The creator and owner of the art gallery {Suite} in the heart of Ponsonby.
When did your interest in art start? It really kicked off during university when I saw a few works at the Dunedin Art Gallery by Trevor Moffitt. They stopped me in my tracks and led me to investigate the artist further, which lead to my first acquisition: a 1974 work by Moffitt titled 'Thank God You're Home’.
Tell us about {Suite} Art Gallery.
{Suite} is my passion - I started out in 2007 after a career in law and aviation, not really knowing how to run a gallery, and am now the only person to have a gallery in Auckland and Wellington.
I manage the archive and copyright for New Zealand artist Ans Westra and represent 16 other artists including Jeffrey Harris, Wayne Youle, Tia Ansell, Richard Lewer, the Peter Peryer estate, Daniel Unverricht and Angela Singer. There's not a day goes by when I don't look forward to getting up to go to work.
What do you like most about Ponsonby?
I love the vibrancy and friendliness of Ponsonby. The gallery feels like it has been a great addition to the Ponsonby scene and it’s nice to think that we are contributing to the cultural fabric of the hood through our street front premise.
How have you survived the pandemic in your business?
Uumm, ask me again in two months time. I’ve been doing okay personally, and the gallery has been supported well online, which has been pleasing as so many livelihoods depend on the success we have with placing works.
What was your childhood like?
I grew up in Rotorua and had an interesting childhood. My dad and grandparents were lifetime residents of Rotorua so I couldn’t go far without my surname being recognised. Being in the centre of the North Island, Rotorua has good access to coastal Bay of Plenty, Auckland, and the central North Island (skiing). I enjoyed living in what was in those days a truly bi-cultural city, which has been invaluable in terms of the role that I play as manager of the Ans Westra archive.
Tell us what is the most Kiwi thing about you?
My capacity for fish and chips.
What do you most dislike about your appearance?
I’ve recently had to start wearing glasses and wish I didn’t have to.
What's a saying that you really disapprove of and would never use?
Half-ass attempts.
Your biggest disappointments?
My tennis backhand.
If you won a million dollars what is the first thing you would do?
Get a full-time tennis coach and yoga teacher.
So what really motivates you?
I don’t need much motivation to get cracking. I get really enthused when new artwork arrives at the gallery that I want to share with our peeps.
What do you think happens when we die?
I believe in some separation of body and spirit. I’d like to reconnect with my parents ‘up-there’ one day so they know what moi and my heirs have been up too.
What is your favorite time of the day?
I’m a morning person. I get a lot done before I leave the house.
Tell us about your dream home.
Something modern that’s dry, warm, efficient, has a view of the water, plenty of wall space, a spa pool and located near friends.
What is your most treasured possession?
My 1972 watch collection.
What is your greatest fear?
Sadly, dying.
Who is your favorite hero of fiction and why?
Henry Sugar. The wonderful story of Henry Sugar by Roald Dahl is one of my all time favourite yarns. Levitation and seeing through objects are two of my life goals.
What superpower do you wish you had?
To look into the future.
Which talent would you most like to have?
To be able to draw or paint.
What cliché do you most hate?
‘It is what it is’. Aarrgghh. I tear my hair out hearing that.
What gizmo can you simply not live without?
My iphone has annoyingly become a permanent fixture on me. I rely on it for everything and would be lost without it.
What is your favorite comfort food?
Cheese. Five years living in the Netherlands sampling some of Europe’s finest cheese ruined me.
If you could change one law or policy in New Zealand, what would it be?
I’d like to see an artist resale royalty scheme introduced in whereby artists receive a small percentage of upside when one of the works sells for a profit. (DAVID HARTNEL MNZM)
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