Artist Susan Harrison-Tustain, who is talking from the home she shares with husband Richard in rural Oropi, hardly needs an introduction.
Regardless of how much praise and recognition she has received over the years from all corners of the globe, Harrison-Tustain loves the "down-to-earth" and the commonplace, which she embodies in her upcoming 2011 exhibition, Recollection.
Featured extensively in international art books and magazines, she has produced several DVDs and a best-selling book about her art but says she is still inspired by highlighting life's commonplace "treasures" and nature.
An artist since childhood, Harrison-Tustain sold her first painting at 6 - it was the first piece of work she had ever finished and, even then, there were keen buyers.
Harrison-Tustain also teaches art and, with her husband, hosts sight-seeing, painting, wine-appreciation and photography tours to their favourite places in Europe.
"We take people to France, Switzerland, Italy and cruising in the eastern Mediterranean. We give them the opportunity to be inspired and see these places through different eyes and at a leisurely pace," she says.
One of the paintings in her latest exhibition, Liberty, was inspired in the small village of Peillon in France when she suddenly heard the flutter of feathers.
"It is all about seeing the extraordinary in the things that are often overlooked," she says.
If this white pigeon had not swooped through the blue Mediterranean sky and caught Harrison-Tustain's attention, she may not have looked up to take in the beauty of the crumbling stone windowsill perch and timeworn wooden window frame that were slowly being reclaimed by nature.
"If it was not for her timely arrival, the pigeon's sanctuary behind the broken window would have gone unnoticed, too," Harrison-Tustain says.
"I left full of wonder, inspiration and awe. I felt a strong connection to this place of serenity and painted the experience."
Harrison-Tustain's exhibitions are held every four years at Mills Reef and draw a huge crowds.
Recollection, which opens tomorrow, is expected to attract at least 3000 people from all over the world at the weekend.
Although an experienced and professional artist, Harrison-Tustain still finds it hard to part with her paintings - something which could perhaps be put down to her infusing each one with her heart and soul.
"Especially for the people who travel great distances to see my work, I really want to make my paintings and exhibitions stay in their memories," she says.
Harrison-Tustain is honoured that Sir Ray Avery, the 2010 New Zealander of the Year, has agreed to open the exhibition tomorrow. .
The artist found herself placed next to Sir Ray at a function one evening, oblivious to who he was.
They chatted at length about art and who inspired them, and have since become friends.
"What people might not know is that Sir Ray, besides being known as a scientist, philanthropist, engineer and inventor, is also a fine artist," Harrison-Tustain says.
Many of the paintings in Recollection have been inspired by the artist's travels throughout New Zealand, including Kaitiaki, which is of a remarkable Maori elder she encountered on a visit to Ohiwa.
This piece was painted on flax paper while others are on Belgian linen or hot-pressed paper, whichever best suits the subject.
Another inspiring subject was a young girl encountered on a bus while travelling through Provence in southern France.
While the girl was talking to her friends, Harrison-Tustain caught her eye, explained that she was an "artiste" and asked if she could sketch her.
The girl readily agreed and, minutes later, was absorbed in her own which is what Harrison-Tustain has brought to life in, Faraway.
She also met the accomplished flautist Ross Bachelder after seeing him perform at the Boston Museum of Fine Arts, little imagining then that "the Flute Guy", who she had captured in oils, would be playing at her next exhibition.
Entry to Recollection is free but a gold-coin donation to Medicine Mondiale, of which Sir Ray is a founder, would be appreciated.
Jon Mayson, chairman of New Zealand Trade and Enterprise and former chief executive of the Port of Tauranga, will be the MC.
For more about Susan Harrison-Tustain, her work and exhibition, see www.susanart.com.
Photo below: One of her artworks, named Liberty