A woman who grew up in Carlisle has turned her passion for art into a business.
Contemporary artist Georgina Hartley-Willows, 30, said she drew inspiration from Cumbria for her work and has set up Not A Blank Canvas, with support of the King’s Trust.
Georgina, a former pupil of Queen Elizabeth Grammar School in Penrith, credited her upbringing in Carlisle for shaping her artistic style.
She said: “Growing up in Cumbria, I was constantly inspired by the beauty around me—the lakes, the fells, the changing light. Those landscapes are in my blood, and they’re central to my work.”
After completing her studies at the University of Sheffield, Georgina spent six years teaching modern languages in secondary schools in Barnsley and Staveley.
However, she said, the birth of her first child in February marked a turning point.
She said: “I wanted a career that offered flexibility so I could spend more time with my daughter, and I realised this was the perfect moment to pursue my art professionally.”
Not A Blank Canvas launched earlier this year, specialising in bold, colourful landscapes, original artwork, prints, and bespoke wallpaper murals.
Her first three wallpaper mural commissions are in Carlisle homes. Each mural is tailored to fit the space.
Georgina added: “My grandad, who was an engineer and a talented artist, was a huge influence on me. He taught me to observe and paint. He passed away during the pandemic, but his guidance continues to inspire my work.”
Though Georgina now lives in Sheffield with her family, her connection to Cumbria remains strong.
Many of her pieces pay homage to the landscapes she grew up with, and her work seeks to capture the essence of these special places, she said.
She added: “Cumbria will always be home. It’s where my artistic journey began, and it’s a constant source of inspiration.”
