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UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL WITH LABONICS

X January 15, 2019

Originally published on labtronicsskin.com

MEET FLOX
UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL

New Zealand based aerosol and stencil artwork by FLOX can be seen anywhere from Berlin, Hong Kong, New York, Taiwan, India and the US!! She’s a real global phenomenon having honed her trademark native birds, ferns and flowers – a celebration of Aotearoa’s environmental toango – vibrant, confident colour; and scale combined with delicacy; magically transforming grey walls into vibrant depictions of the natural world.

Quickly expanding into prints, publications, murals, graphic design, live painting, projects, workshops both schools and the wider public, collaborations, charity work and both group and solo exhibitions this pocket rocket woman has her fingertips across it all.

How does she do it? We got up close and personal with FLOX to find out how she finds creative and emotional balance and how she defines her success story.

What’s your favorite way to spend a weekend?

I love spending time at home with the fam, so when I’m not working a weekend I treasure it!
I really just love pottering around home, but my ideal weekend day would consist of going out to breaky, exercise, hanging out with the kids and watching Netflix lol.

What was the best vacation you ever took and why?

I just had the most epic time in the Cook Islands with my family last month. It was my fourth trip up there and this time we spent a great deal of it in Aitutaki which lived up to its reputation of being one of the most beautiful Islands in the world. I’m really steadfast about booking trips away so we have quality down time together as a family. Put me anywhere tropical, with sun, sand and swimming then I’m happy!

What was the last thing you read digitally or in print?

I’m glad you’ve asked me this, as I just read my first book in a while! I read the first book of three called The Passage by Justin Cronin, and I’m eagerly anticipating the next two in the series. I read the print version and hurt my wrist as it’s such a door stop, so will defo read the next two digitally!

Would you say you’re more of an extrovert or an introvert?

I’m naturally an extrovert but the older I get the more I feel I’m becoming an introvert. I LOVE my downtime and home time, and I love just mooching around the house on my own too. Who knows where that’s going to take me lol

What was the last show you binge-watched?

. . . was Mr Robot. Super layered and brilliant plot, couldn’t stop binging!

What is your favorite Podcast?

This American Life

How do you deal with work (or home) stress?

I have many ways of dealing with stress. I typically focus on a “daily wind down” strategy where I will take the time at the end of the day to come back down from the stresses of the day. This could include shakti mat, physio strengthening exercises (back arms and neck), power walks and breathing. Yoga is also a great go-to.

What is your definition of success?

Doing what you love, and being comfortable enough financially to take risks.

I wouldn’t do anything else, I’ve found my destiny.

What inspires you?

I think being self employed seems to be inspiration in itself to get up and conquer the day ahead. You never know what’s around the corner, so I always like to make the most of whatever is happening. Setting goals is a massive part of keeping me on my toes, and travel has become a way to inspire my creative journey.

What do you think can be the main hindrances to women succeeding in the workplace?

I can only speak from my own experiences on this one.  I’ve always just had a view of being a business “person” rather then defining myself as a “woman in business”, but I guess that’s because I have the luxury of calling my own shots?  The biggest hindrance I believe is ourselves. The climate has seen massive changes over the last five years, and in terms of equality there’s still some way to go – I feel a bit lucky as I personally haven’t felt that being a woman has held me back, quite the contrary actually.

What things do you do to look after your mental or physical well being (or both)?

Daily wind downs as mentioned above.  I used to run a lot but am working through some long term injuries so have swapped the runs for walking.  I also LOVE yoga so I try and get to classes when I can.

How do you find balance in work, family, rest, play?

Balance is MASSIVE. I think it’s key to everything actually maintaining and evolving successfully. My job is physically demanding, and can be quite stressful as there’s usually a number of projects on at any given time.

What advice would you give to either your younger or teen self?

Be compassionate. Everyone has their own stuff going on, and it pays to be sympathetic, listen and not just react

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My Story

As an aerosol and stencil artist with a fine art degree, Flox has been making her mark on the inner cityscape of Auckland since 2003.

Her trademark native birds, ferns and flowers are a celebration of Aotearoa’s environmental taonga. Using distinctly vibrant and confident colour on a scale combined with delicacy they have magically transformed grey walls into vibrant depictions of the natural world.

Flox swiftly expanded her practice into prints, publications, murals, graphic design, live painting, projects and workshops for both schools and the wider public. She has been involved in numerous collaborations, charity work and both group and solo exhibitions.

Her accessible narratives have broadened the appeal and shaped her into one of New Zealand’s most recognised contemporary artists.

In recent years Flox has focused on refining new ideas, exploring other cultures and pushing her own artistic boundaries. This resulted in a three-month Artist Residency in Taiwan and a journey to Udaipur in India, to expand her international audiences.

Seen everywhere from Berlin, Hong Kong, New York, Taiwan, India and the US, Flox continues spreading her wings and making her presence felt across public spaces and homes worldwide.

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Flox Portrait