Bella Miller of 77 Art + Living in Fairlie discusses her philosophy on supporting local artists, and the reciprocal support found in small-town Aotearoa.

Tell us a little about your background and your gallery, 77 Art + Living.

Charlie and I are both from Perth in Western Australia. We married 32 years ago and shortly afterwards left for the UK to work and travel. Twenty years later, it was time to move back to the southern hemisphere, but still wanting some adventure, we decided on the South Island. We found our dream home in Fairlie in South Canterbury. An opportunity arose for a space in the centre of town so we decided to open an art gallery, with the vague idea of representing Charlie’s art work. We now represent more than 50 artists from around New Zealand, with an emphasis on South Canterbury and with a smattering of Australians. Last year we became New Zealand citizens!

Inside the gallery.

How do you decide who to represent?

We generally have a contemporary aesthetic – paintings, objects, glass, ceramics and jewellery. There’s no simple formula for choosing works. It has been a steep learning curve and I’ve had to learn to trust my instincts. So far they have served me and the artists we represent well.

Fairlie has a modest population. How much do you rely on the support of the locals? What about visitors?

We have enjoyed good local support from around South Canterbury and the Mackenzie, which has been hugely gratifying. I wanted to create a welcoming space – I am all too aware that galleries can often be intimidating. Domestic tourism has also been a boon. We now have clients from around New Zealand and Australia. Having an online presence really helps in that regard.

By the Lake acrylic on canvas by Tut Blumental.

Congratulations on five years of 77 Art + Living. What plans do you have?

Firstly, a party! We host a solo exhibition each January. Coming up is Rachel Ratten from Timaru, with a collection of works including painting, printmaking and textiles. This will be an exciting collection we’re looking forward to showcasing.

What is it that inspires you about living and working in your region?

South Canterbury has a unique charm.There’s an honest sense of community, which some may think is old fashioned. For us, that’s the beauty of small-town living and working – great people and innovative entrepreneurs.

Tell us about some new and up-and-coming artists you represent. Kim Arnold from Timaru works in watercolour on paper mixed with pen work and collage to create beautiful abstract pieces that convey emotion and movement. Sue Tennent moved to Fairlie from Brisbane and we were delighted to represent her (she’s also represented by The Artists Room in Dunedin). She works in oils on board, has a fascination with the uneasy history of colonisation and focuses on the flora and fauna early settlers brought with them from their places of origin. Kylie Matheson, a ceramic artist from Dunedin focuses on animals and birds, and the expression and movement in her pieces makes them very sought after.

A piece by Dunedin ceramic artist Kylie Matheson

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