WHAT DRAWS/ENTICES YOU TO THE POI ROOM?
Easy – MJ & Clayton!!!! I have fallen in love with the Poi Room over 12 years ago. It has THE MOST WONDERFUL collection of New Zealand Art. The mix & selection is pure magic. Every time I walk in I feel at happy & at home.
Above Image: A collection of some of my favourite Alex Sands taonga (I have 12 of his pieces now..) and my Aaron Scythe piece – I have a black cat called Pearljam (all my animals are named after bands or musicians, Pearljam, Billy Idol, Freddie Mercury and Blondie) so that piece reasonated with me. And then my Brett Rangitaawa bronze Huia feather and my David Beamish NZ forces signet ring
CAN YOU RECALL THE FIRST EVER PIECE OF AOTEAROA ART YOU BROUGHT FROM THE POI ROOM?
I think it may have been Lester’s Wahine! Also, I think a gorgeous black Jade Brian Adam ring I still wear & adore.
WHO IS YOUR FAVOURITE ARTIST THAT WE REPRESENT AT THE POI ROOM?
That’s not fair – don’t make me choose! Alex Sands I cannot resist & I am a pretty serious collector of Melissa Young’s work too.
Above Image: Precious Vessel by Penny Stotter, my adored Lester Hall Wahine, two Lukeke glass birds another piece by Brett, my Black Huia Feather & my gorgeous boy, Mr Billy Idol
WHY IS SUPPORTING LOCAL IMPORTANT TO YOU?
I am originally from Germany & moved to New Zealand 22 years ago to go to law school & I have never looked back. I fiercely love Aotearoa & its art, in particular the indigenous art & artists!
HAVE YOU FORMED ANY FOND MEMORIES WHEN WITH OUR GALLERIES?
Many! Again – MJ & Clayton & all the wonderful whanau of The Poi Room. The last 2 years have been really challenging for all of us (& me personally on many fronts, including losing my father) & seeing MJ for the first time after the last big Auckland lock down was such a highlight! I also had a wonderful encounter with Clayton on Christmas Eve in Ponsonby last year. They are both two bloody wonderful humans!!
I love coming in with my puppies Freddie, Mercury & Blondie & my Godmonster, Lily (for whom I recently purchased her first Pounamu taonga – & she said to me: I never want to take this off – I will wear it until I die).
He aha te mea nui o te ao? He tangata, he tangata, he tangata
Above Image: My treasured whale bone Hei Tiki by Alex again. I always feel powerful & protected when I wear him! My beautiful Dominic Burrell Candlestick & two of my treasured Melissa Young pieces
WHAT IS CURRENTLY ON THE WISHLIST FROM THE POI ROOM?
I knocked A LOT off the list over the last 18 months! But I do looove the bright pink 'Welcome' Road Sign by Aimee Gruar!! Oh, & the Auckland Large Green Spitfire Resin Plane by Michele Bryant that has a map of Auckland carved into it.
Above Image: One of my key pieces, Paula Coulthard flag, showing Rangitoto – I just adore the colour. This has been my Zoom background for the last 3 years!
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