Hazel Griffiths shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Hi Hazel, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: What’s more important to you—intelligence, energy, or integrity?
I would say all three are important, although integrity is something that you should endeavor to preserve at all costs, it’s the foundational principle with which you move through the world, your reputation rides on it. Although, I would also add curiosity to that list, it’s one of the most important traits to possess, it’s the spark that opens up all possibilities. All doors open to those who are curious: Curiosity is the currency of the universe.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m an artist and writer with a background in traditional painting.
For the last couple of years my creative journey has taken me to new realms in the digital space which now includes environment design/ 3D modeling and world building.
There are a couple of new projects I’m involved in at the moment. One is building immersive worlds for the new BRCvr app, Burner Sphere, which has just launched on meta quest. They are the online Burning Man experience formerly on Altspacevr which was sadly sunsetted a couple of years ago, so it’s wonderful to be creating experiences for them on the new platform which can be accessed via VR headset or on desktop. Originally I had made these extensive themed worlds in tilt brush then brought them into Altspace. Then with some trial and error we finally got them into the new app, which means I finally get to share them again.
The other project I’m excited to share is a sci-fi/ dystopian book project incubated by the Neo Tokyo community. It’s written by a collective of writers which presented an interesting but rewarding challenge in creating something with multiple voices and perspectives. I, along with a couple of other artists in the group are also creating illustrations which will go along with every chapter. We are hoping to launch in September with additional unique collectors editions and an audio version. We will also be hosting X spaces during the launch with each of the writers reading excerpts from our favorite parts of the book.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
I was absolutely convinced I could levitate, who knows? Perhaps I was actually levitating and I’ve now just lost the ability?
When you were sad or scared as a child, what helped?
I developed the habit or skill of disassociation via my own fantasy world. At one point I would say it became maladaptive and I used it as a way of disengaging from reality, of not taking part in it. I have since learned to use it in a more productive way to enhance my creativity whilst still remaining present.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. Whose ideas do you rely on most that aren’t your own?
M John Harrison’s idea that plot and world building are “astroturfing.” I try to bear that in mind when I’m writing, I find that it allows the story to unfold more organically. Creating something that is a slave to the scaffolding produces work that feels stiff and inauthentic. So it’s a reminder to emphasize not just what you want to say but how you want to say it: the feeling and atmosphere are embedded in the “how.”
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: If immortality were real, what would you build?
An immense space-Cathedral: a vast structure that orbits the earth with the most vast and beautiful stained glass windows that open up like petals or solar sails, illuminated by the sun and the stars.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://hazelgriffiths.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hazelgriffithsart/?hl=en
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hazel-griffiths-674b0267
- Twitter: https://x.com/hazelgriffiths8
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/HazelGriffiths.Art/
