Photo credit: Orlando Gili Allopecian Men Wellcome Collection.

Ivan Grieve possesses a deeply ingrained creative ethos shaped by an enriching childhood in the vibrant, artistic environment of 1960s Camden, North London. Immersed in an atmosphere where creativity was not just encouraged but celebrated, Ivan's early experiences laid the foundation for a lifelong dedication to artistic endeavor. His varied interactions with culture—be it through galleries, theatres, or the eclectic happenings of his surroundings—instilled in him a comprehensive appreciation for the richness of artistic expression.

His career, self-taught and self-directed, is a testament to the broad palette of skills that innovation demands. Ivan's daily practices—including morning reflections, journaling, and maintaining an active online presence—demonstrate a disciplined approach to nurturing creativity. His engagement with the world around him, whether through walks in nature or studio explorations, allows for a dynamic interplay between his internal creative dialogue and the external environment.

Ivan's work, characterised by its exploration of landscapes and natural materials, bridges the gap between the artist and the environment, creating a tangible nexus through which the viewer can engage with the essence of place. The use of found objects and natural pigments not only reinforces this connection but also elevates the sensory experience of his art. His commitment to documenting the flow of a river to the sea, through changing seasons and weather, underscores a profound engagement with the passage of time and the transformation of the landscape.

Ivan's artistic achievements have not gone unrecognised. He has been featured in numerous publications, including Bold Journey Magazine and Art etcetera magazine, and received accolades such as the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service with Outside In. His solo and group exhibitions span a decade, showcasing a diverse and evolving body of work that reflects both personal growth and the shared human experience of connecting with the natural world.

As the creator of works that invite contemplation and discovery, Ivan Grieve continues to expand the boundaries of artistic practice. His dedication to exploring the nuance of creativity, coupled with a commitment to community and volunteerism, positions him as a distinctive voice in the contemporary art scene. His journey, marked by both achievement and introspection, serves as an inspiration for fellow artists and all those who engage with his work.

Awards, Media and Press

• Bold Journey Magazine feature Creativity and how to maintain it 2024
• Completion of ten week Creative Workshop Leadership course with the charity Outside In 2024
• “Syrinx” featured in the Salt Marsh Project 2023
• Art from Heart ~ Artists of the season Autumn 2023
• Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service with Outside In 2022
• Featured in Artetcetera Magazine August 2022
• Featured in quarterly magazine “Artists Responding To” issue 3 July 2022 
• Outside In Artist of the Month March 2022
• Sketch social artist of the month April 2022
• Art from Heart artist of the month June 2022
• Work appeared in online magazine Quarantzine  issues 1 to 4 Gaada Projects CIC 2020
• Work featured in Personaland (web-based global village for arts and culture) New York, 2020

Exhibitions

• 2023 The Great Sublime at Fox Yard studio, Stowmarket, U.K.
• 2022 Terra, Espacio Gallery, Bethnal Green, London. Group show.
• 2022 Artmill Gallery, Plymouth. Two group shows, Christmas show followed by a “small works” show.
• 2020 Friendship and Community, group show, Outside In. Curated by Frances Christie.
• 2014 Human Detritus. Solo exhibition, Birdwood, Totnes.
• 2012 Expressive Feedback. Joint exhibition, Crowcombe, Somerset
• 2012 Solo exhibition, Birdwood, Totnes
• 2010 Unframed. Solo exhibition, Birdwood, Totnes