Auctioneer Spotlight: Mark Muller and Natasha Moore
Many Park West collectors develop lasting friendships with our auctioneers and art teams, underscoring our 50-year reputation of connecting people from all walks of life with artwork they love.
Here’s a chance to get to know two Park West auctioneers as they share some of their favorite artists, client memories, and travel adventures.
Natasha Moore and Mark Muller aboard the PCL Grand (Photo courtesy of Mark Muller)
Mark Muller and Natasha Moore—both hailing from Cape Town, South Africa—have proven to be a powerful duo, bound by their shared charisma, drive, and love of the arts. Slated to be married this October in an elephant sanctuary in their home country, this world-traveling couple has delighted Park West collectors for years and their passion for cruise ship living is absolutely irresistible.
Previous ships: Princess Cruise Line (PCL) Ruby; Royal Caribbean International (RCI) Vision of the Seas, RCI Adventure of the Seas, RCI Voyager of the Seas; Holland America Line (HAL) Eurodam, HAL Amsterdam; Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) Gem, NCL Jade; Carnival Cruise Line (CCL) Freedom; Regent Navigator
Current ship: PCL Grand
Where is your hometown?
Mark and Natasha: Cape Town, South Africa
When did you start working as an international art auctioneer on cruise ships?
Mark: I was working in the family business back home when I began to look into working on a cruise ship. It was exciting to think that my job would also enable me to travel all over the world. My cruising career first started in 2011—I worked in the retail shops on board. It was at this time I was exposed to Park West’s art auction program. I immediately knew it was for me.
What has made this journey so remarkable is that I get to do this alongside my fiancé, Natasha. The memories that we have accumulated over the years are ones that we will cherish forever!
Natasha: Mark “snatched” me away from Cape Town. I was originally studying to be a Foundation Phase teacher but, in 2013, Mark asked me to join him on ships with Park West. I have loved every minute of being a part of the Park West family and look forward to many more years of happiness.
Natasha Moore and Mark Muller (Photo courtesy of Mark Muller)
Who is your favorite Park West artist and why?
Mark: As a Peter Max collector myself, I respect how Max has been able to incorporate such a powerful and captivating color palette throughout his career. I always look forward to seeing new Max artwork on board, anticipating what color combinations he’ll come up with next. I also love learning about the artist’s unique background.
Natasha: I have asked myself this question so many times, and can never give a definite answer. As odd as it sounds, I’m most captivated by the artists’ individual personalities.
Peter Nixon and Marko Mavrovich are such entertaining, personable people. I also love Lebo’s outlook on life and the knowledge he shares. Finally, there’s Peter Max. Mark has really made me love and appreciate his artwork!
What is your favorite client memory?
Mark: We have so many—here’s a more recent one. On the PCL Grand, we had a 15-day Hawaii cruise and befriended a few guests. We had two separate VIP dinners with them, filled with many laughs and personal stories. It resulted in two magnificent evenings that created memories that will last forever.
Out of all the places you’ve traveled, where is your favorite port?
Mark: The Fiji Islands are absolutely breathtaking. They really stand out for me. I will also never forget the time when Natasha and I were in Norway, cruising through the Fjords, surrounded by pure beauty, nature, waterfalls, snow, and wildlife—pure bliss!
Natasha: Norway is so incredible, from its Flam Railway to the Viking Village and more. So much beauty, so serene, and so magical!
Natasha Moore and Mark Muller enjoying a trip to Flam, Norway (Photo courtesy of Mark Muller)
What does life look like when you’re home on vacation?
Mark: I love golf—I’ve been playing it my whole life. I introduced Natasha to the game but have yet to have her actually play a round with me. However, she always cruises around on the golf cart, which she enjoys. It’s a great way to spend a day with friends and family. In the evening, my family and I enjoy hosting the infamous South African “braai” (barbecue).
Natasha: Family time! I love spending time with our family and braaing. We also try our best to travel somewhere new every year outside of work—next up is Ibiza!
Please tell us about your experience being an auctioneer aboard the PCL Grand.
Mark: It’s been fantastic so far. We’ve been to new ports, like Hawaii, and currently are positioned in Alaska, which we always love. San Francisco is our home port, which is really special. Every turn-around day, we have a clear view of the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz. It’s a pretty incredible sight to wake up to.
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Want to travel the world? Learn more about careers with Park West’s thrilling cruise ship art programming on Art Auctions Abroad.
