Student artist Louis had the opportunity to interview Julie Brophy, our new Chair of Trustees. It was a delight to see Louis in his element as he asked all his well thought out questions.
I’d like to say hello to you, Julie. Thank you. And welcome as the new chair of Rowan. It’s lovely to have you here. The first question I’d like to ask you is, how did you find out about Rowan?
I found out about it because I worked with another charity in Cambridge called Cambridge Community Arts. And sadly, it had to close because it ran out of funding. Cherie got in touch with Cambridge Community Arts about the new role available and after finding out more about what Rowan does, I expressed an interest.
Rowan is linked to the Rowan tree, and we have one in our garden. If you could be any tree, which tree would you be?
I would like to be a palm tree on the beach. I love the sun and I love the sea. And at night, when it gets really dark, you would be able to see the stars lit up in the sky.
What specifically drew you in about Rowan?
I just think coming here and seeing the art that was being produced and everyone’s smiles, the atmosphere, the team and all the student artists. I walked in and just thought this feels like a really lovely place to work.
What sort of activities do you like to do in your spare time?
Well, going to London, and going to art galleries and theatres and things like that. I also read a lot. I do Japanese Flower arranging. I’m trying to learn Spanish, but my brain does not like learning languages, but I try. I watch the rugby. I swim nearly every day; I get up in the morning and do some exercise. I also like to see my friends and family. Gosh, I sound busy, don’t I?
If you came to Rowan for the day, what would you do and which workshops would you like to try?
I’m a terrible gardener. I kill plants really easily. I’ve got lots of sculptures in my garden, so I don’t have to have any flowers. I would want to do something that I could take home and put in my garden. Probably woodworking or ceramics. I think those are the two I would give a go.
What kind of music lifts your mood?
Anything that makes me want to dance in the kitchen. I really love David Bowie; he has a couple of tracks that make me want to dance. I really like ‘Happy’ by Pharrell Williams.
What is your favourite TV show or film?
I love going to the cinema. I was trying to think have I got one favourite film, but I don’t. I have lots of different films that I like, for different reasons. My guilty pleasure TV show is ‘Death in Paradise’. Especially when it comes on in the winter, when it is dark and gloomy outside, as I get to sit down and watch a bit of the Caribbean.
What skills do you have and how will you use them at Rowan?
I’ve worked with lots of different organisations and lots of different boards and teams. I’ve worked with them to build on what they have and worked with them to make it better. So, I think I can bring lots of different experiences and lots of different ideas and see how they suit Rowan. So, I don’t come in and say, “This is how it has to be done.” I come in and go, “What if we tried this?” or “What if we change this a bit?”
Is it true that you are quite good at bowling? How long have you played?
I think it’s true that I was good at bowling. So, I started bowling when I was five years old. I played until I was 21 when I went to university, then I had no money, so I stopped. I was born in West Sussex and I bowled for West Sussex on a junior and senior level. I was in the under 18 England Squad. And I once beat the World Champion in a game. I can still beat my sons on the Wii, I’m still pretty good, but I cannot do the ten-pin blowing.
What is your favourite book and what are you currently reading?
My favourite book is called ‘Dona Flor and her Two Husbands’ and this is about a Brazilian woman whose first husband was her big love, but unfortunately, he died. She then marries a very sensible man who looked after her. Then the ghost of her first husband comes back. So, it is all the fun of having a good husband and a naughty husband. That is my favourite book.
The one I am reading at the moment is called ‘Hooked’. It is about two women, one who is a successful businesswoman and then a very lazy, slovenly housewife. And its about- can they be friends? I’ve nearly finished that one. If you had asked me next week it would have been a different one.
If you had a day to yourself and you could do anything, what would you?
I would go down on a sunny day to London. I would walk along the Thames and visit the Tate Modern Art Gallery, which is one of my favourite art galleries. I would then go and see a very good play at the theatre, followed by a fabulous meal in a fish restaurant. I would want someone to come with me. It would be my day, and I would plan it, but I would want someone to come with me because that would be more fun.
If you could have a dinner party, with anyone in the world who would it be?
I would want to have dinner with the Dalai Lama, because I just think he is so wise, so kind, and has suffered a lot, so I just wonder how he stays so calm, peaceful and loving. But it would have to be vegetarian because he is vegetarian. So, I would not be able to take him to a fish restaurant!
What sort of places do you like to visit?
I like to visit places where I can see how other people live or lived. I like to visit old country houses that you get to walk around, see their big dining services, and those sorts of things. I’m definitely a city girl, so I like to visit cities. Sitting with a cup of coffee and people watching. I think that is why I like to travel. I like to see how other people live. So, don’t stick me in the middle of a field, especially if it has a cow in it, as I would not know what to do with that.
What is your favourite sweet treat?
That is easy – chocolate! My absolute favourite is dark, chocolate truffles. I did not even have to think about that one.