Pablos Art Studio
On a warm, sunny, spring Kāpiti morning, I had the pleasure of meeting up with artist Vincent Duncan at his cosy home – a well-kept caravan tucked out the back of a holiday park.
A little lost at first, I drive in circles trying to find the right place. The park, in the off season, hums quietly with life. They’re mostly retired residents going about their day, watering plants, unloading daily groceries from a ute while a caretaker mows the lawns. It is rustic yet well-maintained — your classic Kiwi holiday park, honest and unpretentious.
Eventually, I give in and call him. “It’s the one on the left with the silver four-wheel drive in front,” he answers. “The one with Vinnie on the plates.”
I finally find Vincent’s caravan, just as he is coming out to look for me.
A warm welcome
He greets me warmly and gestures me into his little whare: a tidy spacious caravan with a large, fully covered awning acting as an entrance and office work area. “I was renting out a place in Waikanae for a couple of years but the landlord sold it so I had to leave,” he says.
Gesturing with a thumb over the shoulder, he adds: “Luckily I had this place that I was gonna use for painting studio so I decided to move in. I have been here for two years now and it’s amazing. It's got everything I need and works out way cheaper than the rental.”
As we walk inside he points out a stack of brightly painted canvases in the corner. “These are for your auction if you want.”
Every year, Vincent generously donates several of his works to our annual art auction, and this year is no exception. One of the works is an impressive impasto oil painting of Oriental Bay, which captures the vibrant heart of Wellington’s waterfront in thick, expressive and colourful brushstrokes.
He starts pulling out more paintings. “These are all for Pablos too,” he says, reflecting the gratitude he feels for the support he received at Pablos at a time when he most needed the studio.
A glorious spectrum of colours
Out they come, painting after painting, in a glorious spectrum of colours all in his instantly recognisable, brightly coloured, expressionist style. Varying in size, each canvas is signed simply “Vincent” – a knowing wink and nod to his inspiration and spiritual brother in brush, Vincent van Gogh.
As we start to load the car, Vincent shares his artistic journey – one that began in 1993 when he was living on the streets of Wellington. His turning point came when he discovered Pablos Art Studios, a creative haven for artists from all walks of life, especially those navigating mental wellbeing and the associated challenges.
Among that community of like-minded creatives and self-described “outsider artists,” Vincent found not only a space to paint but also a sense of belonging.
Reaffirming the importance of spaces like Pablos
More than three decades later, Vincent’s story reaffirms the importance of creative spaces like Pablos — places that foster expression, connection and wellbeing.
Standing the sun, we reflect on the many artists who have passed through Pablos’ doors. We realise that quite a few of the original members are very much still active – some working regularly at the studio; others like Vincent staying connected through ongoing support, generosity, altruism and friendship. It’s proof of a strong bond of community and kinship forged through adversity.
Thank you, Vincent
As I get in the car to leave, I turn to shake his hand. “Thank you so much for your ongoing support, Vinnie, and enjoy the rest of this glorious day.”
“Yeah I better get going too,” he replies. “I’ve got to go and pick up a stepper I bought online. I’m not as active as I used to be.”
I laugh and nod in agreement. Don’t I know it.
Vincent is neatly framed in my rearview, as I head down the drive, waving in front of his home with its little manicured flower patch, on a warm, sunny, spring Kāpiti morning.
