for joining us here at Love Lucy. Can you give us the who, what and where of Fin George? 

Hey Lucy! My name is Fin George, I’m a 25 year old ceramicist living in Tugun on the Gold Coast. I’ve been messing around with clay and sculpting as a medium for the last 3-4 years now

How long have you been doing ceramics and what is the inspo behind the pieces you create? I see that you are also a painter as well right? 

I first jumped on a pottery wheel at the end of 2022 and fell in love with it. I don’t think I went a day without practicing on the wheel for the first 4 months haha. I’ve also been painting/drawing for as long as I can remember, it seemed like the perfect combination to add some of my designs to the ceramic pots I was creating! My art style is heavily inspired by vintage traditional tattoos and vintage cartoons, I’ve always loved both and currently work 2 days a week at a tattoo shop and do my ceramics for the other 5 days.

How do you feel about making a living as an artist these days? You seem to be across socials and using that to share your work, which I love! Do you think it’s easier now to be seen as an artist?

I think being an artist in 2023 you really have to be a content creator, photographer, social media manager, the list goes on. I personally love the freedom of doing it all myself, although it can definitely be a grind.

Do you have any influences you can share with us that have shaped what you create Fin?

One of my main influences would be AP Shrewsbury, a tattoo artist and ceramicist, his work is amazing and definitely worth checking out. Also tattoo artists like Huck Spaulding and Sailor Jerry for their timeless designs.

An example of Finn’s creations pairing his art with ceramics in such a unique way.

You look like you have some film shots on your feed and I see fellow artist Adam Leng does as well. Is film another way for you to express yourself artistically and what camera(s) do you have? 

I’ve been shooting film since I was in high school and it’s been really fun using it to promote my ceramics. You never know what you’ll get with film and I find that really exciting. In saying that digital photography still has its place! I still shoot digital often for reels and product photography. The 2 film cameras I find myself reaching for these days are my Yashica t4 and Contax G1. Both of these cameras are so great in their own regard and are capable of some amazing shots!

What is on the horizon for you Fin? Are you working on any new collections?

I have some really exciting stuff on the horizon! Every release I’m working on new designs and new vase shapes. I have some ceramic badges, key chains and also some clothes and accessories coming very soon!!!

Finally where can people come say hi, see your work or get in touch about purchasing one of your amazing things?

The best way to reach me is through my Instagram fingeorge_ I post frequently and respond to all messages and inquiries. My website is in my bio and I update it with new designs every 2 weeks :)

A big thank you to Fin for taking the time out of his busy life to chat with us and share his story and his work. I don’t know about you but sometimes I get a little burnt out on JUST using photography as inspo and love to look beyond that at what other artists and creatives are up to.

Go check Fin out and give him a follow so you don’t miss out on what he has coming up!