Isla Griffin





I have done many things. Traveled, lived and worked in many countries, experiencing the uniqueness of different ecosystems and cultural diversity.
Working in the health/rehabilitation sphere for many years taught me the value of maintaining body vitality and a clear contemplative mind. Creative ideas tend to circle around the topic of the
life-force{ }embodiment interface. It's the concept of unity. Us with plants, topography, symbols and colored atmospheres. I like to map how humans can re-configure their bodies and spaces to find equilibrium. To align more with the invisible mystical matrix. To preserve nature, raw and wild. Ultimately its about reclaiming and reinvigorating our bodies and spaces as a microcosm of the earth. In so doing we evoke the memory of the depth of our unity with nature.
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Training
2022-23 Immersion; Surface pattern design/Adobe Illustrator(Bonnie Christine USA).
2020 Cert. V Video Creation; UCOL, Palmerston North. NZ.
2015-2017 Master of Fine Arts (1st Class Honours), Massey University CoCA, Wellington.
2014 Cert; Colour and Design, ISCD Sydney.
2013 – 2014 Artist in Residence: Quixotica Centre of ceramic art, Cooroy, QLD.
2011-2012 Diploma of Visual Art (Distinction), TAFE, Sunshine Coast, Queensland.
2002 – 2007 Apprentice artist to George Boys; New Plymouth, NZ.
1990-1993 Graduate Diploma in Physiotherapy, Oswestry Shropshire,UK.
1980-1983 Bachelor of Arts (Honours) Anthropology and Geography, UC London.
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Exhibitions
2018 Immersive Space; British Museum, as part of the Royal Anthropological Institute conference Art, Materiality and Representation.
2017 Exposure; Graduation show, CoCA, Massey University, Wellington, NZ.
2016 First Symptoms; The Engine Room, CoCA, Massey University, Wellington, New Zealand.
2014 Interface; Quixotica Centre of Ceramic Art, Cooroy, Queensland, Australia, SOLO.
2012 Kaleidoscope; Graduation Show, TAFE Sunshine Coast (Lead Co-ordinator), Tewantin, QLD, Australia.
2011 Under the surface, Beneath the deep; Kari Gallery, Kenilworth, QLD, SOLO.
2010 Resurgam, Embiggen Art Space, Noosa, QLD, SOLO.
2009 Open Hearts, Hidden bones, Embiggen Art Space, Noosa, Queensland, SOLO.
2008 The Third Eye Project, Installation. The Old Smithy, Keri Keri, New Zealand, SOLO.
2007 Hat Face, Paintings, Taranaki Community Gallery, New Plymouth, NZ, SOLO.
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Work; published writing and employment
2022 Chapter in Anthology;PZ 77 ed. Simon Parker. Publisher Scryfa, Cornwall.
2020 IDEA Journal, USA; Binding Matters, Reflecting on the effectivity of a light projection.
2020 Journal of Interior Design; Transient Contingencies, Body as ecology.
2018 Govett Brewster Art Gallery. Information Officer and tour guide.
2018 Jan/Feb Research assistant (PBRF verification). CoCA, Massey University, Wellington, NZ.
2015 – 2017 Rehabilitation Therapist @ Tiaki Physiotherapy and Pilates, Wellington, New Zealand.
2009 – 2014 Qi Gong teacher, Integrative body balancing; Noosa, Queensland.
2001 – 2007 Founder and Director.LifeSync. Ltd, Physiotherapy Clinic and Pilates Studio,NZ.
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