What inspired you to become an artist?
As cheesy as it sounds, I would have to say my High School art teacher. My older sister always went on about how much work art was a subject and that I should never do it. So I didn’t and soon realised what I was missing out on, but unfortunately couldn’t pick it up. When I moved schools in intermediate I decided to pick up art/painting, and had the most amazing teacher Mrs Purdy. She used to colour co-ordinate her outfits on the daily and she really influenced me.
What was the first piece of art that really mattered to you?
An artwork my Mum and Dad bought from a charity auction. I don’t know the artist but it was a painting of a beautiful wahine stepping out into the dark, with white and gold long hair blowing in the wind. But when you look at it she is actually bald and that white long hair is really the cloud behind her.
Another would be seeing my first John Pule at the City Gallery down in Wellington.
If you could live with only one piece of art what would it be?
John Reynolds painting I slyly took from my mums house when I moved out. It says “Something I prepared earlier.’
What is your favourite piece of art you own?
My Delftware tile painting.
What should change in the art industry in New Zealand?
The transition of people who are studying in the art industry to work after college. After studying arts it can be quite daunting. They teach you to be critical and don’t sell yourself out to corporations and become ‘main stream’ but ‘main stream’ seems to be where all the jobs are at.
What should stay the same?
Free wine at openings!
What could you imagine doing if you didn’t do what you do?
Being a chef. I find cooking an easy and accessible way to create and draw emotion from, just like art does.
What music are you listening to?
Anything my Spotify discover playlist tells me too.
What are you reading?
Emails at work...
Read about Brogan's upcoming exhibition, Materialised and view her available work.