It takes a great amount of skill to change the way we interact with our environment in an enjoyable and memorable way. This is the area of expertise for light artist Angus Muir and darkness his palette. An ‘architect of objects, spaces and experiences’, a fitting byline with his background in architecture, Muir founded award-winning studio Angus Muir Design in 2014 and today works with a core team of three, plus contractors and collaborators, to create some of the most incredible light-focused installations in New Zealand and abroad. Highlights (literally) include Auckland’s Bright Nights down in the Viaduct, and a once-in-a-lifetime trip to the Jerusalem Festival of Lights where the team set up artwork in the Old City, tacking on a mission to the Dead Sea afterwards. “When we travel to a new place, we try and take something out into the wild, for a cool installation,” says Muir, who sat down to illuminate some of his inspirations for us.
My personal style is defined by: Yoga shorts / flannel shirts / bright socks. Rural activewear?
An unforgettable place I visited was: Iceland. I was lucky enough to do some work in Europe earlier this year and spent a week there. The four hours of daylight mixed with snow storms and incredible landscape was simply amazing. A perfect backdrop for some lights.
Angus Muir in Iceland
Next place I’d like to travel to: Back to the Island of Ishigaki in Japan. The perfect mix of Japanese culture in a tropical island setting.
An object I would never part with is: Honestly – I am an object person. I’ve got five metres of Lundia shelving loaded with objects from various travels so it would be too hard to narrow it down. I love bright colours and usually geometric shapes. Circles mostly.
The one artist whose work I would collect is:Helle Mardahl. I recently discovered her work — the colours and shapes are fantastic. Most artists I follow work on a scale that isn’t very collectable.
Helle Mardahl
On my wish list is: Big gatherings of people, light festivals and international travel.
My favourite app is: Camera or Instagram.
An indulgence I would never forgo is: Coffee. I love a good hit multiple times a day.
A person who inspires me is:James Turrell. His use of light and space in the most simple ways is so mystifying and ingenious. I have been lucky to experience a number of his large works in person.
Bridget’s Bardo, by James Turrell
If I had to limit my shopping to one neighbourhood in one city it would be: I am yet to find a suburb with a Bunnings, Lululemon, coffee, and a good sneaker shop all within walking distance.
I can’t miss an episode of: I’ve developed a love of Scandi-Noir TV. I think the subtitles allow me to fully engage and focus. No multi-tasking.
In my fridge you’ll always find: Sparkling water and Kewpie Mayo.
My favourite room in my house is: Our deck, a lovely sunny spot in our apartment.
Casefile
The podcasts I listen to are: Casefile. Can’t get enough.
I recently discovered: Wang Mart which is a Korean Supermarket. All the hard to find ingredients under one roof.
The people I rely on for my wellbeing are: My girlfriend Liz and our two Burmese cats.
My favourite website is: Pinterest. Simple answer – but I love going down the rabbit hole on there.
The grooming product I can’t live without is:Ecostore Manuka Honey soap. Love it. I take it everywhere and have three boxes at home in case they stop producing it.
Music I’m currently listening to: Anything with a good beat, not too many words, preferably in another language. Psychemagik, Shinichiro Yokota, HNNY.
Psychemagik
If I wasn’t doing what I am, I would be: Working backstage in a theatre.
I have a collection of: Pencil cases, socks, craft knives and sneakers.
Devyn Ormsby will change the way you look at fruit, and the way you think about the malleability of glass. Originally from Tauranga, Ormsby graduated from Auckland’s Elam School of Fine Arts in 2015 and developed her glass fruit series through experimenting on the side of her post-university job, which was making glass birds. The series, created under the moniker Devon Made Glass, is a pleasing burst of colour to the eye, an interesting intersection of transparency and solidity. Through the series, Ormsby pays homage to the blown glass fruit-makers and collectors of the 1960’s, and unlike their edible counterparts, these fruit ornaments won’t be affected by the passage of time. While the objects she makes are inspiring to many, the artist took a moment to share what she herself is interested in.
Devon Made Glass
My personal style can be defined by: Style is so subjective, it seems easier to define other peoples style rather than your own. But I guess it would be simple and pared back. It is dictated a lot by what mood I am in. Some days I will feel like having lots of colours and patterns around and others just neutral tones or fully black. I love colour but also appreciate the calmness of plain.
The last thing I bought and loved was: I just bought a wet belt sander for my studio, which is coming in from the US. I haven’t yet received it but it is going to make my life a lot easier. I am so excited for it to arrive.
Next place I’d like to go to: I had planned to go to Mexico this year with my partner. But we will see if that is still a possibility. Otherwise more than happy to explore New Zealand. We might do a road trip around the South Island instead.
Vietnam
An unforgettable place I visited was: I visited Vietnam a couple of years back and went to this abandoned water park. It was in the middle of nowhere and you had to bribe a guard to let you in. Once in you can scooter around the whole park. There are all these overgrown pathways, sculptures, abandoned pools and stadiums. Then in the middle of the park is this huge dried up lake with a building in the shape of a dragon just sitting there. It felt so surreal, like Jurassic Park vibes.
An object I would never part with is: My parents gifted me a Waka Huia. It is very special to me and I will pass onto my future children one day.
On my wish list is: More practical things like studio equipment, a grinder, diamond pads, shelving, more glass etc. Oh and a new mattress too. Need good sleep.
Yinka Ilori
The design (building, person, item) that inspires me is: I recently came across multi-disciplinary artist Yinka Ilori. I find his work very inspiring and refreshing. I read a description of his work that really stuck with me, which was “There’s a great honesty and integrity in his approach and a real belief in the ability of good design and colour to uplift a place and uplift people”.
The last thing I added to my wardrobe was: I just bought a second hand jumper from Real Time Ponsonby. It is so warm and perfect for this winter.
My favourite app is: Love/Hate Instagram. Are there any new apps coming out?
An indulgence I would never forgo is: Spending a whole day hungover in bed, lol.
Tara Westover
The best book I’ve read in the last year is:Educated by Tara Westover. I also grew up Mormon and so many things in the book struck chords with me. Also a super interesting read with the Mormon parts aside.
If I had to limit my shopping to one neighbourhood in one city it would be: I haven’t been there, but I am willing to risk it in Seoul. I heard second-hand shopping is amazing, plus it’s huge and I have been watching the street food vendor videos on YouTube.
My style icon is: My friend who is such a babe, just launched her vintage collection on Instagram @cotton_weeds.
I can’t miss an episode of: I feel up to date with TV series’ at the moment. But I did watch the Normal People series in two days. It’s based on the book by Sally Rooney.
In my fridge you’ll always find: Pickles and defrosting raw cat food.
Selera
The last meal out I had that truly impressed me was:Selera in Newmarket. The Laksa…. Sooo good!
The people I rely on for my well being are: My family. I have so many of them to choose from that I can message or call. My grandparents, Mum and Dad, four sisters and one brother, plus their partners and a couple of nieces and a nephew. I am very lucky.
My favourite website is: At the moment I have been into the Dezeen website. They always have new articles about leading designs and spaces.
The one artist whose work I would collect is (if price is not an issue): Nikau Hindin. So obsessed with her work.
The beauty/ grooming product I can’t live without is: My friend got me a Tangle Teezer hair brush for my birthday and I love it so much.
Devyn’s treasured Waka Huia
The best gift I ever received was: My Waka Huia from my parents.
Music I’m currently listening to: I have a random selection of liked Spotify songs I play on repeat at the moment. I have actually bashed them a bit much and am about to get to the sick-of-them stage. But top 4 songs: Believe by Cher Knowing me, Knowing you – Triple J Like a version by Angie McMahon Girls on the TV by Laura Jean An Apology by Future Islands
If I wasn’t doing what I am, I would be: Learning Te Reo Māori. This is still a goal of mine to do in the next few years.
I have a collection of: Glass, wood and ceramic sculptures.
A great piece of advice I’ve received: If you always do what you have always done, you will always get what you have always got.
Sort the winter weekend trifecta of sofa, movies and popcorn with this deliciously good recipe that’s dairy, gluten and refined sugar free. This is caramel popcorn recipe by our friends at Chantal Organics is a winner.
Ingredients: Popcorn 1/3 cup Chantal Organics Popcorn 3 Tbsp Chantal Organics Coconut Oil Peanut Butter Caramel 4 Tbsp Chantal Organics Smooth Peanut Butter 4 Tbsp pure maple syrup, honey or rice syrup 2 Tbsp Chantal Organics Coconut Oil 2 tsp Chantal Organics Ground Cinnamon 1 tsp Chantal Naturals Sea Salt FineFollow the instructions on the back of the Chantal Organics popcorn packet to pop 1/3 cup popcorn in 3 Tbsp coconut oil. Transfer the popped corn to a large mixing bowl.
Method: 1. Preheat the oven to 180ºC fan bake and line 2 baking trays. 2. Place all the caramel ingredients into a small pan and stir over low heat until melted. 3. Pour the caramel sauce over the popcorn and use a spatula to fold it through. 4. Spread the caramel-coated corn over the two baking trays and place into the oven for 5 to 10 minutes, or until the caramel starts to bubble and turns golden. 5. Remove the caramel corn from the oven and allow to cool – the caramel will harden as it cools. 6. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
Many know Mimi Gilmour Buckley as the powerhouse hospitality name behind Burger Burger. Her entrepreneurial spirit has seen a new breed of casual dining emerge with more than half a million diners known to pass through her doors each year, and with the sixth Burger Burger having recently taken up residence in Commercial Bay’s new shopping precinct, Gilmour is certainly not resting on her laurels. An inspiration to many, the restaurateur and CEO takes a moment out of her hectic schedule to share what, in turn, inspires her.
My personal style can be defined by: Classic & comfortable. I have a hideous weak spot for anything cashmere and if I need to jazz myself up I love a fab earring and a classic heel.
The last thing I bought and loved was: My new Yu Mei ‘Rebecca’ bag in Seaweed. Jessie from Yu Mei has just open her first Auckland store in Commercial Bay & I must have walked passed and looked at the bags 10 times before I thought “F**k it, I totally deserve to celebrate our recent wins and support local!” I love that she’s an ambitious bizzo gal with global dreams. I’m 100% behind that.
Positano
An unforgettable place I visited was: Positano – I went to one of my best friend’s weddings with my husband, Stephen. It was a three-day dream filled with Aperol Spritzes and floral dresses. Everyone was chic and floaty and Italian and fabulous.
An object I would never part with is: I have a cabinet in my living room which I call my treasure chest. It’s filled with all my favourite things – items I’ve collected while travelling, photos of my favourite people and special pieces like my Grandfather’s pounamu.
The last thing I added to my wardrobe was: The ‘Felix’ dress from Marle. I have it in both colours. A good 80% of my wardrobe is Marle – I’m a sucker for a clever woman doing what she loves and my friend Juliet, who started Marle, is just that. She makes beautiful, effortless clothes for real women.
The design (building, person, item) that inspires me is: I’m really inspired by Commercial Bay, where we just opened our sixth Burger Burger. The people behind Commercial Bay really believe in Auckland and have an awesome vision for the future of our city. I’m into it.
Jessica McCormack
On my wish list is: Anything Jessica McCormack… Dreams are free (as are hints… I hope my husband reads this!).
I’m also very inspired by my clever friends. My dream is to have a house designed by Bureaux which is run by two of my best friends, Maggie Carrol and Jessica Walker, and then have a second building on the property (LOL ‘on the property’ – big dreams around here!) designed by another best friend, Nat Cheshire. That building would be a creative studio for moi and a gym for Stevo.
My favourite app is: Instagram. I’m a visual person and Instagram is my opportunity to escape into the world of possibility. I’ve also recently become obsessed with Co-Star, an app that gives you realtime horoscopes.
An indulgence I would never forgo is: Facials with Kate at Skinography. I truly believe she has magic hands. A facial with her is the greatest stress relief on the planet, emotionally and physically. I always feel like a new woman afterward.
Eagles Nest
Next place I’d like to go to: I’d love to go to an indulgent Kiwi lodge like The Farm at Cape Kidnappers or Eagle’s Nest in the Bay of Islands for a well-deserved weekend away… The last date my husband and I had was in Positano three years ago!
If I had to limit my shopping to one neighbourhood in one city it would be: Ponsonby, because it’s my village, or SoHo in New York.
My style icon is: Jessica McCormack – She has an effortlessly chic style that I adore all whilst being the mother to three small boys, championing NZ wherever she can and humbly creating and nurturing an insanely fabulous jewellery business. Doesn’t get much sexier than that!
The best book I’ve read in the last year is: Maybe not surprisingly, it’s a cookbook – ‘A Modern Way to Cook’ by Anna Jones. Although I’m not a vegetarian her books are. She writes beautifully and her food is simple and soul-nourishingly delicious. Her one pot tomato pasta will change your life.
I can’t miss an episode of: I’m not a huge TV watcher, but I’ve just discovered Lenox Hill, a Netflix series about a New York hospital. I also really like watching Restaurants On The Edge, though I’m quite impatient so normally I fast forward to the end to see how they fix them!
How To Fail With Elizabeth Day
The podcasts I listen to are: I don’t really have enough time or brain capacity at the moment to indulge in too many podcasts but I do really enjoy How I Built This & How to Fail to remind myself that where there is a will, and a lot of resilience, there is a way!
In my fridge you’ll always find: Champagne, Parmigiano Reggiano and Lewis Road Creamery Butter.
My favourite room in my house is: My open plan living room/dining room/kitchen. It’s the place where I get to cook and eat and be with my friends and family.
I recently discovered: Siri’s many hidden talents. She’s slowly teaching me how to be her friend and I think she might just make my life a little bit more efficient which is an everlasting endeavour!
The people I rely on for my well being are: My family and my friends. When I need cuddles, there’s no one I want them more from than my husband and children.
My favourite website is: The New York Times and The Guardian.
A gadget I can’t do without is: I acquired a Thermomix to help me make Olympias purees… During lockdown I really through myself into it getting up close & personal with it and gal… You can cook almost ANYTHING in it! Equally important in our house is the humble microplane. No kitchen should be without one. I have four.
Donna Huanca
The one artist whose work I would collect is (if price is not an issue): I have always and will always love Ralph Hotere. I’ve also recently become obsessed with an American artist called Donna Huanca. Quite different but both deeply emotional.
The last meal out I had that truly impressed me was: Ponsonby Road Bistro. I love consistency and Blair and the team knock it out of the park. Every. Single. Time. Also, love the cool kids at Lilian… That Tuatua pizza!
The best gift I ever received was: The opportunity to grow my very own family. I will never be as grateful for anything as I am for our girls, Olympia and Octavia, and the many lessons I have learnt along by becoming their mother.
The beauty/ grooming product I can’t live without is: Apart from my facials I’m a pretty low maintenance gal when it comes to skincare however I am yet to find myself the perfect skincare regime…watch this space though because I have an idea brewing!
Finneas
Music I’m currently listening to: FINNEAS, Billie Eilish’s brother. I don’t know who got me on to him but I’m glad they did in time for this question!
If I wasn’t doing what I am, I would be: I’m not big on limits – if I want to do something, I’ll give it a go…As evidenced by the new adventure I’m starting soon, which is in a space that’s quite different to the food & hospo world. I know that I’m my best when I am learning, growing and evolving so being a little uncomfortable is so good for me!
I have a collection of: Earrings! I told you I can’t go past a jazzy pair.
A great piece of advice I’ve received: If you don’t ask, you don’t get. Also this; The future doesn’t belong to the fainthearted; it belongs to the brave — (Ronald Reagan)
The effect of an impeccably-designed sofa on an interior is not to be underestimated. Such a central piece deserves to have a good amount of thought behind it; after all, it’s where we put our feet up after a long day, watch our favourite show, read a book or — perhaps more often than we care to admit — have a cosy catnap. Functionality and exquisite craftsmanship are both front and centre within this selection of sofas and, importantly, they’re easy on the eye.
Meal prep just got better with game-changing dairy company Lewis Road Creamery’s original New Zealand yoghurt range. While we’re all familiar with Greek yoghurt, and some of us may have sampled the Icelandic variety, Lewis Road Creamery New Zealand Yoghurt is a pioneering and proudly 100 per cent Aotearoa formulation.
If you’re wondering what this means, it’s that the finest base ingredients are used to create the ultra creamy recipe — a result of being cloth-strained and naturally fermented over three days rather than mechanically processed —and all-local ingredients including New Zealand grass-fed dairy.
It’s also the first dairy yoghurt on our shores to be sustainably packaged in glass, which works towards the brand’s promise to make 100% of its packaging either recyclable, reusable or compostable by 2025.
With four delicious flavours on offer so far: natural; honey-sweetened; boysenberry with a hint of rose; and lemon and juniper, Lewis Road Creamery New Zealand Yoghurt is bound to become a firm fridge favourite.
For more exclusive access to what the city has to offer, engaging content, excellent imagery and thought provoking commentary on the life that surrounds you, subscribe to Denizen magazine now.
