Ingrid & Gary

I met Ingrid in 1993 at a linguistics residential school in Armidale New South Wales - it was love at first sight... 

A few weeks ago, almost 20 years after we met, I took the opportunity to visit her and her partner Gary in their current abode in Wellington New Zealand while the gallery was shut for its annual break

Being my second visit to Wellington I was happy to spend as much time as possible in their new home which architect Gary is designing and building himself, rather than try to see all the sites. The house is somewhat of a miracle - extraordinary in its ingenious plywood simplicity and honesty, way up high on a hilltop in windy Wellington, and overlooking the harbour and suburb of Petone. Discussing the house with Gary and Ingrid, I got the sense that the house was unfolding around them

I found this way of building and making a home extremely appealing...  And of course I couldn't resist the opportunity of taking some snaps for Art Squirrel

For the decade or so they lived in Sydney's Elizabeth Bay in their much cherished Seidler apartment, they acquired a few artworks...

A purpose built lounging platform, perfect for watching TV from or listening to music, is flanked by a painting by Sydney artist Stuart Watters

Ingrid's desk and day bed make a perfect home for a painting by the late Sydney artist Elwyn Lynn

In the hallway a glass & metal wall piece by Cypriot artist Helen Black called for a wall to be made especially for it 

Another painting by Elwyn Lynn in the cavernous yet light filled bedroom, obviously to Sputnik the devon rex's liking

Happy family featuring rocket-fuelled Baguette the dog - on one of the many outdoor areas with views of the harbour and local area

Gary at his desk

And of course I had to take Tim with me - he does make the most delicious margaritas

Another outdoor area, perfect for daydreaming while taking in the view of the town and harbour, as well as the perfectly distanced sound of trains and factories

The most comfortable seat in the house, on the patio