Elisabeth Vullings (the youngest of four children) was born in New Zealand to Dutch parents, who provided a supportive family environment that encouraged creativity. Making use of natural materials and recycled objects were always an important part of day to day life. It was during these formative years that Elisabeth developed an interest in art, architecture and recycling. She followed her passions to obtain a degree in Interior Architecture in Wellington, while developing her own art practice on the side. After several years, she combined her love of art and architecture to complete a two year self-directed Master of Fine Arts degree in Dunedin, where archaeology and history became an important added feature within her work. Elements of both her upbringing and studies have emerged strongly in her current art practice. Her work embodies the technical drawing skills, discipline and critical thinking gained through her studies; with a sensitivity to colour, texture and materials reminiscent from her childhood.
Elisabeth works from her home-based studio on the Kāpiti Coast where she lives with her husband Rory, and two children Charlie (10) and Maata (8).
CURRICULUM VITAE
Born: 1982, New Zealand
Lives: Kāpiti Coast, New Zealand
EDUCATION
2010 – 2012: Master of Fine Arts (Distinction) Dunedin School of Art, Otago Polytechnic, NZ
2000 – 2004: Bachelor of Interior Architecture (First Class Honours) School of Architecture and Design, Victoria University, Wellington, NZ
EXHIBITIONS
(G) – group / (S) – solo
2022: 1 Potter, 1 Painter (G) – Tote Modern Gallery (Guest Artist), Otaki Pottery Club
2021: Kāpiti Arts Trail (S) – Open Studio (4 days), Paraparaumu
Vive La Difference (G) – Academy of Fine Arts, Wellington (1 – 17 October)
Parkin Drawing Prize Exhibition (G) – Academy of Fine Arts, Wellington
Celebrating Resilient Women (G), Art Everywhere Project, Paraparaumu
Solo 49 (G) – Academy of Fine Arts, Wellington
2020: Kāpiti Arts Trail (S) – Open Studio (4 days), Paraparaumu
Art In Action (G) – Academy of Fine Arts, Wellington
Parkin Drawing Prize Exhibition (G) – Academy of Fine Arts, Wellington
2019: The Last Hurrah (G) – Tutere Gallery, Waikanae
Mahara Arts Review Exhibition (G) – Mahara Gallery, Waikanae
Studio Exhibition (S) – The Drawing Board, Paraparaumu
Parkin Drawing Prize Exhibition (G) – Academy of Fine Arts, Wellington Kāpiti Arts Trail (S) – Open Studio (4 days), Paraparaumu
2017 – 2019: Kāpiti Arts Trail (S) – Open Studio (4 days), Paraparaumu
2014 – 2016: Molly Morpeth Canaday Award Exhibition (G) – Whakatane Library and Exhibition Centre
2013: Parkin Drawing Prize Exhibition (G) – Academy of Fine Arts, Wellington
2012: Site 144/404 (S) – MFA project. Dunedin School of Art Gallery, Dunedin
2011: Points of Reference (S) – South Coast Gallery, Wellington. Alter Ego (G) – Fringe Festival, Wellington
2009: My Cuba Street (G) – South Coast Gallery, Wellington
Specimen (S) – Framework Gallery, Paraparaumu
Blind Contour (S) – Deluxe Cafe, Wellington
Local Colour (G) – Pataka Gallery, Porirua
Open Studios (S) – Fringe Festival Show, Wellington
2008: Open Close (S) – Framework, Paraparaumu
Form + Function (S) – Pataka Gallery, Porirua
One Revolution (S) – Toi Poneke Gallery, Wellington
2007: Art for Conservation (art auction) – Royal Forest and Bird Society, NZ In a Circle (G) – Art of this World, Auckland
More Small Works (S) – Butterfly Net, Auckland
2006: 71 Small Works (S) – Butterfly Net, Auckland
ACHIEVEMENTS
2021: Double-Sited shortlisted and exhibited for the Parkin Drawing Prize
2020: 1:1 Door shortlisted and exhibited for the Parkin Drawing Prize, (Highly Commended award) NZ Academy of Fine Arts, Wellington. Interviewed for Kāpiti Arts Trail Turns 20, as part of Standing Room Only, Radio New Zealand, 25 October 2020.
2019: Mātaki shortlisted and exhibited for the Parkin Drawing Prize
2017: Postage Stamp Design: Kupu Mohoa – Māori Language Week. Concept and design development for 10 Postage Stamps, 2 First Day Covers and 1 Date Stamp. New Zealand Post – Completed in collaboration with David Hakaraia.
Collectors Coin Design: How Māui slowed the Sun. Concept and design development for 2 Collector Coins. One coin depicting Māui and the other depicting Ra. New Zealand Post – Completed in collaboration with David Hakaraia.
Educational Book Illustrations: 29 full colour illustrations for 2 Māori Legends. Book 1: Te Aroha o Rurunui. Book 2: Te Rau o te Patu a Raukawa. Ngāti Raukawa, New Zealand.
2016: Shifting House shortlisted and exhibited for the Molly Morpeth Canaday Award, Whakatāne.
2015: The Forgotten Drawer shortlisted and exhibited for the Molly Morpeth Canaday Award, Whakatāne.
2014: Boatshed n.o 2 shortlisted and exhibited for the Molly Morpeth Canaday Award, Whakatāne.
2013: Axonometric Chair Frame shortlisted and exhibited for the Parkin Drawing Prize.
2008: Interviewed for The Gravy NZ TV – series 2, episode 7. Article in The Wellington Guide, Summer/Autumn, 2008
2007: Exhibition work feature in NZ House and Garden, February, 2007
2006: Winner of the Telecom Art Awards, Wellington Issue
2003: Highest Achieving Student Award and Woolf Graduation Scholarship – Schools of Architecture and Design, Wellington. Project work included in Pro Design Magazine, August/September 2003
2002: Top Interior Architect Award – Schools of Architecture and Design, Wellington