Elisabeth Vullings, the youngest of four children, was born in New Zealand to Dutch parents, who provided an engaging home environment (with no television!) 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, two children, Charlie and Maata, and Tofu the dog.
CURRICULUM VITAE
EDUCATION
2010 – 2012: Master of Fine Arts with distinction, Dunedin School of Art, Otago Polytechnic, NZ
2000 – 2004: Bachelor of Design with first class honours in Interior Architecture, School of Architecture and Design, Victoria University, Wellington, NZ
SELECTED EXHIBITIONS
(G) – group / (S) – solo
2024:
Star Glaze (G) – Ceramics and Paintings, Ōtaki Māori Racecourse
Earth/Water (G) – (Guest Artist), Tote Modern Gallery, Ōtaki Pottery Club
The Kilns Project (S) – Toi MAHARA Gallery – Waikanae
Festival of Pots and Garden Art (G) – (Guest Artist), Anam Cara Gardens, Ōtaki
2023: Gehaakte Gordijntjes (S) – Toi Pōneke Gallery – Wellington
Parkin Drawing Prize Exhibition (G) – Academy of Fine Arts, Wellington
Star Glaze (G) – Ōtaki Māori Racecourse
Lines of Sight (S) – Pātaka Toi Gallery – Porirua
2022: Mahara Pop Up (G) – Seagrass Gallery – Ōtaki
Star Glaze (G) – Ōtaki Māori Racecourse
1 Potter, 1 Painter (G) – Tote Modern Gallery (Guest Artist), Ōtaki Pottery Club
2021: Celebrating Resilient Women (G), Art Everywhere Project, Paraparaumu
Viva La Difference (G) – Academy of Fine Arts, Wellington
Parkin Drawing Prize Exhibition (G) – Academy of Fine Arts, Wellington
Solo 49 (G) – Academy of Fine Arts, Wellington
2020: Art In Action (G) – Academy of Fine Arts, Wellington
Parkin Drawing Prize Exhibition (G) – Academy of Fine Arts, Wellington
2019: Mahara Arts Review Exhibition (G) – Mahara Gallery, Waikanae
Parkin Drawing Prize Exhibition (G) – Academy of Fine Arts, Wellington
2017 – 2023: Kāpiti Coast Arts Trail (S) – Open Studio (4 days), Paraparaumu
2014 – 2017: Molly Morpeth Exhibition (G) – Whakatane Library & 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
2011: Points of Reference (S) – South Coast Gallery, Wellington
Alter Ego (G) – Fringe Festival Wellington
2009: My Cuba Street (G) – South Coast Gallery, Wellington
2008: Form + Function (S) – Pātaka Gallery, Porirua
One Revolution (S) – Toi Pōneke Gallery, Wellington
NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENTS
2023: The Kilns Te Horo – Research and design for 10 historical storyboards erected on new visitors site
2023: Temporary Site Plan (Variation 1) shortlisted for the Parkin Drawing Prize
2021: Double-Sited shortlisted for the Parkin Drawing Prize
2020: 1:1 Door shortlisted for the Parkin Drawing Prize (Highly Commended Award)
Interviewed for Kāpiti Arts Trail Turns 20, as part of Standing Room Only, Radio New Zealand, 25 October 2020.
2019: Mātaki shortlisted 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 for the Molly Morpeth Canaday Award, Whakatāne.
2015: The Hidden Drawer selected as finalist for the Molly Morpeth Award
2014: Boatshed no 2 selected as finalist for the Molly Morpeth Award
2014: Axonometric Chair shortlisted for the Parkin Drawing Prize
2011: Athfield Architects Government House Conservation Project – commissioned to paint 11 native New Zealand birds which were transferred into embroidery patterns and used on soft furnishings in Government House, Wellington
GALLERY REPRESENTATION
Toi MAHARA Gallery, Waikanae – Wellington (Ceramics)
Coolstore Gallery, Mapua – Nelson (Ceramics and small works)