Enyth Good is no stranger to good art.
An art lover herself, living in a retirement village named after New Zealand artist Grace Joel, seemed like a perfect fit.
A former Epsom local, Enyth is brand new to the village, only moving in three weeks ago with her own extensive art collection in tow.
“It started with my mother. She was very interested in art and used to buy monthly art magazines growing up. They were quite expensive, and it was a good portion of her wages at the time,” says Enyth.
Carrying on the tradition, Enyth inherited her mother's love for art.
“After the children started school, I went back to work part-time to start earning some money again.
“I spent it all on art and told my husband John it was going on ‘home help.’ I used to hide the artwork under the bed.
“The Peter Siddell spent a lot of time under the bed.
“I told John a lot of fibs.”
However, in the spirit of true love, John didn’t mind when he found out and even demanded she hang them on the walls.
“Whenever someone would come over to our house, he would give them art tours!”
From then on, Enyth hung her artwork on the walls and still does today.
“I really started collecting when I was working at a portfolio gallery on Lorne Street.
“When I think back, we used to sell screen prints for pittance, and I wished I bought more, because what a wonderful collection I could have had. I could have bought some at a staff discount as well.”
With the likes of Pat Hanley, Toss Woollaston, Colin McCahon and Raymond Ching gracing her walls, Enyth’s collection could rival a New Zealand art gallery.
While she’s downsized her art collection to move into Grace Joel, the best ones have stayed with her.
“I like my Colin McCahon because it’s a little different to his usual works. He usually paints in more earthy tones, but this one is in blue tones.
“I’ve just bought a Patrick Hayman too, which I shouldn’t have done. But I really liked it!”
As to what she’s on the hunt for next? A Grace Joel!
“If anyone knows anyone that’s selling one....,” she says.