Are you a gallerist or an art dealer?
I’d say I’m a gallerist – I work in the primary market, supporting contemporary artists in their careers.
Why did you open your gallery?
Sanderson is over twenty years old and I was fortunate to be given the opportunity to purchase the gallery when I was working as the manager in 2023. I was attracted to working for the gallery because I loved its stable. I also like that the gallery has always been female led and that it supports emerging artists as well as more senior artists practising in Aotearoa.
If you could own any work of art, what would it be?
I’d love to own a work of art by each of Sanderson’s artists and I’m slowly working through that list. I’ve also been eyeing up Yvonne Todd’s bride series.
Share a memory of working with an artist
There are too many to recount but my experience of working with Wi Taepa and Simon Kaan in recent years has been a special experience. They have taught me things from Te ao Māori that have changed the way I view the world.
What was the last work of art you bought?
I just purchased a glorious pair of feet by Josephine Cachemaille.
What should change?
Human greed.
What should stay the same?
Love and compassion.
Why collect?
I think art feeds the soul. It can challenge us and bring us joy, daily.
What is art for?
I believe art is a form of communication. It can speak to us in ways that no other platform can.
What are you listening to or reading?
I’m currently listening to the BBC podcast In Our Time, which is a philosophy podcast. Currently listening to the episode about Socrates at the end of his life, which is rather fascinating. And I’m reading the book Funny Weather: Art in an Emergency by Olivia Laing. It was published in 2020 but I think it’s still a rather pertinent read now.
Why choose My ART?
I think My ART is a wonderful initiative for people who may not have a heap of cash available in the bank but would love to own a great piece of art. I think it’s a great way to support people collecting and the industry as a whole.