Meet Adira Griffin | New Media Artist and Multidisciplinary Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Adira Griffin and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Adira, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
Both have slowly intertwined into the same thing. When I’m not working on a specific project for a client, I’m diving into a new hobby like ceramics or rollerskating, which eventually leaks into or sparks an idea within my independent practice. I think this is the reason my work constantly bends disciplines…it’s because I’m never just doing one thing at a time. I enjoy this balance a lot because whenever I do what I enjoy, I naturally encounter more people that bring light into my life.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Sure! So, in my work, I attempt to provide an alternative program to mainstream media’s trappings. The way we consume media today almost always has a negative effect on our ability to connect or communicate, so I’ve made it my mission to change the way we interact with it. I use traditional animation methods and present it in the 4th dimension for a multi-sensory experience. This includes utilizing projection mapping, lighting, 3D objects and screens. A lot of my work draws inspiration from dreams and memories. I try to conjure my consciousness and pressing thoughts into artwork in order to transform them into a coherent language or narrative. This alchemical transition from one thing to another materializes as honest experiments and wide open space to be my complex self.

What sets me apart from others may be the openness I have to sharing what goes behind my artistic process and the way I go about making my work. Something that I am most excited about is creating art this year that reveals more about my identity as a Caribbean-American woman. I have been collecting stories from elders and doing independent research on both parts of my cultural identity in hopes to reflect and learn more about the intersections of blackness across the diaspora.

I’m still not sure if I can call myself a “professional” at this point in my career, but where I am now has a lot to do with the people I surround myself with. I tend to naturally be more introverted than extroverted, but when I enter creative spaces, the pressure of knowing what to talk about is generally lifted and I am more likely to be open to sharing what brings me joy. By intentionally placing myself in spaces and situation I know I will thrive, I’ve met the people I work best with. I will say though, it has been difficult getting funding for bigger projects and getting my name out there in the ‘art world’, but I continue to remain unfazed. I have deep faith that my community and God has my back. I will do whatever I am meant to do with the resources I am allotted.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would probably start on the West End. I feel like it’s one of the only places in Atlanta that still feels like Atlanta. My favorite comfort food spot is located there: Healthful Essence, it’s run by this sweet Guyanese woman. There’s also vendors over there on any given day selling handmade goods, so we would take our time. Then, I would head over to Atlanta Contemporary to check out the artworks. If the sun is still out after that, I would chill at a park or head downtown to For Keeps Bookstore. I would end the day by stopping by the drive-thru liquor store near my house and invite the girlies over for a game of Spades and movie OR take everyone on a drive out for a spa day at Jeju or Spa Land.

My idea of a good time is generally very low-key. The best moments in the city generally happen unexpectedly and are not forced.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to shoutout my parents, Marcia and Ted, for encouraging me throughout my artistic journey. I know it was a surprise when I decided to go to art school out of nowhere. I also want to shoutout my bestie Yasu Tyndale, an amazing young painter, for supporting me when I made that initial jump.

Since I moved to Atlanta, I’ve met so many inspiring people including my mentor, Ellex Swavoni, who continues to teach me the importance of research and its application to your work.

Something that has been incredibly reassuring while I’ve been here is all of the successful black talent I am surrounded by. It contributes to the reason I truly believe being a working artist is a possibility and not just a dream for me. I don’t think I would have had the opportunity to display my work without Atlanta’s trust in young black artists (special thanks to MINT and my fellow minterns).

And of course, a shoutout to my muses. Most of my work wouldn’t be what it is without y’all.

Website: www.adiragriffin.com

Instagram: @adidi.tv

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adira-griffin-3728a71a0

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@adiragriffin/videos

Image Credits
Personal Photo taken by Daniella Almona