Are you a gallerist or an art dealer?

Gallerist

Why did you open your gallery?

We’d had our advertising agency for over twenty years and it was time for a change, but we wanted to stay in a creative field. We lived locally in St Heliers and it felt like the right time for us and the village felt like the right place as there hadn’t been a long term gallery here for about 25 years.

If you could own any work of art, what would it be?

I have always hankered for an original Nigel Brown ever since being introduced to him by my high school art teacher. I’d also love a large David Bromley painting or one of his bronze sculptures. Every time I go to Melbourne I tease myself with visits to his gallery.

Identify a common misconception about collecting, and help us set the record straight?

That it has to be a piece that will gain in value first and foremost.

For us, the most important factor is that you love it. That every time you walk passed the artwork or sit and take it in, you are thrilled you bought it. That it makes you happy you invested in it. For us, an increase in value is the icing on the cake. Life is too short to be sharing a space with artwork that you don’t simply adore.

What was the last work of art you bought?

A small Michelle McIver piece from our “Turua Tiny Show” at the end of last year. She is a master at capturing water in her own unique way and I had always wanted a piece of hers and as soon as I spotted this, I knew exactly where I wanted to hang it at home.

What should change?

That people feel like they need to “know” about art to venture into an art gallery. Take the first step forward into a gallery – you won’t regret it.

What should stay the same?

That people keep buying art – it adds such a wonderful dimension to a space that nothing else can.

Why collect?

Artwork adds a layer of who you are to your home, bach or workspace. The best collections are those made over years, with changing tastes, small works found on travels, pieces bought to celebrate significant events, or just because you walked into a gallery and loved it. I love then, that these pieces stay in families and become part of your history and story that is passed along to those we love.

What is art for?

I think this is different for everyone. I feel it depends on the style of work or the subject matter. Landscapes for example, we find are almost exclusively purchased because they remind people of a special time and place. Many people purchase artwork as part of the process of creating a home that feels like them. Obviously, it can be the most beautiful investment as well.

What are you reading/watching/listening to?

Watching a limited edition series on Netflix “Adolescense”. Chilling, I am only ½ way through as I write this, but so pleased I knew before I started that each episode was shot in one take, it is fascinating seeing how they managed that.

Why My ART?

We have been big fans of MyArt since we were first were introduced to it. We love that time and again it has given art buyers the opportunity to purchase the piece they really love. We have also seen that our younger clients have been given the opportunity to collect original art earlier than they usually would have, because of the ability to pay over time, while enjoying the art piece they love hanging in their home.