Melding art into a new home can be a fun and satisfying process says Clare Mora who shares some of her secrets for success.
Clare Mora, art advisor and TAP co-founder
Clare Mora was stuffing envelopes for pocket money at her aunt and uncle’s John Leech gallery in Remuera, Auckland when she first experienced the power of art. A Michael Smither painting of a stack of folded blankets caught her eye. “I was completely drawn into it – and into his wonderful use of colour and form. It transported me away,” she says.
That feeling, that art has the power to be transformative, has never altered. And that young girl, who was born in Wellington but spent her childhood in an industrial area of Germany amidst the creative, lively embrace of a theatrical family, has turned her love of art into a career.
Billy Apple (left) Johnny Romeo (right) and a Grace Wright artwork (background) that commands the gallery hallway, juxtaposing the art in the secondary hallway.
Clare, who studied spatial design in Frankfurt but returned to Aotearoa New Zealand to be closer to family, worked for a long time taking Hӧglund Art Glass to an international market. Afterwards, she set up Essenze, a concept store that promoted made-in-New Zealand artisan design, including the work of David Trubridge.
But, although she loved the products, she enjoyed the client interaction more – and working with clients to develop a long-term relationship in their journey around art was where her heart landed. Together with business partner Julie Green, Clare recently launched The Art Precinct, an online platform that allows the time poor, those who live remotely or who might be hesitant to go into galleries, a way to connect with art. She loves that the platform, through a series of questions developed by a behavioural psychologist, is helpful to those wanting to discover more about their own preferences and art identity. “Art really hooks on to your inner being and it reinforces a sense of connection to home and place,” Clare says.
Sophia’ by Sophia Minson.
For those who are building a new home and are faced with the daunting prospect of filling those expanses of wall, she has some advice. “If you can, ask for some guidance to help you get a different perspective on things,” she says.
Clare, who operates in the realm between art advisor and interior design, counsels never to buy art to “match the cushions” but, on the other hand, says that a loved piece of art that really speaks to you (be it painting or object) can be the catalyst for an interior scheme.
Her pet hate is wall lights in the middle of space where art could make a difference. “Wall sconces might seem like a good idea, but they can wreck the potential to bring personality to the blank canvas through art.”
Finally, for those who believe white walls are the ideal way to allow art to sing, break free. “If you visit the Auckland Art Gallery, you’ll see how they use colour to complement and enhance the art,” she says. Having a beautiful wall colour and an artwork that keys into it is a win-win. “Art has given me a feeling of belonging and identity. It’s the glue that sticks all parts of my life together.”
Michael McHugh (wall art), Peter Collis (objects on table) and Lukeke cast birds on wall.
ON MY RADAR...
The Red Thread: Nordic Design I love the pared-back design that relates to the simplicity of the Nordic lifestyle, the why of which is explained so well in this book. My aesthetic is different, but my values are similar.
Marlon Williams and Vivaldi’s Four Seasons
I have an obsession with both.
When it comes to podcasts I am currently doing a course on contemporary art by MOMA in New York. Love it. Also, sometimes, true crime in the style of investigative journalism.
The last film I watched was Dune II. I thought it was incredibly theatrical. I’m also watching Boy Swallows Universe mixed up with Bridgerton...because why not!?
My mantra is focus on the issues that represent your values; don’t get caught up in the small stuff.
I visit Los Angeles frequently for work. When I’m there you’ll find me at Hauser & Wirth Gallery in West Hollywood and the bookstore attached to it. Or Venice Beach – the skate park there is amazing, with some super-cool people just doing their thing. Or Erewhon in Beverly Hills – it’s the most overpriced but spectacular ‘supermarket/deli’ but good for people watching.