George was born in Wisconsin, USA in 1942.

After three years serving in the US Army in Europe, he gained a BFA from the University of Wisconsin and, in 1974, an MFA from Tyler School of Art, Temple University, Philadelphia.

Later in 1974 he came to New Zealand and spent two years as Head of Art at Taita College in Wellington before moving to Wellington Teachers Training College as an art lecturer. During this time, he took students to Tokamaru Bay for clay and marae experiences.

In 1980 George, along with other artists, established the Creative Workshop in Eastbourne, Wellington while continuing to teach ceramics at Victoria and Massey Universities.

In 1982 George took up a position at the Wanganui Regional Community College eventually establishing a Diploma of Ceramic Design and modules for the BFA degree course. He also continued to organize numerous community courses.

Following the closure of the Whanganui Polytechnic Ceramics Department, George worked from home before moving to Turangi in 2008. He joined the Turangi Artworks, and with his gas kiln became part of a vibrant centre with various types of firing available, eventually including a wood-fired kiln. He was also a founding member of the Pihanga Art Gallery Co-operative in Turangi.

George has taught and mentored many clay practitioners throughout Aotearoa New Zealand over the last 50 years, in workshops, summer schools, and tertiary institutions.

Rick Rudd
2025