What do you do?

Owner and director of NZ Jewellery brand Jasmin Sparrow.

Why do you go to galleries?

I find it so inspiring. It’s a favourite thing to do both while travelling and while at home. It’s an opportunity to engage in thought provoking conversation, I often walk away having learned something new or feeling as though my perspectives have been challenged, in one way or another. I love an opportunity to glimpse inside the mind of an artist, and make an effort to attend gallery openings and artist talks, the creative mind is fascinating.

What is the first artwork that made an impact on you?

Thinking back, the first artist that I was enamoured with was Paul Gauguin. My mother loved his work and while we didn’t have any of his paintings, she had a book of his depictions of Tahitian women. I was drawn to the vibrant colours and found myself regularly immersed in the pages of that book during my childhood.

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

A Mark Rothko painting.

Tell us about a recent discovery.

I recently discovered Reece King’s work at Anna Miles Gallery, and I’m seriously considering purchasing a piece.

Why collect?

The pieces hanging in our home are weighted in stories of friendship and connection. We’re fortunate to be surrounded by a community of creatives – artists, sculptors, and gallery owners – many of our pieces come from or are created by friends, which feels really special. Our home serves as our sanctuary, where we love spending time and hosting friends. The art adorning our walls narrates the story of our lives, each piece evoking memories and narratives. For me, collecting art is an integral part of this journey.

Gift any work of art to your local museum – what would it be?

The two favourite pieces in my collection, a veil by Jade Townsend and Forever Love by Jaime Jenkins – both dear friends whose work I feel so honoured to own. Both are sculptural pieces that captivate and draw you in. I love how they command attention and presence when displayed on a wall.

Why choose My ART?

I think it’s a wonderful initiative, making art accessible to those who may not be able to purchase it outright, or as a way to justify adding larger works to a collection.

It’s crucial to continue collecting and supporting artists, especially in today’s economy, and MyArt provides a tool to do so without financial strain.