George’s exceptional realist and representational works depict vast and vibrant landscapes and seascapes. His abstract works whilst themed around the impact of human experience, at the same time invite the viewer to collaborate in adding to and creating meaning.

George is driven by a desire to create a dialogue through his work that is open and free. A limitless conversation which has the potential to turn into something wonderful, mysterious and unique.

Through his work, George connects with notions of imagined experience. Scenery is idealised, the use of light and form create tension between fact and imagined experience, and allegorical connotations are revealed as questions about the wonder of the human experience.

George paints almost exclusively in oils on fine portrait linen stretched on museum quality cedar stretchers. His experiments with form and colour are stunning to behold. With emphasis on quality pigments and fine glazing techniques, the result is a wonderful mix of vibrant colour and shimmering surfaces

Described by some as an extreme collaborator, George’s art practice has grown off the back of shared experience with many of this country s leading conceptual and fine arts practitioners.

Around 25 years ago, one of those practitioners, world renowned landscape painter Tim Wilson encouraged George to go back to painting full time. Tim generously gave George open access to his studio, passing on his techniques for creating light, and the vivid glowing colours you now see in George’s realist and abstract works today.

Prior to returning to work as a full time artist George made his name in fine art logistics and commercial art storage. George recently co-founded Porter Gray Han, an art gallery in Queenstown with fellow artist Neville Porter and local business woman Micky Han.

As a young child George struggled with dyslexia, leaving school at the age of 15 unable to read and write. Rather than letting this hold him back, George devised a method of teaching himself and others these skills, and part of his genius springs from coming to terms with his early disadvantage and being able to relate to that in others.

Being raised with a strong faith George has spent much of his life supporting and mentoring others to grow and reach their full potential. Empathising with different perspectives deeply influences the emotional response he elicits through his work, which he likens to the kind of trust and warmth you feel when experiencing a wonderful hug.

George is of both Maori and Scottish descent. He whakapapa’s to Ngāti Hei, Ngāti Whanaunga, Ngāti Pāoa, Ngāti Maru, Ngāti Huarere, Ngāti Porou on the east coast and Ngāti Hikairo ki Kawhia. His mother is a Scottish immigrant who came to New Zealand after World War 2. This side of the family hails from Glasgow in Scotland.

My artwork is an amalgam of over 60 years experience. During this time, I have developed techniques, use of materials and themes in my work that are a reflection of influences from my youth. The techniques that remain are those that contribute to a finished product that resonates with me. These in turn heavily influence the materials I use, with themes drawn from personal experience.