Art, Place & Creating Something Authentic: Featured in Transit Magazine

In July, I was very fortunate to recently be invited to feature in the New Zealand edition of Transit Magazine, a Japanese travel and culture publication known for its beautiful photography, thoughtful journalism and immersive stories from around the world.

For this edition, Transit explored Ōtautahi Christchurch - and Ashe was featured as part of that story.

A Story About Art, Place & Finding Home

The interview gave me the opportunity to reflect on how I came to settle in Christchurch, and ultimately, how Ashe came to be.

For me, opening an art gallery was never simply about creating somewhere to sell artwork. It was about creating a space that felt authentic to the city I had chosen to call home.

Christchurch has such an interesting creative community. There are artists, makers, designers, architects, builders, cafes, independent retailers and people quietly creating really thoughtful things throughout the city.

I wanted Ashe to be part of that.

A place where you can discover art in Christchurch, meet local artists, find something unexpected, or simply come in for a look around.

"Anyone Can Easily Drop In and Be Inspired"

There was one line from the Transit feature that particularly resonated with me:

"The unpretentious location, nestled between cafes and vintage clothing stores, was perfect for her vision that 'anyone can easily drop in and be inspired'."

That is exactly what I hope Ashe feels like.

No pressure. Relaxed. Welcoming. Curious.

You don't need to know anything about contemporary art before walking through the door. You don't need to be looking for something to buy.

You might discover an artist you've never encountered before. You might find a piece you absolutely love.

Or you might see something that isn't for you at all.

I'm happy with all of those outcomes.

Because getting people in front of the work is important. It's how we create conversation, curiosity and appreciation for the artists behind it.

And if you happen to fall in love with a piece along the way - which won't be too difficult - that's an added bonus.

Supporting the People Who Make Christchurch Creative

A big part of what I want Ashe to contribute to is the wider creative community here in Ōtautahi.

I feel incredibly fortunate to work with a roster of New Zealand artists and makers and to share their work with an audience here in Christchurch.

Supporting local isn't simply about buying local.

It's about creating opportunities for artists to continue their creative practice. It's about introducing people to artists they may never have encountered otherwise. And it's about building a community around art that extends beyond the walls of a gallery.

For me, that's what makes an art gallery in Christchurch feel meaningful.

It's not just the artwork on the walls. It's the conversations, relationships, stories and people that surround it.

A Small Part of Christchurch's Art City Story

Christchurch continues to evolve as a creative city, and I'm excited about the role Ashe can play within that.

I'm interested in creating something that feels genuinely connected to Christchurch - not trying to replicate what a gallery should look like elsewhere, but building something that feels right for this city and the people who live here.

A place to discover contemporary New Zealand art.

A place to support local artists.

A place to find something beautiful for your home.

A place to have a conversation.

Or simply a place to pop in while you're walking between a coffee and a browse through the neighbourhood.

That's the kind of gallery I want Ashe to be.

Thank You, Transit

A huge thank you to the Transit Magazine team for taking the time to explore Christchurch and for including Ashe and my story in this edition.

It was a wonderful opportunity to reflect on why I started Ashe, what this city means to me, and what I hope to create here.

If you're visiting Ōtautahi, or you've lived here for years, come and say hello.

Have a look around.

Ask me about the artists.

Tell me what you love - or don't love.

And if you find something that speaks to you, even better.

Ashe is here to be explored.