Discerning, canny and gently powerful, this week it's my absolute pleasure to introduce Doe-Eyed-Dream-Babe Alice Tyler. Prepare to fall head over heels in love.
When you've lived in a city for a long time, it can begin to feel like there are no new people. You settle in with your crew, your bars, your restaurants, your routine; but as people begin to move on or move away, it sometimes feels like you're left in a bit of a vacuum. What a breath of fresh air it is then, when you uncover a hidden gem ? A great new pal who was there all along, just waiting to be discovered and adored !
Alice is the kind of person you can't help but fall in love with. I vividly remember the first time we met - I noticed her as soon as she walked in the room. Bold accessories, wild use of patterns and cheeky, mischievous glint that could warm even the coldest heart. I loved the way she moved through the room with a kind of coy glee that is at once mesmerising and enviable - I wanted to be her as much befriend her. Lucky for me, a shared love of dancing, festivals and Roti Canai have kept her in my life despite her inter-island relocation (south island stop stealing all the good ones please !). From her new home in Christchurch, Alice had this to say...
How do we know each other ? Do you remember how we met ?
We met in a bar on K Rd, late one Friday night. We were both happy on wine and you complemented my earrings. I liked you immediately.
What do you “do”? When you’re not eating or sleeping ? What do you wish you did ?
I work in an art gallery which means I spend a lot of time visiting artists’ studios. It’s almost my dream job although I’d really like to race vintage cars for a living.
What is something you would like everyone to care more about ?
The arts! Everywhere I look funding is being cut from the arts, culture and heritage sector, and friends who work in similar roles are being moved to casual contracts or restructured. A systematic minimisation in funding in this area lessens what we can do and the impact of galleries and museums generally. Someone recently described art as
‘A required nutrient for human existence. Without art, the human spirit withers, becoming smaller, feeling less, seeing less, experiencing less.’
We need societies that nurture human existence, now more than ever.
Where is your favourite place to eat and what do you order there ?
I have recently moved cities so I don’t yet have any favourite places and am enjoying the freedom to eat anywhere and everywhere! So far the standouts are Burmese tea salad, homemade pasta, strong Negroni and fluffy scones, and all of them are within walking distance from home. I need to find an excellent fish burger and then I’ll be fully settled.
What was the hardest thing that happened to you in the last year ?
I was made redundant unexpectedly last year, and three weeks later someone I loved broke my heart. Both these shituations made me feel powerless and foolish.
Where is the best place you’ve visited and why ?
A friend dragged me around the Dolomites on a three-day walk several years ago. I’m only outdoorsy by association but this knocked my socks off: vast Italian countryside with huts serving German beer and Viennese desserts. My kind of nature.
What's the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given ? How did that advice come to you ?
My Dad always says ‘give it hell’, meaning don’t be half-hearted. I try to approach everything with that attitude.
What is the one thing that will never leave your wardrobe and why?
Pattern. Tartan, paisley, floral, polka dot, geometric, lace, glitter (yes, glitter’s a pattern) – I love it all, and try to wear as many patterns as possible without causing undue migraines in onlookers.
What beauty product is a game changer to you ? why ?
Mascara! As a redhead I have see-through eyebrows and eyelashes. Mascara works wonders for both and makes me look like I actually have facial features.
What do you love least/most about yourself ?
I like my brown eyes. A guy once told me they were shark-like which I took as a complement. In terms of improvement I’d like another 3-5 cm in height. I’m tall, but not tall enough.
What are you listening to, reading or watching that you think everyone should know about ?
I have recently returned to Laurie Anderson’s ‘Strange Angels’ which is spiky and ethereal. Also anything performed by Jacqueline du Pre. There’s an urgency in her playing that I find completely arresting. I’m a bit of a lazy reader so tend to follow whatever Kiran Dass instagrams. Kiran is the head buyer at Time Out and a literature oracle. She’s unknowingly put me onto all my good reads this year – thanks Kiran!
What song or songs can you not help but dance to/play over and over ?
Sam Cooke’s version of Tennessee Waltz. The lyrics are dreadful but its pep is intoxicating.
Who do you most admire and why ?
My parents, who have recently celebrated 44 years married. They are the most kind, generous and supportive people I have ever known. I admire their tenacity and their breadth of knowledge, and they always have good wine in the house.
What a total dream babe ! Thank you Alice for your thoughtful answers (Can you see why I am so in love ?)Do you have any burning questions I should ask my guests ? Anything you're dying to know about the very best people ? Check out some of my earlier interviews here.
Til next time xox
Comments