WHO IS MARGOT MOLLER?
Margot Moller is a contemporary New Zealand artist who works in a number of genres, a favourite being still life. Of Croatian/Kiwi descent, Margot's frequent visits to Europe & her exploration of the great art galleries of the world have inspired her to interpret the great classic still lifes by masters such as Vermeer & Morandi in a contemporary manner, through exploration in the use of brush strokes to create movement in a still object, using oil on board.
After completing a Diploma in Visual Communications with a major in illustration, printmaking & photography, Auckland-based Margot has had a lengthy career in broadcast design, with long spells at TVNZ & Sky TV.
Margot uses her skills in graphics & a particular eye for detail, to bring a simplification & an intelligent structure to her still life paintings, so that what is at first glance a simple composition, reveals a greater depth & clarity when viewed for longer.
Her still lifes & portraiture have appeared in exhibitions throughout New Zealand & are held in collections in New Zealand & Australia.
WHAT DO YOU MAKE / WHAT IS YOUR ART PRACTICE?
My current art practice is painting still life, oil on board.
WHAT DOES A NORMAL DAY LOOK LIKE FOR YOU?
Walking around Western Park every morning with our mini schnauzer Freddie, is a typical start to the day for me. I then have a coffee or two & start work. Freddie's Instagram - @freddie.the.schnauzer
HOW DID IT ALL BEGIN - WHERE DOES THE PASSION FOR THE ARTS COME FROM?
I studied Visual Communications at Te Ara in Christchurch, back then there was a heavy emphasis on drawing. We had a life drawing class every Friday for 3 years. I majored in illustration, printmaking & photography, culminating in a long stint working as a broadcast designer in television. Painting was a natural progression for me, the rawness of the material is a contrast to the electronic environment I once worked in. 
WHERE DO YOU FIND INSPIRATION AS AN ARTIST?
I am lucky enough to have been to many great galleries of the world - the Louvre, Musee d’Orsay, the Van Gough Museum, the Leopold Museum in Vienna & more. Originally, I looked towards Morandi as inspiration with use of a soft palette & brush strokes. My style is morphing & changing as I develop.
WHAT ARE THE THEMES/IDEAS/INSPIRATIONS BEHIND YOUR ARTWORKS?
Light is of particular interest to me. Sometimes I paint outside in the harsh light to observe the shadow form. I paint using 4 base colours & mixing combinations of these to achieve the wanted result. Occasionally, I will use another colour, if I can’t achieve what I am looking for.
WHAT TYPE OF COFFEE DO YOU DRINK - LONG BLACK, FLAT WHITE?
Everyone knows, I can’t start the day without my 2 trim flat whites!
WHAT DO LOVE ABOUT WORKING & LIVING IN AOTEAROA (NEW ZEALAND)?
Growing up in the South Island, I looked out to the Southern Alps daily from our house. I love the open skies & beautiful vistas of the South, especially when travelling through the McKenzie country.
WHAT IS YOUR STUDIO/CREATIVE SPACE LIKE?
Living in the Auckland inner city means in my creative space is limited. I often paint in my kitchen, or outside, & pack up at the end of each day. It's time for a studio.
WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE YOUR LASTING IMPRESSION / LEGACY TO BE AS AN ARTIST?
My ability to capture the simple beauty of every day objects.
WHAT DREW YOU TO WORKING WITH THE POI ROOM?
The Poi Room is very supportive of their artists, giving time and multiple platforms to promote them. A lot of work goes on behind the scenes, to which I am very grateful.
