If it is true that environment greatly influences the creation of art, then I am indebted to the ambience of my little hometown of Kerikeri in New Zealand. We bought our first property here in 1971 so have seen a sleepy village become a bustling modern town with a surprisingly large population of artists. It is a popular tourist destination, especially because the Bay of Islands offers fabulous boating and fishing and water sports, and because winters are especially mild.

Often billed as the Cradle Of The Nation, Kerikeri is the site of the first permanent mission station in the country, and its buildings remain intact. The Stone Store (left) is the oldest stone building in New Zealand, construction beginning in 1832.

St James' on the hill to the rear was the third church built on the site, being dedicated in 1878 and then extended to its current size in 1963. The Mission House (right) was originally known by that name, then as Kemp House for more than 100 years, but has now reverted to Mission House again. It is the oldest surviving wooden structure in New Zealand.

To protect these heritage buildings and area from passing traffic, and as a flood protection measure, the old bridge near the Mission House was removed and a road bypass completed upriver of the buildings. When I am feeling a little jaded I wander around this area for inspiration. It has never failed me. Incidentally, this photo was taken December 2008