Georgia-Lee Keir

Throughout my final year in my fine art studies, my primary focus has been on my work as a bartender, which has consumed a significant amount of my time. Alongside this, I've been balancing part-time work pursuing a tattoo apprenticeship, which I envision as the foundation of my future career once my studies conclude. My collection for this year aims to depict the lifestyle I've been immersed in for the past two years—juggling work commitments and witnessing firsthand the effects of alcohol consumption that many encounter when visiting a pub for "just a few." I have been fortunate enough to have met some of my closest friends working behind the bar, resulting in memories that I will endure for a lifetime.
In my series of artworks, my aim is to portray the impact of alcohol on human interactions. I chose to work with graphite pencils, as they allow me to express my appreciation for the simplicity of art. Additionally, I utilized subjects related to bars to depict the social culture surrounding drinking and the various stigmas associated with alcohol. These pieces explore how alcohol can both unite and divide people within society.
My long table has drawings scattered over the ‘bar’. This represents, to me, that the mess left behind is a sign of carefree complete relaxation that people feel when work is over and can finally have a bit of fun. I have always appreciated people letting go and meeting new people and making drunken memories and simply enjoying the present.