My Muse | Kate Gillespie

Hi everyone, Olivia here to introduce this week’s My MUSE: the warm, stylish and inspiring Kate Gillespie.

For those who may not know you, can you tell us a little about yourself and the journey that has led you to your current role with Aotearoa Art Fair?

I live in Ponsonby, dangerously close to Muse, and I'm a mother to three boys. I have lived here for 25 years since I came back from London working in Investment Banking. When I came back I changed direction and started working in the clothing industry. My BA major was Art History, and I spent four years in London and travelling around Europe, the Middle East, and Eastern Europe where art galleries were my number one stop in every country I visited. 

When I returned to NZ I bought my first piece which was an Ans Westra photo. I then met my husband who also loved art which was very lucky! We then started visiting galleries together on the weekend and I got to know the gallerists and see familiar faces each time I went. I then attended the weekly Art Today classes at Te Tuhi which is a fantastic place to learn about art through a global lens. 

When a role came up at Aotearoa Art Fair to put together the Talks Programme I jumped at the chance. I then took on the role as VIP Relations manager. I have always loved the Aotearoa Art Fair. It showcases the best in contemporary art in an accessible setting where everyone is welcome. I encourage anyone to come to the fair, hopefully feel inspired by all the talented artists, and perhaps fall in love with an artwork. 

Art has clearly played a significant role in your life. What first sparked your love of collecting, and what advice would you give to someone looking to start their own collection? 

Art has played a significant role in my life ever since I took Art History in sixth form at school. I attended a small high school with limited subject choices, and because I wasn't drawn to science or mathematics, I gravitated towards the art subjects. It turned out to be one of the best decisions I ever made.

In those days, Art History focused largely on the Italian Renaissance and the French Impressionists. It completely opened my eyes to the idea that a painting could be far more than an image on a wall, it could be a portal into another person's world. I discovered that artworks could tell stories, challenge ideas and reveal something about the time and people who created them. That fascination has stayed with me ever since and naturally evolved into a love of collecting and travelling.

For anyone starting a collection, my advice is to start by going to Galleries and looking. The Auckland Art Gallery is a wonderful place to start. It's free, and we are incredibly fortunate to have world-class curators bringing together exceptional local and international exhibitions.

Then start visiting commercial galleries. People can feel nervous walking through the door, but there really is no wrong question to ask. Gallerists love talking about art. You can start with something as simple as, "Can you tell me about this exhibition and artist?”

The Aotearoa Art Fair is also a fantastic place to start, as there are over 60 galleries and something for everybody there. You can look around, meet the gallerists, and join their mailing list so you can see when they have new openings and shows that you can go to during the rest of the year.

Buy what you love but expect that over time your view may change and that is ok.

I would like to say don’t rush and that the most rewarding collections are built patiently, but unfortunately I haven’t taken that advice. Collecting art becomes additive.

You also dedicate your time to philanthropy through the Contemporary Benefactors Advisory Committee and your previous work with the Red Cross. Why is giving back something that's so important to you?

My parents both volunteered and gave a lot of their time to our local community while I was growing up and seeing the positive impact influenced me over the years. I used to deliver meals on wheels with my mum and in turn I did the same when my boys were babies. I would put them in the car and we would drive around delivering meals for the Red Cross. 

I was inspired by a talk I attended one year in Sydney by Chinese artist Ai Wei Wei and his advocacy and work with refugees. Through the Red Cross I trained to be a Refugee Resettlement volunteer and helped transition families arriving in NZ, teaching them our “kiwi” way of life. Simple things we take for granted like supermarket shopping, using an ATM machine, and jumping on a trampoline were all new experiences for them. 

I think giving your time is so rewarding and important because the personal connection you make with people has the most meaning and benefit. I have learnt more from the families I have worked with than they have from me. I think if everyone who could, gave a small portion of their time to volunteer to help others and start to see the world in their shoes, the world would be a better place. 

I'm also part of the Contemporary Benefactors Group, which supports the contemporary art programme at Auckland Art Gallery. Each year we commission artists to create new work, and seeing the impact that can have on an artist's career is incredibly rewarding. For anyone wanting to learn more about art it is a wonderful way to learn more about contemporary art and meet artists along the way.

How would you describe your personal style? Has it evolved over the years?

My style has definitely evolved. Madonna was probably my first big fashion influence, much to my mum's horror.

Fashion has always been part of my life. My Dad was in the clothing industry, so I grew up surrounded by clothes. My first real job was in his warehouse at 14 sorting thousands of kaftans, and over the years I worked in the warehouse, packed orders, worked in the retail stores and eventually became a clothing buyer, which was a dream job.

Back then I loved trends. There were only four collections a year, and every new season felt exciting with its new colours, fabrics and silhouettes.

More recently, Amy Smilovic from Tibi has been a huge influence. I heard her speak when she visited New Zealand with Muse and found her incredibly inspiring. She has such a clear point of view and has built her career by asking, "What do I believe?" rather than, "What is everyone else doing?" Staying true to that vision while keeping ownership of her brand is something I really admire. She has a style class every week on her website that I really enjoy watching.

These days my style is much more relaxed. Jeans, flats, and a great jacket are my everyday uniform. I also love a great dress, and for me it's hard to go past Victoria Beckham. Her designs are timeless and beautifully cut without trying too hard.

What are you currently loving? A gallery exhibition, an artist, a restaurant, a podcast, a book or a fashion find.

Imogen Taylor is one of my favourite painters, and her fantastic new exhibition currently on at Lett Thomas Gallery is well worth seeing.

Podcast-wise, I'm completely devoted to true crime. Ryan Wolf's “Guilt” is the one I wait for every week. Every season is brilliantly researched and told, and I can't recommend it highly enough.

My favourite most recent read was My Friends by Fredrik Backman. A deeply moving story of friendship and a painting, it was my perfect read.

What is currently on your MUSE wishlist?

The Harris Tapper Graff Jacket, Khaite shoes, and most things Tibi.

And finally, finish this sentence: A woman is most powerful when she…

uses her strengths to help others.