Park West Auctioneer Spotlight: Pierre Lombard and Crystin Phoenix
Auctioneers Crystin Phoenix and Pierre Lombard
Park West collectors often tell us that the highlight of their collecting experience is the lasting friendship they develop with our Art Teams.
We take great pride in building these relationships. That’s why, every month, we take time to recognize our top auctioneer teams working today.
In this spotlight, we invite you to meet Pierre Lombard and Crystin Phoenix. Pierre and Crystin were brought together by their passion for art and love for traveling, and together, they’ve helped collectors around the world discover artwork they’ll treasure for the rest of their lives.
This auctioneer duo recently shared with us the origins of their art careers, some great places they’ve traveled, and what their life is like when not at sea – enjoy!
Previous ships as auctioneers: Royal Caribbean (RCI) Vision of the Seas, RCI Enchantment of the Seas, Carnival (CCL) Spirit, CCL Legend, Island Princess, Diamond Princess, Regal Princess, Celebrity (CEL) Solstice, CEL Infinity
Current ship: Emerald Princess
Emerald Princess, Santorini, Greece
Where is your hometown?
Pierre: Worcester, South Africa
Crystin: Cape Town, South Africa
When did you start working as an international art auctioneer on cruise ships?
Pierre: After graduating, I took a summer job on cruise ships as a photographer and presented art photography seminars. During this time, I met some really great people on board who saw my seminar and pointed me in the direction of Park West. I immediately felt connected to Park West’s mission of “igniting a passion for the arts” and, after doing an apprenticeship, I attended auctioneer school in Missouri and have been an auctioneer with Park West ever since!
Crystin: Prior to joining Park West, I would spend most of my weekends attending art exhibitions. I have always been passionate about art, so when the opportunity presented itself in 2016, I joined Pierre as an art auctioneer with Park West.
Crystin and Pierre
Who is your favorite Park West artist and why?
Pierre: It has to be Csaba Markus. Markus has so much depth, and he’s a great person with an amazing backstory. Not only that, but his academic rooting in the Renaissance Masters combined with his use of multiple techniques was the reason why Markus was the first Park West artist I hung in my own home.
Crystin: Out of all the artists we represent, I’d have to say my favorite is Nano Lopez. I love the character and whimsical detail his works have.
Do you have a favorite client memory?
Pierre: There are so many times that a work of art has been absolutely perfect for someone in ways I could never have imagined, but one story comes to mind. A collector was admiring “Streams of Living Water” by Thomas Kinkade. She expressed to me how it reminded her of a funeral she went to where the family member was an avid outdoorsman and, on that day, a deer also visited the church. The work took her back to a special moment that was uniquely her own.
Crystin and Pierre on the deck of the Emerald Princess
Out of all the places you’ve traveled, where is your favorite port?
Pierre: There is a small island off Bora Bora called Motu Taha’a where the water is so clear that it’s an amazing snorkeling spot. Even just walking on the beach, you can sometimes spot stingrays in the shallow water!
Crystin: It’s hard to choose just one place—each place has something unique! I would have to say there are two places that stand out for me. Japan was amazing. I love the contrast of Japan’s ancient culture and the very modern way of life in their urban areas. Sydney, Australia also holds many fond memories because it was my first home port.
What does life look like when you’re home and not working?
Pierre: When I’m home, typically I get woken up by one (or all) of my five dogs begging me to take them on a walk. (Try as I might, I can’t handle all of them by myself). I also like to spend time with my parents, take some time to drive around Cape Town, or just stay in with a good book and a cup of coffee.
Crystin: Vacation days start with a good cup of coffee and cuddling my pets. When I’m home, I enjoy spending most of my time with friends or exploring places in my home city that I haven’t been.
Auctioneer Pierre Lombard
Tell us one thing about living and working at sea that would surprise most people.
Pierre: I think, until you experience it, people would be surprised at how similar we all are. If you put individuals from around the world at the same table with a cup of coffee in their hands, they’ll all get along.
Crystin: Living at sea has taught me how to be a minimalist. I can live very comfortable with much less than I thought I’d be able to!
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