On the Couch with Clayton McGregor

Clayton McGregor Arts Review On the CouchWho is Clayton McGregor?
An Exhibition Designer who worked on Te Papa’s touring science exhibition, Bug Lab: Little Bugs, Super Powers.

What would you do differently to what you do now?
Run a mountain to sea tourism venture with my extended family here in New Zealand.

Who inspires you and why?
I continue to be inspired by my father. Who as an artist and painter living at the beach in Mount Manganui lives a purposeful, healthy and creative lifestyle every day of his life.

What would you do to make a difference in the world?
I hope in some small part I do, by staying aware of global issues, valuing sustainability and the environment over material things and possibly influencing others including my children to think the same.

Favorite holiday destination and why?
The Coromandel Peninsula on the East coast of New Zealand’s North Island. White sand ancient Pohutukawa trees and surf, say no more.

When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
To see the exhibition Gallipoli: The Scale of our War at Museum of New Zealand, Te Papa Tongarewa. It is a powerful engaging and moving exhibition that speaks to all of us as human beings and specifically as New Zealanders. And I can claim I had the privilege of being part of the design team that created it!

What are you currently reading?
I am reading my favorite book as a boy to my son Jesse; Call of the Wild by Jack London.

What are you currently listening to?
Prehistoric Rhythm by My Baby.

Happiness is?
Living in the moment and not expecting to always be happy.

What does the future hold for you?
I am teaching my thirteen year old daughter Molly to surf. So if it’s on, a surf up the coast in the morning!

Clayton was Exhibition Designer for Te Papa’s Bug Lab touring exhibition, working alongside creative director Richard Taylor and the incredibly talented exhibition development teams within Weta and  Museum of New Zealand, Te Papa Tongarewa. Clayton is owner and director of Wellington exhibition design company Design+Space Ltd. He has worked in the role of principal designer for national and international exhibition projects.

Bug Lab: Little Bugs, Super Powers is currently on display at Melbourne Museum until 15 October 2017. For more information, visit: www.museumsvictoria.com.au for details.

Image: Clayton McGregor (supplied)