When I was traveling the globe to develop creative alliances and secure collections for exhibition, I found myself in London on several occasions to meet organizations, collectors and artists. On one of those visits, I met with Christopher Ball, the co-founder of the Association of Erotic Artists, an international academic and campaigning body committed to working towards a greater acceptance of the erotic arts while defending the genre from the dual threats of censorship and intolerance. He and his co-founder, Paul Woods, suggested that I should meet artist Georgie Tier at her East Sussex studio.
It was my first time to drive into the English countryside. I was both excited to experience a little nature, as well as to experience Georgie’s artwork in person. Needless to say, I was enamored by both! I soon discovered that she studied art and 3D design at Ravensbourne College Bromley during the early 1980s. Her passion in life drawing led her to an interest in cartooning and was mentored by Ron Mitchell, the lead cartoonist with the Mirror and Express Newspaper Group. It was Mitchell who encouraged her to develop her own unique style of figurative art which ultimately caught the eye of notable publications like Skin 2, Scarlett, Desire, G.Scene, Forum and other periodicals. Given her rising prominence, it was no surprise that she was asked to produce all the artwork for the UK tour of the theatrical musical production, Hedwig and the Angry Inch.
It was at this moment that I only not asked if she had any desire to exhibit at the art facility, but if she would be interested in creating the facility’s logo. I was delighted when she agreed to do both. Without any guidance or input, Georgie created a logo featuring nonbinary figures interlocked in an embrace. The play of black and white colors with a splash of red was inviting and joyful. It was the visual embodiment of inclusivity and celebration. It was absolute perfection!
Georgie has since exhibited in France, Holland, Spain, Switzerland and countless other countries. Her work may also be found in coffee table books such as The World’s Greatest Erotic Art, Volume I, published by Erotic Signature which I had formed with Fritz Romulus and Julian Murphy, as well as Grafuck published by Private Collection Argentina.
To this day, she regularly opens her studio to the public and is a frequent exhibitor at the Erotic Heritage Museum and Beate Uhse Erotic Museum. Her work continues to captivate and inspire. I shall always respect Georgie’s talent and her way in the world. She is an artist whose work commands attention and admiration – Georgie Tier is someone to collect and know!
Featured Art: Hold Me, Ink on Paper || Inaugural Poster for EHM
