Reason 1: When my brother & I were kids we had a complex & very real community of imaginary friends. Sizzling among them was Gloria - gawky, ugly, insecure Gloria, daughter of musclebound Flame of TV’s Gladiators. Gloria was constantly harangued by Anastasia - richest girl in the world - & Anastasia’s eager-to-please friend Kirsty. Meanwhile Gloria listened obsessively to Forgiven by Alanis Morrissette & plotted her revenge. She ended up becoming a fascist dictator complete with dramatic downfall. All this to say… Gloria of Greymouth is an imagining of a better redemption arc for our tragic heroine.

Is Greymouth conservative?

I’d say Greymouth is libertarian/anarchist before conservative. Historically a Labour stronghold (tho currently a National seat). The population tilts older. Folks have strong opinions. The main one being: you do you. Cowboys & eccentrics abound.

Did you go to art school?

Nope!

Do you live at Gloria?

Yup!

The outside of Gloria, mid painting. The bottom of the church is pink with a hot pink door and window frames, the top is still white and streaked with mold and signs of neglect. A ladder leans over the door so the top can be cleaned and painted next

The inside of the church doors have been painted. The frame and cross beams are hot pink while the main panels have been splotched with many colours of paint, including blue and yellow, creating a confetti-like effect.