6 THE ART OBSERVER May 2008 Profile of an Art Collector PHIL LIVSEY  lives in South Manchester. He has worked for over 30 years with a leading UK Bank. Amongst many hobbies and interests he includes Art, Classical Music, Jazz, Reading, Films and Rugby. Phil says “I endeavour to get along to as many events at the Wendy J Levy Gallery as I am able. There is a warm, convivial atmosphere where there is no pressure to buy. You can meet the artists and have a chat with friends whilst enjoying a glass of wine or two, even three!” Have you always been interested in art? I have been interested in art for longer than I can remember, certainly before I started to purchase any works. Therefore, I cannot point out a particular work of art and say “ yes, I want to start collecting!” When did you buy your first piece of artwork and what was it? The first picture I can remember buying was a work by the English artist, Christine Dinnage, a pencil drawing titled ‘Tree Study’ I purchased it around 1987 from the Tib Lane Gallery in Manchester. When you bought your first piece did you make a conscious decision to be a collector or did it just evolve? I really don’t consciously think of myself as a collector - the term implies buying on a regular basis. When I do purchase, therefore, it is a special moment. So yes, in that sense it has just evolved. Which media do you prefer - oils, acrylics, watercolours, sculpture, prints? Although my first interest was in watercolours - the exhilaration of working against time - it is oil painting that gives me the most satisfaction. Preferably using a simple frame. I like the texture, in some cases the roughness, the way you can see brushstrokes, the movement of a palate knife and even the artist’s hand! More recently I’ve been attracted by works using acrylic. Do you have several paintings by one artist or do you like to have works by different artists? Attending shows at Wendy’s Gallery brings home to me that we have many talented artists based in the region - in some cases returning from further afield. I think this is one of the main reasons that I tend to acquire works by several artists rather that any one in particular. What do you look for in a painting? There are some paintings which I take to straightaway - the com- position is just so, the subject matter, colour etc. On the other hand there are works where the appeal is not instant. It engages you but you can’t explain it! The image remains with you. Perhaps this is because it isn’t a straight- forward representation, it’s ambiguous or it really challenges and confronts your expectation and preconceived ideas. Which artists do you particularly like? One of my favourite artists is Ghislaine Howard. There are many intimate paintings explor- ing the human being through the journey of life. Catching glimpses or vulnerability, difficult situations and tender moments. I also admire the work of Lisa De Prudhoe for the con- trast it evokes - coolness and emotion, simple yet elaborate and complex. In many ways Lisa’s work fulfils the second part of my response to what I look for in painting. Other artists that interest me are Liam Spencer, Richard Clare, Ian Jarman, Janina Cebertowicz, Eva Hamilton-fisher and Steve Ralu. If you could have any painting in the world which would it be? As for subject matter I love landscapes, particularly urban depictions of the English coast and the Italian countryside. If I PHIL LIVSEY ANSWERS A FEW QUESTIONS ABOUT HIS ART COLLECTING could buy any work it would be either ‘Self Portrait’ by Albrecht Durer or Jan Vermeer ‘View of Delft’ - which is an intriguing landscape as it depicts a busy port - yet there is little, if any, activity. It works because of the red brick building reflected in the water - you get a sense of harmony and balance. If you could only keep one of your paintings which would it be? If I could keep any one of my paintings it would be a close run thing between ‘Woman on a Train’ or torso by Ghislaine Howard or ‘The Upper Surface of Things’ by Lisa De Prudhoe. Phil Livsey with a painting by Ghislaine Howard Photographs by: Warren Hannabuss www.whphotography.co.uk Tel: 0161428 6552 Ghislaine Howard: Torso Richard Clare: St. Marks Square, Venice Lisa De Prudhoe: The Upper Surface of Things