Make giant mandala with artist Tegan Georgette at Wollongong Wood Workshops

Tegan Georgette made her Sculpture in the Garden debut this year. Visitors to Wollongong Botanic Garden would have seen her androgynous ceramic character, titled You are Not Alone, sitting in a meditative pose on a wooden bench with plenty of room either side, inviting company.

That figure was created to address the issue of loneliness.

This weekend, the 31-year-old Stream Hill resident is back with more artwork to bring people together. She’s leading the creation of a giant community artwork, a mandala made of many pieces.

Tegan is inviting everyone to join her at the Wollongong Wood Workshops & Market, back at Bulli Showground this weekend, November 11 and 12.

Please tell us about yourself.

I am an artist; I make paintings, drawings and ceramic sculptures. My art is figurative and centred around my own experiences or people in my life. I like to bring people together through my art to help facilitate raw conversations and connections, which is a strong part of my work.

This weekend’s free interactive community artwork mandala ‘choose your own adventure’ puzzle at the Wollongong Wood Workshops & Market in Bulli will incorporate painted pieces of wood cut to reflect drawn shapes that can be arranged in infinite ways to make a beautiful, ground-based, large-scale mandala.

This work is a community-building exercise which will live on and continue to evolve after this event. People of all ages and skill levels are invited to participate and work together to create something beautiful – I can’t wait to see it in action! Be part of it by booking your spot here.

What inspired you to start your own business?

I started my own business at 16, teaching art classes to kids from my parents’ dining room table.

Highlight so far?

Entering a 2x2m Nude Self Portrait in the Archibald Prize plus the success of my recent solo exhibition in Wollongong.

Who has helped you along the way?

Susie Fagan and George Mavros have been two amazing supporters of my work and helping me to develop my business. There are also many people who follow and support my work and events.

Best part of your job?

Getting to do what I love as a job.

Most challenging?

Having boundaries to not work all the time.

Favourite local way to relax?

Going for a massage.

Don't miss the return of the Wollongong Wood Workshops and Market at Bulli Showground, 9am-5pm on Saturday and Sunday, November 11 and 12. See and book workshops at illawarrafestivalofwood.com