Elisabeth was born in New Zealand to Dutch parents, who provided a supportive family environment that encouraged creativity, and revealed the beauty within both natural and found objects. It was during these formative years that she developed an interest in art, architecture and recycling. Elisabeth 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 became an important added feature within her work. Elements of both her upbringing and studies have emerged strongly in her current art practice. Her studies initiated the technical skills, discipline and critical thinking she applies to her projects; 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 (8) and Maata (6).
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
2021: Celebrating Resilient Women (G), Art Everywhere Project, Kiwibank, Paraparaumu (8 March – 8 April). Solo 49 (G) – Academy of Fine Arts, Wellington (8 February – 14 March).
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
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, Academy of Fine Arts, Wellington
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 Library and Exhibition Centre
2015: The Forgotten Drawer shortlisted and exhibited for the Molly Morpeth Canaday Award, Whakatāne Library and Exhibition Centre
2014: Boatshed n.o 2 shortlisted and exhibited for the Molly Morpeth Canaday Award, Whakatāne Library and Exhibition Centre
2013: Axonometric Chair Frame shortlisted and exhibited for the Parkin Drawing Prize, Academy of Fine Arts, Wellington
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