kristin+newton

Kristin is a highly accomplished artist, her preferred medium being glass in which she has fulfilled many commissions for major institutions in both the public and business sectors. She was an early graduate of Betty Edwards’ influential art classes(Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain) with whom she studied for 12 years. Since that time she has maintained a consistent arts-based learning practice taking activities into companies throughout Asia from her base in Tokyo. Working from ‘salaryman’ to executive level she has established long term associations with organisations such as AIG, Fuji Electric, SAP, Ogilvy & Mather, Shinsei Bank,  British Airway, Tokyo Electric and Ogilvy & Mather. She is one of the unsung heroes of the arts based facilitation community and has many plaudits from the business community for her use of drawing as a transformational tool.  “Kristin converted us from a bunch of non-believers into confident artists in 5 days, and at the same time covering topics such as problem solving techniques, better team working, and the acquisition of more acute observational skills. There were so many key take-aways.” (Gordon Watson. CEO AIG Asia)  She is also deeply committed to work with children and is a regular contributor to the programme of the Right Brain Research Centre in Tokyo.  My first collaboration with Kristin came in a creativity project for Unilever brand executives in Tokyo. This particular multi-dimensional project ranging through visual art, music creation, and ‘hair styling’, and she brought her own unique methodology and expertise to the project forming an instant bridge between the arts and business worlds. It inspired the participants to the extent that many became her private students.  As a practicing artist of some stature who makes significant contributions to the business community across a broad multi-cultural front I feel that Kristin has much to bring to AACORN.  Michael 