Auctioneer Spotlight: Denys Dixie

Posted November 29, 2017

Many of our Park West collectors develop friendships with the art teams over the course of their land or sea vacations. Here’s a chance to get to know one of our auctioneers better as she shares some of her favorite adventures in the art world.

Denys Dixie is young, bright, and exceptionally adventurous. For this successful Park West auctioneer, working aboard cruise ships is more than just a career, it’s an incredible lifestyle.

After hopping on board with Park West five years ago, Denys has never looked back. With over a dozen ships and hundreds of auctions under her belt, Denys is rising through the ranks of Park West’s most ambitious and knowledgeable auctioneers.

Park West auctioneer Denys Dixie (Photo courtesy of Denys Dixie).

Previous ships as auctioneer: Celebrity (CEL) Constellation, CEL Solstice, CEL Millennium, Carnival (CCL) Liberty, CCL Dream, Coral Princess, Caribbean Princess, Sapphire Princess, Royal Caribbean International (RCI) Explorer of the Seas, RCI Independence of the Seas

Current ship: RCI Explorer of the Seas

Where is your hometown?

Denys: Ladybrand, Free State—a very little town in the heart of South Africa.

When did you start working as an international art auctioneer on cruise ships?

Denys: I started my career alongside Park West in 2013, becoming an auctioneer after just one contract. However, I started my love affair with art at the age of 7, guided by the South African artist, Corner Eksteen, a teacher who instilled passion from the onset. Prior to working with Park West, I was a manager for a busy club in Grahamstown, South Africa—all while studying fine art full time, and then later receiving my teaching certification through Rhodes University.

Park West provides the perfect balance: art, travel, and passion. Overall, the company has laid the foundation for my success as an international art auctioneer, and fueled my passion as a collector and artist myself. I love what I do!

Who is your favorite Park West artist and why?

Denys: I must admit, my studies in fine art have instilled a deep-seated passion for the masters—Picasso will always be a prelude to my art enjoyment. Although, in my own art collection, color has become a part of my personal flair, so I also enjoy Slava Ilyayev, Peter Max, and Yaacov Agam.

What is your favorite client memory?

Denys: It took some time to think about this question—I simply cannot answer with just one memory. In the past five years, there have been so many collectors that have humbled me, made me laugh, made me cry, and made me appreciate my life and career. It’s impossible to choose one family, couple, or individual. So many people have opened their hearts and homes to me, and all these little moments have made me a richer person today.

Auctioneer Denys Dixie enjoying a day in Greece (Photo courtesy of Denys Dixie).

Out of all the places you’ve traveled, where is your favorite port?

Denys: The old city of Tallinn, Estonia. I absolutely love Tallinn’s hog stews, honey ale, and cobblestone streets—not to mention the smell of roasted nuts on every corner paired with traditional music. I will always hold this city dear.

What does life look like when you’re home on vacation?

Denys: Most of my adventures back home are shared with my best friend—my sister, who always wakes me up with a coffee. Mornings include breakfast with my very large, extended, and sociable family, followed by waterskiing on the lagoon near our holiday home. We spend time taking trips up the river, going to the beach, driving into the bush, hiking, and wine tasting. As a very “outdoorsy” family, we scrap the heels and evening dresses, and instead, light a bonfire, enjoy great company, and a have a good glass of wine.

Please tell us about your experience being an auctioneer aboard the Explorer of the Seas.

Denys: I just recently joined the ship. This is an exciting time for me as there are always new adventures, new people, and new ideas to come across. So I look forward to the memories that lie ahead.

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Interested in cruise ship jobs or traveling the world as an international art auctioneer? Be sure to visit Art Auctions Abroad for more details.