Flox - Hayley King

Flox

Hayley King

How long have you been creating your pieces and how did you get where you are today?

I’ve been painting as Flox since 2003 after graduating from Art School. The aesthetic and the business emerged as one entity over the course of a few years, as I kept my fingers in as many pies as possible. I knew I wanted to be a creative and I knew in order to achieve this, I’d need to get the ball rolling myself, so I was determined to be my own boss and control my own destiny. Under the name Flox, I continued to have gallery exhibitions, work collaboratively with other street artists on outdoor walls, align with brands, paint commissions and develop merchandise

Who or what are you influenced by?

I’m influenced heavily by nature, but I also love the Arts And Crafts Movement (William Morris etc) and the notion of ornamentation. I’m in love with textile and wallpaper design and basically anything that intertwines natural elements.

What inspires your creativity?

Travel is a major inspiration for me. Obviously the international options are off the table for now but I use my own experiences throughout NZ (and the world normally) as inspiration.

Best or most fulfilling experience in your creative career so far?

My favourite experiences have always involved painting the big outdoor pieces. I’m in my happy place when I’m painting big, and publicly.. and it’s a real honour to leave a mark for communities to embrace for many years afterward. I remember one particular occasion in Taiwan, when I finished a day long piece…. I had the most gorgeous response from the crowd with full applause, photographs and autograph signing LOL, you don’t get that in NZ!

What are you working on at the moment?

I’m working on new product ranges (DIY and stationery mostly), and looking forward to some large scale murals coming up this summer (both interior and exterior). I also have a number of workshops coming up which is always super fulfilling as I love teaching curious and aspiring creatives, it really gives me that sense of purpose.

Best and worst thing about being a creative/artist?

The best thing about being a creative is that I have that option as an outlet. Creativity is my happy place and I couldn’t imagine not having that in my life, I am truely grateful to feel such a deep and all encompassing need to express myself through my art. Worst part about being a creative is the uncertainty of what’s around the corner….

How would you describe your perfect day?

Coffee, 6km run, paint/admin/hang out with my staff, beach/sun time.

What is your most valued possession?

I’d have to say my Toyota Hiace Van….she’s been so loyal. She’s my baby :)

If you could blink your eyes and be in a favourite place right now, where would that be?

Bali. 100%

Where would you like to find yourself in 10 years?

Somewhere tropical, and somewhere by a beach. Somewhere still accessible to the city.

www.flox.co.nz