‘I ate so many loquats I got canker sores’

Lisa Howie began her career as a middle/ senior school educator of 12 years before making the transition to the Bermuda National Gallery where she is now executive director. She added to her MEd (Philosophy) a director’s internship at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, NYC, and business/ leadership courses at Harvard Kennedy School and Columbia. Living without television, she is a self-confessed nerd who reads voraciously, especially where this relates to trends in the museum context. She is committed to seeing the BNG continuing to service the community beyond showcasing artwork bringing positive growth of the island with provocative exhibitions, such as the current Eyes on the World photojournalism/film exhibition addressing social issues locally and globally, and to provide enriching learning with art opportunities for ages two and up. Interview by the Bermuda Sun’s Sarah Lagan.

What makes you the proudest?

At the BNG it is observing people’s interest in the exhibitions.

Who is your idol outside of the art world?

Idol? Don’t have one. Role model? My mother.

What human trait do you dislike the most?

I value authenticity most.

Which artist would you be and why?

I would be the writer that I dreamed of as a child, publishing books of poetry and fiction.

What’s your biggest fear?

Fear itself — it can arrest everything.

Describe yourself in three words…

 Optimistic. Passionate. Open-minded.

What’s your biggest regret?

I’m committed to my decisions and make a concerted effort to avoid regret. My life hasn’t been perfect but I accept the journey.

What painting would you have above your fireplace if you could afford it?

Something meditative like a Mark Rothko painting.

What animal would you be and why?

A bird, for their liberty and grace.

What do you do if you can’t sleep?

Practice yogic breathing.

Which cartoon character are you most like?

Lisa Simpson, but I don’t play the sax.

When did you last laugh out loud?

A few minutes ago.

What is the most important lesson you learned?

Keep learning.

If you had a travel machine where would you go?

Today, to New York to see the James Turrell exhibition at the Guggenheim. 

What’s your most memorable dream?

The flying ones are best.

What’s the most unpleasant exchange you have had with a person?

The other day I overhead the foulest, most obscene language being yelled at someone and when I went into the yard I discovered a neighbour of 20 years, now an old lady with a walker, yelling at my mother…we phoned the police.

What’s the best advice you have ever taken?

Listen.

If you weren’t a gallery director, what would you be?

Creative director of a production company.

What is the closest you have come to death?

River surfing in Whistler, BC; I fell off the surfboard, got winded from the freezing water, then couldn’t release the tow rope and swim ashore- my friend jumped in and grabbed me just as I went under.

What’s your most irritating habit?

Overcommitment…I’ve recently had to rein in several responsibilities that I wasn’t attending well.

Tell us your best joke?

Purposely exchanging the words inconvenience with incontinence.

What is your best physical attribute?

My eyes.

What is your earliest memory?

In Bermuda, eating so many loquats from my grandfather’s tree that I got canker sores!

Least favourite thing about your appearance?

This is what I got so I have to work with it.

Your most treasured possession?

Time. 

What would be your dream location to settle down?

I love living in Bermuda- but I would love to have a ski chalet in Aspen. 

What would you like to be remembered for?

Loving life. 

What’s you most embarrassing memory?

This interview.