Megan Neil Biography

I have always been drawn to an unconventional kind of beauty. One of my favourite found objects is a fork rescued from the middle of the road, squashed completely flat and embossed with road texture by a multitude of vehicles.

As well as the desire to interpret my visual world into objects, I enjoy challenging conventional beliefs about preciousness through the use of non-traditional materials such as beach pebbles, found objects and plastics. These materials are imbued with a precious quality in a variety of ways. Concept, selection, surface treatment, investment of time and passion, scale, context and attached meaning all contribute to how an object is perceived.

Growing up in New Zealand surrounded by beach, sea and sky, my predilection for light airy spaces, and my aviation background all inform my work. The small, intimate scale that jewellery provides as a canvas for self expression is a perfect fit for me, and I love the idea that each piece goes on to have a life of its own once it leaves my hands.

SELECTED EXHIBITION HISTORY
"2 Artists Comment on Community" - Refinery Artspace - 3 - 22 June 2013
"Thinking Inside the Box" - Form Gallery - March 2013
"Remake - Emerging Artists" - NZ Academy of Fine Arts - 9 Feb-3 Mar 2013
"One to Three" - Form Gallery - May 2012
"Re-de construction" - Form Gallery - Aug 2011
"Wandering" – Form Gallery – Dec 2009
"Jewels of the South" – Form Gallery – Dec 2008
"Crosscurrents" – Copthorne Hotel – Christchurch Arts Festival 2001
"Graduate Exhibition" – CoCA – October 2000
"Blueprint" – Old Sydenham Town – Mayfest 2000

EDUCATION
Bachelor of Design (Craft Art) – Christchurch Polytechnic – 2001
Foundation Art – Cashmere High School – 1997
General Drawing – Christchurch Polytechnic – 1996