People: Georgia Smedley
Name: Georgia Smedley
Occupation/Business/Creative Outlet: Photographer and student. I'll be in academia for as long as possible if I can help it.
Starsign: Cancer Sun, Scorpio Moon and Taurus Rising.
Favourite Number: I like the number 7, which seems like a glaring choice for a number of people, but there are 7 letters in my first and last names, 'G' is the seventh letter of the alphabet and July is the seventh month of the year, so I'll take that as a sign.
First thing you did this morning?
I checked in on my friends, just to see how they're doing. This time of year can be really stressful for a lot of people and it's important to stay connected if you can. Mornings are a pretty sacred time for me and can be quite meditative when I'm on my own. I need them to be very slow, so I always wake up an hour or so before I need to start getting ready so that I can have space and know that I'm beginning my day with consideration. Sound and smell come first, so I'll burn something and then play something slow to ease me in.
What does 'wellness' mean to you?
Wellness is a really difficult term I think, and comes with a certain expectation that can be really deterring for a lot of people. It seems like wellness is supposed to look a certain way and that you've got to engage in a list of activities that'll bring you to a certain place. It also insinuates that you're supposed to feel 'well' after having done those things. But it just isn't the case for a lot of people. If I'm looking to be in a better place, then it comes down to being very honest with myself, being patient with my processes and allowing the people around me to witness me. It means finding a body of water, leaning into the softness that I've worked hard to create and staying there for the time being.
Products found in your shower/by your bath?
To be honest, I do not have rituals or preferences when it comes to the products I use in my shower. However, I've been extremely lucky, in that I came by a lot of Aesop product in one fell swoop. And although I say I don't have preferences, I'll probably cry a little when it's all gone.
Three things that can always be found in your kitchen cupboard?
When I say that the mornings are important to me, I mean it. Breakfast is the one meal that I know I will put effort into everyday. Which for me, means eggs and tea. My honey intake is absolutely atrocious.
Favourite kitchen utensil?
The rubber spatula that I can use for cake mixes, obviously.
Favourite Travel destination?
In 2016, I went to a photography festival in the south of France, to a place named Arles. It was the most beautiful thing I've seen and have been a part of. First of all, the work was breathtaking and in the first exhibit I went to, I stood in the corner of the room crying (which is very like me, see question 3). My understanding of the work I'd like to be making completely evolved, and the setting was something else entirely. I'll be returning to the South of France this year and driving through Northern Italy for a few weeks.'
Currently reading?
No Friend But The Mountains by Behrouz Boochani. This is a really important read for any Australian person. It's important that we don't hold any illusions about not just the current the state of power but the continuing dynamic between power and person, going forward.
Currently browsing (.com)?
I listen to a lot of podcasts. Learning is incredibly important to me, and I do that by listening. Sometimes I learn something applicable to my life, or something that I would never have steered my attention towards, or sometimes they are lessons in empathy.
Some of my favourite shows are:
Caliphate
Reply All
This American Life
Risk
Radio Lab
This Is Love
Gender Studies from The New Books Network
Favourite breakfast food?
Eggs and tea
Three items in your make up bag?
RMS Myth eye polish, which was a gift from a friend and now I will never give it up
RMS Peach Luminizer
Diorsnow CC Creme
An album/mix that calms your nervous system?
Absolutely anything by Ludovico Einaudi. I Giorni is my alarm tone every morning and always makes sure I'm in a good place
An album/mix that hypes you up?
Disco. Any kind of disco music will put a wag in my tail.
Most commonly used apps on your phone?
Instagram, podcast and notes.
Favourite form of movement/exercise?
Climbing (bouldering) and swimming. It's a nice juxtaposition of holding my weight and then having my weight being held.
One thing you'd like to incorporate into your day/week that you're currently yet to?
My plan is to be up super early before work and swim laps three times a week. I think that's the best way I can take care if myself at the moment.
Nighttime rituals?
I'm so funny about my bedroom. Who is in it, the smells, the feel, its position. I actually clean my room most nights before I get into bed. I've been known to get home from parties, my partner would be in bed already and it's 2am and I'm cleaning before I can relax. It just has to be a place I feel good waking up in.
I feel most creatively fulfilled when...
When I have long stretches of time to myself. A lot of my work comes from personal narratives and it isn't until I get the opportunity to go inward that I can come back with something worth my time and space.
I'm currently working on...
I have two solo shows next year, which is a personal triumph of mine. I've only had one solo show before and it was incredibly daunting, but I was so well supported, and praised, I couldn't believe it. I'll be exhibiting two different works, both wildly different from the other. So this coming year I'll be working to perfect those series and have them fully resolved, if that's at all possible.
This time last year, I wish I knew...
This year I learnt that some love has permanence. I’d like to have known that its perfectly good and ok to lean into it repeatedly.
I'm grateful for...
The work I've put into myself, partnerships and my friendships. I'm grateful for the truly endless bounty of love and protection that is available to me when I ask for it.
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