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. The intertwining, flux and flow of our bodies with nature. Her topographic forms and mystical energies. Her Ley line ...Song lines. Walking, noticing the forces of light and color. Plants, topography, atmospheres and textures in the expressions of natures beauty are the binding matters that create our humanity. It's the concept of unity. Through my work I love 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.
Originally from Cornwall, I spent 25 years in New Zealand but now live and work from studios in Bude and Penzance, Cornwall. I have experimented, studied and apprenticed and will keep exploring until my faculties leave and my body is spent
In my art process and practice I tend to dive deep into different mediums for years. I want to find the best way to express the interconnectivity I feel. There were painting and formal exhibiting years. Then potting in the back country of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland. Ceramic sculpture came out of that. The deep therapy of hands in clay. I photograph textures and composite them with anatomical interiors. Found painterly surfaces layered and weathered can be as brilliant as a carefully constructed abstract piece of fine art.
That lead me to an MFA at CoCA, Massey University, Wellington, NZ... working in light. I wanted to show how the world seeps into our bodies and our life force leaks out. Simultaneously. I used animated video light projections that gave a sense of phantom existence of our energies without form. Imprints of Presence. I wrote papers on the comfort that comes from letting nature flood in.
At the moment I am painting using natural pigments, inks and water based mediums. I turn the work into
digital repeating patterns and maps. It's really surface pattern design. An offering that uplifts and enhances a sense of beauty, light and harmony.
I have collaborated with sound artists and technical wizards. I write and write to find a way through and share the musings on my blog.
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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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