Known for his outdoor installations, which have included a five-metre high deck chair, Wellington-based artist Regan Gentry recently turned his attention to that bane of farmers' lives - gorse. Conceived during a four-month residency as William Hodges fellow, Of Gorse of Course is a sly critique of some of our forbearers' poorer judgements. It's on at TheNewDowse from 2 June until 23 September. Known for his outdoor installations, which have included a five-metre high deck chair, Wellington-based artist Regan Gentry recently turned his attention to that bane of farmers' lives - gorse. Conceived during a four-month residency as William Hodges fellow, Of Gorse of Course is a sly critique of some of our forbearers' poorer judgements. It's on at TheNewDowse from 2 June until 23 September.During what hours of the day do you feel most inspired?
During the waking hours - I tend not to dream about ideas. Living is where ideas come from and so there is no particular time that happens, other than when awake.

How would a good friend describe your aesthetic or style?
A happy marriage of material and location? Reconstructionist? Site responsive?

Who would you most like to create an artwork for?
My girlfriend or my dad would be good, but neither of them are going to pay me to make an art piece so that ain't gonna happen. Maybe Paris Hilton once she's out of jail - na. Nice people - arrogant, snooty, rich people can get stuffed.

What aspect of your creative practice gives you the biggest thrill?
Stepping back and watching people react.

How do you think your environment affects your work?
Absolutely - my art is my reaction to my environment.

A particularly spiky plant features prominently in your latest exhibition, Of Gorse Of Course. What is it about gorse that interests you?
The challenges, the details, the big picture, the vastness but invisibility it manages, the lack of art historical protocols.

Your work is often playful and funny - what role do you think humour plays in contemporary art?
I make art for people in general and humour is a good tool to allow people access to the idea, which of course is always bigger than the one-liner.

Do you like to look at the big picture or focus on the details?
I like to look at the details and focus on the big picture. Thinking over details is a great way to lullaby myself each night, saves worrying about the 'big one'.

What's your opinion of the Government's proposed royalties for artists scheme?
Very logical, as it's the artists' future efforts that increase the value of an artwork, and so any incentive to continue practicing works best for everyone.

Describe the ways in which your childhood play has influenced how you work as an adult.
I think I learnt to test material, observe difference and relativity. Working as a youngster was probably more educational, it developed my capacity to turn an idea around in my head while retaining a finger-hold on the real world.

Which of your projects to date has given you the most satisfaction?
Gorse. The complexity, the challenges, the lack of art historical protocols and people to approach as to how to approach working with gorse. The difficulties, the rewards, the completion of a year and a half of work.

If you could go back and choose a completely different career path to the one you've chosen, what would it be?
A statistician.

What place is always with you, wherever you go?
The workshop: in my ears, in my nose, in my clothes, under my fingernails and stuck in my fingers.

What's the best way to listen to music, and why?
With earplugs under ear muffs so as you can remain operating heavy machinery and not miss out on Michael Bolton.

Who, or what, has inspired you recently?
The new bypass/motorway through the guts of Wellington. Serious.

You are given a piece of string, a stick and some fabric. What do you make?
I'd make a run for it and go do something more interesting.

What's the best stress relief advice you've ever been given?
Go surfing.

What's your number one business tip for artists in New Zealand?
Don't give up your day job.

What's your favourite word?
Thank you.

What's great about today?
Going shopping with the boss.

Interview by Cass Hesom-Williams

15/5/07