Kai Griffin:

Neila Verano • May 7, 2023

Beautiful Paradox

Kai Griffin creating art



If the law of opposites involves choosing an unorthodox path, then visual artist Kai Griffin’s work could serve as the definitive example. At least, this is one way to understand his creative process that results in colorful, explosive-like works. Kai, who graduated with a BFA from Winthrop University in 2022, defines himself as an elder millennial, a term he finds both humbling and humorous, especially being surrounded by classmates who are from an entirely different generation. “I see where the history, culture, and nuances of life from the 80’s and 90’s meet the millennium, and how people and technology have grown and evolved across the century line. I’ve also witnessed artistic processes and materials declared dead twice in my lifetime—and then return again,” Kai adds.


The fundamental basis for Kai’s work uses opposing paradigms and divergent materials, a vision that was birthed from his intensive curiosity for just about everything the world has to offer, along with a personal desire to do things his own way. Working in the beauty industry in tandem with the fitness and wellness industry, Kai’s interesting range of life experienc- es has afforded him a sense of risk-taking that has manifested in art that is all his own. Using tried and true materials and methods with innovative technology, his work borders on an unexpected outrageousness that is both strikingly beautiful and strangely intriguing. The end result offers a total collision of materials and genres that challenge the viewer to go beyond their understandings of how these materials are typically used. Even further, that juxtaposition offers an enchanting lure—an experience that is the bi-product of Kai’s use of such unexpected amalgamations of material. His chosen mediums, from wood and metal to resin and lucite, are manipulated using laser cutting and etching, CNC routers, and digital methods, producing ingenious, three-dimensional compositions.

Kai is clear that his intent is not to reinvent the wheel, but rather, do simple things really, really well. He notes, “I take, for example, the 600 year-old technique of one-point linear perspective and flip it on its head by utilizing modern materials and processes. Cast acrylic, CNC routers, and laser cutters were not around centuries ago; combining these with techniques from antiquity serves as my nod to the classical and a contribution to the contemporary. While I have an ‘almost’ obsessive need for technical precision and unparalleled quality, at the end of the day my works must be viscerally beautiful— sublime, if you will.”

It is with a rigorous, disciplined intensity that Kai creates, exploring binary couplings and opposing relationships between elements—light and shadow, translucency and opacity, 3 dimensional and 2 dimensional—and the list goes on. These contrasts ring true to the age-old adage that opposites really do attract.

April 18, 2025
Nantucket, with its misty harbors, salt-kissed breezes, and centuries-old charm, has always been a place where history whispers through every weathered shingle and cobblestone street. This spring, one of the island’s most beloved landmarks, the Veranda House, will once again welcome guests, rising from the ashes of a devastating 2022 fire that necessitated a complete rebuild. Set to reopen in spring 2025, the new Veranda House is a masterpiece of restoration and reinvention. Owned by Procaccianti Companies and managed by TPG Hotels & Resorts as part of the Nantucket Resort Collection, the rebuild was meticulously overseen in collaboration with the town and historic district commission to ensure that the property retained its original federal-style elegance while incorporating modern luxuries and state-of-the-art amenities. First built in 1684, the Veranda House has stood as a symbol of Nantucket’s rich maritime legacy, its wraparound porches offering a front-row seat to the island’s ever-changing seascape. The new design remains true to its original size, scale, and architectural character, seamlessly blending historic integrity with contemporary comforts. Guests will find spa-like ensuite baths in every room, featuring Carrara marble, custom fixtures, and sleek walk-in showers—a nod to modern indulgence without sacrificing classic charm. The 19 redesigned rooms, including the Grand Harborview King with its private balcony and fireplace, exude an intimate, serene luxury. Expanded outdoor gathering spaces now offer even more opportunities for guests to soak in the island’s ambiance, whether sipping coffee at sunrise or toasting the golden hour over Nantucket Harbor. “This reopening marks a significant mile- stone, not just for Veranda House, but for the entire Nantucket community. We are deeply thankful for the community’s unwavering support in bringing this iconic property back to life,” says Paul Hitselberger, EVP of Operations for TPG Hotels & Resorts. The Veranda House is not just a recon- struction—it’s a resurrection, a tribute to Nantucket’s ability to endure, evolve, and enchant. Its doors reopen as a beacon of timeless hospitality, welcoming travelers to a place where history is honored, and every detail—from the breezy verandas to the handcrafted interiors—tells a story. For those who love Nantucket, the Veranda House is a homecoming. Images courtesy of The Veranda House.
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