Auctioneer Spotlight: Rosalind Bei
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 them better as they share their favorite adventures in the art world.
Rosalind Bei, principal auctioneer, has two hometowns – she was born and raised in Chengdu, China and has spent the past 10 years in Toronto, Canada. Art has always been a part of Rosalind’s life. She began taking traditional Chinese watercolor painting lessons when she was 6 years old. Later, she graduated from the University of Waterloo, majoring in fine arts with a specialization in international trade. By combining her passions, Rosalind was drawn to a career as an international art dealer.
Rosalind Bei in the onboard gallery with a work by her favorite Park West Gallery artist, Pino. Photo credit: Ricardo Reilly
Previous ship as Auctioneer: Royal Caribbean Mariner of the Seas, Sapphire Princess
Current ship: Royal Caribbean Quantum of the Seas
What do you like most about being an auctioneer?
Rosalind: I’m always the entertainer in a group. I love being on stage! Even when I’m having a bad day, as soon as the microphone touches my chin, I cannot stop smiling. Apart from auctioneering, the art lover in me simply enjoys being surrounded by more than 700 artworks every day, like a kid in a candy store.
Who is your favorite Park West artist and why?
Rosalind: My favorite artist is Pino for his ability to capture the intricacy of human emotions. The women in Pino’s artworks are so beautiful, not the conventional smoky-eyed type of sultriness, but the kind of timeless, bare-faced beauty. My mother also loves Pino’s works, especially the ones that portray mother and daughter relationships. Having that common love for the same artist with my mother is very special to me.
“The Safety of Love” (2008) by Pino
What is your favorite guest memory?
Rosalind: I met a lovely single mother last year on Mariner of the Seas. Having recently lost her mother, she was looking for something to remember her by. When she saw Pino’s “The Safety of Love,” she was driven to tears because the imagery reminded her of her mother as well as her relationship with her own daughter. She collected the work for her daughter, so that the artwork can always accompany her daughter, even when she can’t. I was so honored to help that mother start her journey with an artwork that strengthened the ever-lasting bond between her and her daughter.
What has been your favorite port?
Rosalind: My favorite port is Nagasaki, Japan. You have to walk to explore the city, but make sure you take an umbrella! Champon, a hearty noodle dish in a pork-based broth, is a must-try in Nagasaki. If you are feeling adventurous, may I suggest live squid for lunch?
Rosalind exploring the streets of Kagoshima, Japan. Photo credit: Juliet Zhu
What is it like to be at the forefront of cruising in Asia?
Rosalind: Unlike in the Caribbean or Europe, most of our guests in Asia are first-time cruisers. I feel proud to be a part of our guests’ new and exciting adventures. Furthermore, having grown up in Canada, I feel so grateful to have the opportunity to be closer to my Asian roots.
What do you like best about cruising in Asia that is unique to the region?
Rosalind: The ports that we get to visit – Kagoshima, Osaka, Nagasaki, Jeju and Busan – are exciting and exotic. There’s an immense amount of historical and cultural heritage for you to explore ashore. The cruise line has altered the onboard cuisine and entertainment to cater to the needs of our Asian clientele. Our guests experience a refreshing fusion of Eastern and Western hospitality. The best part? You get to come to our bilingual art auctions hosted by me and meet the art team!
