Sara Black

HOME’s new senior designer-stylist reflects on art-student days in Whanganui, and a recent art purchase.

You studied in Whanganui. What are your memories of it? Whanganui was an idyllic spot which allowed me to harness my creativity without the distractions of bigcity living. Residing in the picture-perfect Virginia House on Somme Parade, a 10-minute stroll led me to the Whanganui School of Design in the beautifully brutalist beast, Terrace House. Our farewell, aboard the iconic Waimarie Paddle Steamer on the Whanganui River, was the perfect ending to a magnificent three years.

What was the last piece of art you bought and why did you buy it? My latest (and first) piece of art was purchased mere months ago. And now, a circular painting by Australian artist Sandra Eterović, entitled ‘Wheel of Fortune’ hangs proudly in our open-plan living space. It’s an autobiographical statement exploring life’s idiosyncrasies and the polarising parallels between positive and negative. The narrative, naive-style typography and slightly odd colour palette do wonders for me.

What makes good design for you? Whether it’s graphic design or a piece of furniture, balance and proportion are key. I’m drawn to the more unconventional things in life and see beauty in everyday objects, from manholes to the bark of a eucalyptus tree. Simple pieces with endearingly eccentric elements resonate with me.