B.

I’ve been involved in supporting Christchurch Art Gallery for few years now. The Gallery is special to me because it is such a fantastic place. We’ve all wanted to band together, support it and help it get back on its feet following the earthquakes..

Art makes me think. It makes me happy and enriches my life. It stretches my brain to enable me to understand more or to enjoy art.

I’ve loved art as long I can remember. Growing up, my home was full of art and ever since it’s always been a part of my life. My favourite piece is Chapman’s Homer, especially because the whole city got behind the campaign to buy it for our city. I joined the Foundation board in February 2015 and love the work the Foundation is involved in. I was a part of the group that visited London in July and saw Bridget Riley’s work. The trip was life-changing and I absolutely can’t wait to see what she decides to do for Christchurch.

My love of art started at high school when visiting the Robert McDougall Art Gallery. I attended art classes there and tried unsuccessfully to discover any latent talent! I joined the Foundation board in 2008 and enjoy what it brings to the city. My all-time favourite artwork is Mountain Stream, Otira Gorge by van der Velden. It is bleak and powerful.

Art is a very important medium that captures moments both in time and expression, I have a piece from a local artist that was commissioned in 2005 of Banks Peninsula and now its meaning has more significance post-earthquakes.

The new Christchurch will be a bright, modern environment with cutting architecture, brilliant landscape design and functional spaces. However we are also steeped in rich history and Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū will be the vehicle to capture all these aspects of our heritage.