Hilary Muir
“What inspires me about Ōtautahi? The street artists, like Wongi ‘Freak’ Wilson … the cake artists .. like Anna Worthington at cakes by Anna … the ice cream artist Jed Joyce at Rollickin gelato. It’s the people.”
How would you describe what you do?
I bring stories of our people, city and culture to life on radio , hoping to engage with our listeners every single day, bringing Our City to life , owning our environment and hopefully entertaining . I also work as a marriage and funeral celebrant, that line of work is purely making sure the ceremony for couples is THEIR ceremony and that a Funeral is an honour to officiate .. so the essence of the person for the family must be everything they need.
What was your most recent project?
A light-hearted ditty on lockdown .. Ōtautahi style .. and embracing te Wiki o te Reo Maori language week
What project have you worked on that you’re the most proud of?
Many and varied, from helping the Maia Foundation raise funds for the helicopter pad to The Bra Ride around Hagley Park for breast cancer… and talking the stories of Billy Apple and his works.
What is essential for creatives to have in their life?
The freedom to be creative , and a lifestyle that allows them to know that as far as their work goes and their passion .. there are no limits
What inspires you about Ōtautahi?
He tangata , he tangata, he tangata .. has to be the people . The street artists, like Wongi ‘Freak’ Wilson … the cake artists .. like Anna Worthington at cakes by Anna … the ice cream artist Jed Joyce at Rollickin gelato … The Hospitality maestro Nick Inkster who started OGB , the Austen Club and Tamapa .. the hemp artists known as the Brothers green ..Brad lake , Brendon and Michael .
What piece of advice about your creative work has served you well?
Don’t overthink ANYTHING
What’s the biggest misconception about your creative work?
That I do creative work!
What Christchurch artists do you most admire?
I claim Rita Angus as a Christchurch girl.
Cheryl Vuillermin , a wonderful Christchurch ‘Fashion artist “ who died too young in 2007. I still have her designs in my wardrobe and wear them to this day .
Mark Hadlow and Kathleen Burns .. Eilish Moran .. put them in ANYHTHING at the Court theatre and they shine
And I adore the street art , particularly on Manchester street
What artwork/piece of music/performance has taken your breath away?
Ariana Tikao in the Christchurch cathedral , a sound and light show with her singing.
Mixing whanau, whakapapa and whenua, Ariana Tikao’s (Kai Tahu) show ‘Ohaki’ explores through music, the dying words of her ancestor, Tamati Tikao. His ohaki was spoken to his family at Opukutahi, on Banks Peninsula on 27 September, 1885.
What do you wish you’d have known about creative work when you were younger?
That being creative is whatever You create
What’s your favourite hidden secret in Ōtautahi?
The Butterfly Tree in Abberley park .. Butterflies quite frankly are a miracle and the fact they go back there year after year after year to the same tree .. for a hundred years .. makes me in awe and HAPPY .