Antelope and Cantaloup

Memory Souvenirs

2011-10-26T11:31:00.004+11:00

New work has been under way for the MFA. I have begun focussing on developing a series of embroidered handkerchiefs with stories from the "PEG IS 40!" archives. To complement these embroidered handkerchiefs I have begun selecting found organic matter from the site of enquiry, such as these bouquets of weeds, and have picked seed pods off them and cast them in bright silver.

I have also developed a website for community members to contribute their story. I plan to take these stories and embed them into the creative work.

PEG IS 40! developments

2011-02-14T12:38:00.004+11:00

As the weeks and months have passed, my Masters PEG IS 40! project has also developed. These images are from my installation at last years HDR Colloquium.
The project has changed a bit since this, now focussing on developing a site orientated and community based project on location.

ZINE LAUNCH!

2011-01-31T10:06:00.003+11:00

I'm having my debut zine launch at the Sticky Institute this Wednesday, the 2nd of February from 6-7pm at Sticky (down in the Flinders Street/Degraves Street Subway). It features as part of this years "I am Typewriter Festival."
Those who attend will be among the first to pick up this newest zining member of "The Top Eleven" series.
Here is the synopsis for the zine, and the lauch/forum:

Typewriters eventually need their ribbon replaced because ink runs out.
But what do people do with this old ribbon once its removed from the
typewriter? This zine guides enthusiasts through 11 easy and realistic
activities or uses for a ribbon, once discarded; ranging from friendship
bands, to dreamcatchers, to marathon finishing lines.

The Launch features a one-off instructional forum, an intimate how-to of functions, taken from the zine.
Please please please BYO old typewriter ribbon to the forum.

I will also be selling a selection of zines at the Annual Zine Fair on Saturday 12th of February, 1-6pm, in the Flinders Street subway.

Peg is 40!

2010-11-09T16:10:00.005+11:00

New developments occurring for my research. The topic has shifted it's focus:

Peg is 40! questions place, personal and communal identity, and language.
By appropriating the text taken from a graffitied inscription on a bridge, and through story telling, the work explores the effect of the text upon the community inhabiting the surrounds of the site.

The work responds to the sense of place that is “Peg is 40!”, and focuses on addressing memory and identification (both personal and communal), as well as myth-making within local place through an engagement with appropriating the text, and exploring the language and landmark, as well as the surroundings of “Peg is 40!”

The project aims to encourage a dynamic engagement from viewers by challenging the semiotics of words and presenting an ambiguity in meaning for the text of the inscription, when abstracted from a definitive setting.

Door Done

2010-08-02T20:07:00.002+10:00

So much has been happening. I've recently started my Master of Fine Arts at Monash Uni, looking at Maps and deconstructing their components to become purely aesthetic. Potential mediums include paper sculpture, folded books, artists books, and works on paper, focussing on Printmedia, and paper alterations (perforations, folds, markings etc)

In other news:
As seen from the photos, a recently commissioned artwork on a door to do for a home in development in Prahran.

More to come- and hopefully more frequently.

ZINE FAIR

2010-02-10T13:23:00.004+11:00

When I was a young child dreaming of the prospective career paths to venture down, I always loved the concept of teaching, as it was a means of using the photocopier...
In my mature position of age I have come to realise that fun with a photocopier does not limit itself purely to the classroom.

This approaching Saturday is the the Zine Fair in the City Square as part of the Sticky Institutes annual Festival of the Photocopier.
I've got a stall there, so have been printing my little heart out in preparation.
Come check it out, it will be unreal banana peel.

Paris

2009-11-19T09:42:00.014+11:00

It was wonderful!! But it's equally nice to be back in the swing of things.
Le Petit Atelier De Paris

Je suis tres desole!

2009-09-06T20:49:00.009+10:00

A sample of my works for sale. You can find them on Etsy

I have seemed to lose a sense of time, I realise this now as I notice I haven't updated this blog for well over a month! Whoopsy.

I have been a little busy, preparing for my much anticipated short trip to France/Italy, from late September. It will be beautiful, Autumn weather {my favourite- how lucky am I to experience two Autumns in one year}.
I will get to experience all the beloved and awe-inspiring classical artworks that I have poured over throughout my youth. I will see the Visual Arts at the Venice Biennial. I will venture the lane ways to find handmade artifacts; stumble down uneven, cobbled paths that will lead to a deli, a boulangerie, and patisserie. I will clamber up never ending staircases with luggage on back, awaiting the floor of my own room. I will be among the hum of European culture, and hope to feel not so much like a tourist, but a temporary local! I have, perhaps been day-dreaming about this trip for far too long.

I have also been busy, at work in my new job at Spacecraft! What a dream.

My paper urchin necklaces have scored themselves a little bit of publicity at the moment.

- Featured in The Age, just over a week ago now.
- Craft Hatch Melbourne Writers Festival Market- Thanks Kim!

good day

2009-07-11T16:37:00.009+10:00

Reminiscing over captured moments from a wonderful day, passed.

Good News... and possible braggings:

I've recently been involved in the TRASHED! recycled market at the Corner Hotel, Richmond selling my paper jewellery, and hope to do it again on the 9th of August.

A feature on my paper jewellery is to be published in the newest edition of Handmade in Melbourne, due for release in August.

I was interviewed for my paper jewellery work on Craft Victoria's blog CLOG

soft sculpture

2009-05-09T13:07:00.004+10:00

My contribution from a 'flash show' at KINGS gallery, held 'in a flash' at the beginning of the week.

RELOCATE

2009-05-02T12:06:00.003+10:00

I've moved- fairly smoothly, and I've had a birthday {quarter of a century old!}. We celebrated both causes for a party in one weekend, merrily with both gorgeous friends and family. {when the weather is a little kinder I intend to capture the apartment along with the cityscape, neighbouring rooftops, treetops and bay views from the rooftop balcony}. I feel very lucky with our find, incredibly cosmopolitan, and a little bit "secret-life-of-us-esque".

out of the loop

2009-04-17T15:17:00.007+10:00

I've been totally absorbed in moving house and preparing for exhibitions that I have entirely neglected the blogger world... Oops!
A new abode in Elwood leads to quick walks to the bay, rooftop views, and a much closer main street for shopping and eating. A good move I say! There will be more images and possibly complaints as I move through from this evening across the weekend.I've taken over the front window at the children's store I manage, MINE. My exhibition, The Story Which Must Be TOLD is a venture of finger puppets, and paper scenery alike, with an accompanying zine {with a hand-screenprinted cover}. There is a looping digital animation of an Autumn tree taking residence in the window, and origami folded whales gracefully swim and scoop under and over cardboard waves and stuffed calico clouds, that remind one of kipfler potatoes. The centre of all the attention lies with the puppets, however. With an illustration printed upon their stuffed beings, or being adorned in delicate handpainted or handthreaded features, may these little characters swoon your heart away! Have a wander over to MINE's blog to see a few more pictures of my window installation. I'm yet to take some images when it's the evening {I imagine they would in their night time discretion organise their own performances!}.

little things

2009-02-24T17:53:00.015+11:00

Wow! Yesterday was a little hairy in my neck of the woods. My home-town was under threat from a bushfire running along the back of a close friend's farm and Birdsland Reserve.

Today was a little more subdued. A much needed trip to the op shop was rewarded with a couple of old books.
One gem was an old 50's Chinese Communist propaganda publication {I'm baffled why it was printed in English}.

The other book was The collected works of William Shakespeare with beautiful illustrations,which will be made into a book sculpture for a recent order.

When flipping through Shakespeare collected works, I found a perfectly pressed maple leaf. How long it's been left in the novel, I don't know, but it's inscription suggests a time after the 80's.

{It was rumoured in the op shop that a $1 note was also found, pressed in the collected works, but taken before I got to it.}

distractions from the disaster

2009-02-14T11:06:00.005+11:00

It's been one of the worst weeks ever for Victoria. I have been completely overwhelmed from the tragic outcomes of our recent bushfires- too emotional, and utterly lost for words.... for that reason I've been avoiding the blogging world. Nevertheless, other people have been very informative, and respectful in their reactions to this disaster.

In times like this it's important to, as well as grieve for innocent people's losses, remember the positive and triumphant actions of us "Aussies" {and support from around the globe}, helping those in desperate need. I think this support towards to the survivors has been remarkably uplifting, and it has reminded me that we do keep moving forward and by projecting a love for one another, someone's life can eventually get back on track. I think this is truly wonderful.

So I decided to focus this blog on a sense of love and positivity. And, yes, Valentines day was yesterday- so what better time?

- how to make a throbbing origami heart.

I made one and attached it to my lapel yesterday-it's free and fun! I'm saving pennies {and notes} to donate money to the bushfire appeal

Take care,
{Love}

I'm rising early, trying to beat the sun

2009-01-30T10:38:00.006+11:00

{Here are some images captured in the morning light, while it's still usually below 35 degrees celsius}.

It seems that I fantasise about another season only in Summer. Come on, Autumn, and with you bring your crisp air, tickling sunlight, and brightly toned deciduous leaves.

I'm eating refrigerated apples to cool my gums.
I'm sleeping on a deflated lilo in the tent in the backyard {which admittedly does have a degree of wonder as I get to look at the stars, and contemplate my minimal presence in this universe}.
I'm sticking my head in the fridge, convincing myself that I'm looking for something other than some respite from the heat.

The cool change is expected tonight between 5 and 8. Yippee!

I wish

2009-01-25T12:26:00.007+11:00

My digital camera has run out of batteries.... and the lens is still open! I've taken some photos on my good ol' SLR but for the same reason as I can't afford more batteries, I can't afford to develop my roll of film.

I thought this post very appropriate to express how far I am from obtaining more possessions in my life at the moment.

Have a peak at this Gorgeous pocket sized squirrel gal from Melabo.

Also.... If you're in Melbourne, please please please venture to ACCA for the most amazing and beautiful experience so far this year. {Have I pumped it up too much?} Gerda Steiner and Jorg Lenzlinger, a Swiss collaborative duo, have made a poignantly poetic and very environmentally conscious piece based on Victoria's drought. AMAZING! I was thinking they could make a piece for me one day...... ha!
The Vegetative Nervous System
museum kunst palast Düsseldorf, since 2006
This image is not of what's on in Melbourne, and has been pinched from their website, so full credits to them.

welcoming 2009

2009-01-07T18:52:00.011+11:00

I've been long absent- so....MERRY CHRISTMAS/HAPPY NEW YEAR! I hope much merriment was had by one and all.
Mine was a very busy but very wonderful Christmas, filled with multiple family gatherings and feasts! Boxing day was Chris's birthday, so all over again {but this time at our home} was the smorgasbord had.
THIS IS WHY I'VE BEEN ABSENT

Along with Chris {acting as an amazing collaborator} and myself, many family members and friends helped create The Sphere Project, an installation work consisting of 100 various-sized calico spheres, with eight fins each, a wire skelteton and decorative/functional stitching. This project has been in the planning since October/November, when I won an award from the Fringe Festival and Funding from the Falls Festival to create and install an artwork for the Falls Music and Arts Festival in Lorne over New Years.
It was a crazy, hectic period of time, a great experience and a nice little pocket of exposure.... but gee, I'm glad it's over.

This list is a big shout-out of thanks. THANK-YOU: Penny Arvanitakis and Isaac Webb, Karen, Terry and Taylor Dyson, Jenny Detez and Gordon McVicor, Kali Bateman, Natalie Hawken, Nicola Crowle and Darlington Garage, The Age Melbourne Fringe Festival, The Falls Festival, and CHRIS BLOMLEY!!!!!!
Your efforts and support have been incredibly valuable and so very much appreciated. We wouldn't have achieved the outcome without you- CHEERS!

needa learn howda knit like dis

2008-12-08T14:16:00.004+11:00

Just a quick one.....

this is possibly one of the best things done with needles and yarn to date!

I promise to give you a more thorough update on my BIG project soon, hopefully this flyer image will be sufficient for now ...... good news- I'm up to 60 spheres so far, only 90 to go!

ORGANISM

2008-11-16T18:00:00.004+11:00

I've been distracting myself from my BIG projects by tinkering at little ones. This distraction is called "ORGANISM NECKLACE" and is made from vintage kimono off-cuts. The hand-stitch pulls the fabric in so that it gathers, ripples and creates an almost fungi look, or some unexplainable organism.

My paper urchins I've been making for a while now have been adopted by the retail clan at Craft Victoria. If you get a chance, have a look! They're $40 and are handmade from the start to finish!

my fingers seem to be developing calluses simply from folding pages over...

2008-11-05T16:41:00.008+11:00

... but that's okay, I have some goodies to show for it.
There has been a little re-working on ideas for the MINE christmas window, however. Originally I was to make a tree from piled book sculptures, but I decided it didn't look as effective as desired. This idea may or may not be scrapped. In the meantime I've discovered my book-sculpting has become somewhat of an addiction.
Got any old books?

feeling bookish

2008-10-29T07:52:00.013+11:00

{for a very bizarre reason, I cannot change the polarised look of this image}

{click on the image for a closer inspection}

{this one too!}

I'm making book sculptures for the MINE Christmas window. So far, I've made about six, but have been op-shopping for more. Some days you have the bug for op-shopping, and other days you don't... I had a not-so-successful day yesterday. Venturing to three different op's and not so much as an old children's book in sight!
This beauty is a find my friend came across, and picked up just for me {very kind}. It's a publication from the seventies, and originally published in French. There is some incredible information within the pages, but I adore the pictures.
Happy "hump" day.

Combing the Fringe

2008-10-14T20:15:00.011+11:00

As you may know, I collaborated with Darlington Garage for this years just recently concluded Melbourne Fringe Festival. I contributed a family of hanging paper spheres..... and this component won a FRINGE AWARD!!!!! With the aid of substantial funding I have been offered the opportunity to re-create the installation for this years Falls Festival in Lorne. The work will be installed perhaps as a set for the bands, or maybe spread through-out the forest {this idea I'm particularly fond of!}..... What a wonderful thrill!
link
I'll show you MINE

Watching over me day and night

2008-10-13T20:46:00.002+11:00

{Click to enlarge}

Gracia Haby and Louise Jennison aka HAMMER&DAISY are installing their work into MINE's window space for their upcoming exhibition "Watching over me day and night".
Come to MINE for our opening night, Wednesday the 15th from 6pm-8pm at 5/540 Mt Dandenong Tourist Road Olinda, VIC. There'll be homemade lemonade!

Darlington Garage Presents.....

2008-10-07T15:19:00.009+11:00

I'M INVOLVED IN A FRINGE FESTIVAL SHOW! OUR COLLECTIVE RANGES IN A FLURRY OF PRACTICES.
Here are some images of what you would perhaps catch an eye-full of if you could come and see it....

"Darlington Garage Presents" a showcase of hybrid art, collaborating between actors, dancers, and performance-artists, media and sound artists, musicians, film-makers, photographers and installation artists. And robots.

But just what and who is Darlington Garage?
Well, aside from being a spider-infested shed out the back of dubious shared accommodation, Darlington Garage is a group of emerging artists from various backgrounds and areas of expertise who pool their collective creative resource in the formation production and performance of multi-discipline, multi-medium and multi-faceted pieces.

The works are disparate, but the themes are surprisingly concise and unified, centring around the essential human question: Who am I? Framed in the literal, the figurative, the historical and the surreal, often in the same work, the quest for identity, self and surety, in a rapidly changing world is a crucial part of the artists' work. Being emerging artists, breaking free of the chrysalis of teenage life, tertiary education, feeling the cold wind of the real world blowing for the first time, this search for a self-identity that will stand the test of time, and the tides of ones own mind is immediate, pressing, and also deeply rich soil for creative seeds to grow.

Featuring the critically acclaimed Absolute Necessity, Balls as seen in the Emerging Writers Festival 2008 and several new works across an array of artistic mediums, this is a night full of fun and frivolity that will keep you thoroughly entertained.

AT The Brunswick Street Gallery, Level 2 - 322 Brunswick St, Fitzroy Friday 3rd October through to Thursday 9th October (excluding Tuesday 7th October) from 8pm till 10pm.

paper urchins

2008-09-16T19:03:00.002+10:00

Some new work I've been playing with. Yet to be strung on their own length of yarn.

I've defined them as urchins, as the humble sea-urchin shares its resemblance.

sea-urchin noun
any of a group of spiny, marine animals with a spheric shape and a shell made up of many calcareous discs.
{Michael Holland, Heinemann Australian Dictionary fifth edition, Rigby Heinemann, Reed International Books Australia, Port Melbourne, Victoria, pp 996.}

feeling inspired

2008-09-09T20:35:00.005+10:00

I hardly show the illustrations I make, so I thought I should.

{drawn from the inspiration of Camilla Engman and Dylan Martorell}

{drawn from the imagery of Bridget Bodenham's ceramic ring and "skulk of foxes" brooch}

Thelma

2008-09-04T20:01:00.008+10:00

Well, I know we've been seeing it all week across four blogs, but here are more images of the delightful "Thelma's" creations that are resting under the display lights of the window exhibition space at MINE.
Well Done Elaine! And well done to the helping hands of G and to L.
Also, I made some book-sculptures and they {very luckily} feature as stuffie-supports in the window.
{LoVE}

MY LITTLE MENAGERIE

2008-08-28T19:58:00.005+10:00

At MINE- the children's store I work at- Elaine Haby is soon to be exhibiting in our front window. Please do come and visit us, or peek through the window at her sensational "Thelma's" Stuffies and brand new Belgian Linen tote bags.

Here is her artist's statement
"Some come with buttons for noses and others sport stripes on their stumpy tails. Some have small pockets filled with tiny red felt hearts and others have ears that flop from left to right. Some are rotund and others are lean, and some come with lips that are wide and arms wider still. Differences, quirks and individual mannerisms aside, all stuffed creatures are made completely by hand with a full percentage of love by Elaine Haby (who masquerades, with her foot on the peddle of her sewing machine and a pin in her mouth, under the name Thelma).
These are her things handmade especially for you, a host of stuffed creatures and roomy tote bags fashioned from Belgian linen. A recent addition to her handmade parade, her tote bags are large enough to house a stuffed companion alongside a favourite read. Lined and double-stitched for good measure, they ought to afford a grin."

FIND THEM
at
MINE- Kids in Olinda
5/540 Mt Dandenong Tourist Road, Olinda, Victoria.

Lazy lazy

2008-08-25T20:10:00.006+10:00

Sorry.... I'm sorry........... I've become a slack blogger.
The worst thing is that I was never a good one to start with.
It's got to the point where I'm considering removing it for all its negligence it receives from me.
I promise I'll behave better.

{Love}

up above

2008-08-02T21:51:00.003+10:00

In the store I work at, Nina Still's mobile, "Blossoms". Beautiful from bellow.
You can find them at MINE. 5/ 540 Mt Dandenong Tourist Road, Olinda.

circles

2008-06-24T14:04:00.003+10:00

Nests

2008-06-21T09:44:00.003+10:00

Here are a few images of the gorgeous nests that were created for the Northern Exposure arts festival. If you get a chance, the display will still be up in the window of "imagine me" at 271 High Street in Northcote for a week. If you're there you must also peak in the next shop's window. In "Big Dreams" you'll see Al Stark's illustrative sculptural installation. It blew me away. I just wish there was more online information about him to pass onto you!
Have a great weekend.
{Love}

northern exposure

2008-06-13T18:37:00.004+10:00

I'm contributing work again to the Northern Exposure arts festival. This year for the festival component "High Views". I'm collaborating with a gorgeous troop of young women, and a collective titled "People-heart-People". The installation follows the idea of the home, and what we value in it. We have been busy weaving sustainable and recycled nests from cut-offs of plant-life, and industrial materials, following an ancient Australian Indigenous basket-weaving technique that is tragically beginning to be forgotten by younger generations. Indigenous Elder, Aunty Dot taught "People-heart-People" organiser, Emma Power, and Emma taught me. In an effort to keep this tradition alive, we'll be exhibiting our nests along High Street in Northcote for the arts festival from Friday 20th June to Sunday 22nd June. High Street will be blooming with opening night fever on Friday from 6-9pm. Please Come! Check out the website www.northernexposure.org.au

Sorry about there being no picture for this post!

something is on it's way

2008-05-21T18:42:00.007+10:00

Besides folding origami breasts for prospective necklaces, I have been busy with another jewellery concept. It involves paper spheres... lots of them!
Wait and see....
In the meantime follow these links for a bit of amusement.
- Miranda July teaches us how to make a button.
-Andy Goldsworthy's environmental art.
{Love}

birthday

2008-04-29T13:54:00.008+10:00

It was my birthday on Sunday.

My family and friends celebrated early on the 25th, spoiling me with banana and chocolate cake, brownie, lemon syrup cake, fairy bread, lasagna, and ham sandwiches... Not to mention a mountain of wonderful and unique presents.
Among my beautiful gifts was a linogirl ceramic necklace, a Bengt & Lotta bird necklace, and a ring recycled and transformed from an old baby's spoon by Melbourne Jeweller Greg Mann at the Rose Street market. I was given a set of dry etchings of endangered fish in Australian waters by Clare Whitney, and a handmade doll found at Kallista market {who I named Poppy, as I was given her on ANZAC day}. Through the mail arrived a gorgeous handmade Oskari, by "Themla", and I was fortunate enough to be given a screen printed canvas bag, and an "electric firefly" light globe {which admittedly Chris and I struggled to put together - but who reads instructions, hey?}
Wow, what a list of gifts....I was incredibly lucky. I just love them all so much I had to share them with you.

Chris and I attended a friend's engagement party on Saturday night in Ballarat, so decided to utilise the experience to venture to regions that were until that point neglected by us. We drove along the highway listening to the unfamiliar voice of a satellite guide, but preferring the wails of PJ Harvey's "White Chalk", and rhythmic intonations of Camille's "Music Hole" until we reached Daylesford.
Here we sampled a very much anticipated coffee and warming porridge from the cluttered and cosy "Cliffy's emporium", before strolling up the tree-lined street, littered with leaves of red, orange, and the most vibrant of yellows, towards the Sunday market, where we found beautiful quinces, perfect for poaching. We discovered "A Day on Earth", quite an interesting home wares and furniture store with a definite otherworldly and industrial pull. Within pidgin holes was found beautiful ceramic works with painted bases by Australian artist David Bromley, and rusting old colanders. Amazing glass blown balls and Japanese fishing floats mingled with old prams and Scandinavian sideboards.
We continued to Castlemaine, where we lost ourselves in an enormous shop which had absolutely everything in it, from crockery, to carpenters planes, old tins, vintage toy cars, antique chocolate moulds, baths, bedheads, and cabinets. We then discovered a bookstore, in which I found myself a $2 vintage children's book, "The Triumph book for Girls". Maldon took us to heritage listed ruins and crisp 7 degrees Celsius temperatures, reminding us even more of the crazy misfortune of forgetting our coats and our cameras for the weekend!

It was a lovely birthday.
{Love}

green

2008-04-11T18:29:00.004+10:00

I'm avoiding filling out my grant application.
{Love}

paper me paper you

2008-03-19T19:54:00.006+11:00

Contour Line {copyright} paper earrings for sale. Delicate and Intricate layers of alternatively textured papers, with perforations. Silver-plated earring hooks, presented to you in a warm cream-coloured seed pocket. $15 a pair.
In a special spontaneous giveaway a pair will be free to the lucky person who gets drawn out of the hat. Leave your email so I can collect the postal address if you are the winner.
{Love}

hey there doll-face

2008-02-22T16:17:00.005+11:00

from cardboard, moulded heads.
{LOvE}

Pippa May Cook

2008-02-08T09:11:00.000+11:00

Here is my friends new cafe and produce store. She makes everything herself, even the tops on display, and many of the adorable aprons we wear.
Check it out: Pippa May Cook 719 High Street, Thornbury, Victoria.

{love}

new things everywhere

2008-01-31T16:08:00.000+11:00

I've been doing a lot of illustrating today, mainly in the aim to complete jobs that have seemed to take me forever, but then also making cards to sell, and a small book for my best friend to take with him to London. He leaves tomorrow to live there for at least two years.

I've also been enjoying the rain today. I've watched the light spray of water soak the lawn, and weigh down the trees.

I'll be picking up my new car today, before heading to "Pippa May Cook"... the very new cafe, produce store {opening tomorrow at 719 High Street, Northcote}. The creator of the gorgeous store is Pippa, one of my friends. Chris and I will be popping in to help her label her preserves. After that we'll be heading to Federation Square for a performance by The Glass Percussion Project, a collaborative duo I studied for my honours thesis, comprising of a glass blower and a musician. The results of the fiesty mixture will astound! I can't wait.
Camilla Engman has a beautiful post today about the textures of paper.
{LOVE}

Feeling out of Pocket

2008-01-18T18:03:00.000+11:00

I've decided on my new vehicle, a Honda Jazz, lots of room in the back for all my installation works, and very fuel efficient. Hoorah!
Feeling proud but terrified I placed my deposit today, a new silver manual..... and I've begun learning manual today. Yes, I have possibly left it far too late, but I have mastered up to third gear, and my current weaknesses, apart from not entering the road yet, seem to be my initial beginnings. My heavy-footed habits have me either surging, or stalling. Give me a few more lessons and I'll be fine {please}.

Catching up with friends down at the local bar, for T's 24th birthday, enabled a glimpse of the "Counterfeit Gypsies" and a whale of a time. Much to my earlier negligence, I failed to notice my brother and boyfriend slip beer glasses into my bag. The guilt has worn off finally, and I'm now enjoying the frosted image of a dashing stag in the cusp of my hand.

Delightful family catch-ups were had, before the back-to-work drag, including an exciting spotting of two tawny frog-mouths, camouflaging in the trees around them.

My image does not do the beautiful creatures any justice, as the digital camera was zoomed in, and a binocular lens further capturing the vision. The hazy result is romantic rather than documentary.

I'm about to write my component for an Australian Council arts grant. Wish me luck.
{LOVE}

it's a new dawn its a new day

2008-01-06T22:51:00.000+11:00

And I'm feeling good, albeit, slightly afraid of what this year will bring. It will be my first year without study, away from the institutional system, since I was five. I have decided to work this year, finding a full-time financial occupation, to aid my {yet to be begun} funds towards a trip to Europe. I feel my plans may be delayed, however, as my little red civic, after 6 good years, has finally left us. I can't decide whether to begin to jump onto the bus/train/tram, or instead save up for a new car. I'm toying with the idea of applying for a masters degree at the Glasgow School of Art for next year.... just an idea for now, I don't think I'd be able to leave Chris {although it is only for nine months}.
My christmas was highly enjoyable, spent with family, extended members included. I felt quite the glutton, and am sure my stomach has grown a little too much for my liking over the december period. My little wooden boy is made by 'love' and was a gift for christmas {that i happen to be aware was purchased from Little Salon in Gertrude Street}.
Happy week {or so}
{LOVE}

make the yuletide gay

2007-12-21T11:35:00.000+11:00

Well, I apologise for a much belated and due post. Busy it seems I have been, but as I ask, "what exists to show for my distractions?", I cannot seem to find an answer.
The hybrid arts performance/installation was had, all good and well. Many a paper crane was tossed about, stood upon, and blown with the duck feathers across the creaking wooden floorboards of the Brunswick Street gallery as a body would brush past. The twigs and their hanging glass vessels swung, and cast their incredible shadows upon the crisp white walls of the gallery space.

Bing Crosby and Louis Armstrong have been singing to me as I collate and wrap my {close to} final gifts for family members..... my parents, siblings, my partner, and his parents, siblings, step-parents, and step-siblings.... oh, so many people to enjoy the holiday season with.

May everyone have an incredible Christmas and New Year!

{LOvE}

The Fold of the Paper Crane

2007-12-02T17:29:00.000+11:00

It has been over a fortnight since I last left my mark on this page. Many apologies for my tardiness. I have been a busy bee however, in preparation for my next installation art display which will feature in a show called Absolute Necessity, that will be performed along with three other incredibly contemporary events at a HUGE week of nights for the creative collective of us who like to be referred to as Darlington Garage.

Please check it out! 8pm on Friday the 7th December through to Thursday the 13th of December {BUT EXCLUDING MONDAY NIGHT} at the Brunswick Street Gallery, on Brunswick Street in Fitzroy. Tickets are $10, there will be a bar open too. For tickets phone Clio on 0401 760 691.

For AbNec I have, after swiftly learning the basics of origami, been making a countless amount of paper cranes, hoarding pillows of duck feathers, and collecting branches to wrap and string vessels from.

I've had many helping hands learning the folds of the paper crane and adding their crafts to the looming mountain of {only recycled} paper. Thank you to Penny, Clio, Bazil, Ross, Nicky, Lou, Krista and those who I may yet still ask...THANKS.

To those in Melbourne today, enjoy the cool change. I'm back to more folding.
{LOVE}

Ink & Water

2007-11-16T19:27:00.000+11:00

I've been drawing lately. Something I have neglected to do for quite a while now. I've drawn while at a cafe in Kallista, watching in the large space of the open curving window frames, the cockatoos and rosellas battle for their seeds. I drew while at my Mum and Dad's house, with my bare feet slapping the cool wooden floorboards in rhythm to the moaning sounds of old jazz singers flowing through the open rooms. I drew also at the side of M&D's swimming pool, swinging my legs in the warm water, and conjuring up images of the freezing continents, an immense contrast to the weather conditions here in Melbourne these past couple of days.

I've been inspired by the styles of the likes of Hannah Waldron and Camilla Engman, and their simple but elegant line drawings.

I'd forgotten the pure joy of drawing. I'd forgotten the daydreams, and made up worlds one falls into while scrawling and scribing. Lest I forget further.

Reading and Weeding

2007-11-08T21:15:00.000+11:00

My Melbourne Cup weekend was one of much pleasure and pain... A Saturday night out with my family, provided by my parents, out to Bistro 1 down the thin Little Collins Street was followed by a session at the Princess Theatre of "Phantom of the Opera". Both were thoroughly enjoyable, with the show taking slight preference. I have dreamed of being the Phantom's love, Christine since pre-double digits, so to finally see the performance to the soundtrack I'd long ago memorised was wonderful.
However, as Chris, my boyfriend and I began driving home, my stomach began cramping. By 12 am my stomach had churned enough and was ready to release, through any means how, and it did, much to my displeasure. I was up till 4:30 in the morning completing this routine to the bathroom, then back to the bedroom, and finally was able to rest by 5 am. Sunday was spent sleeping, lying in front to the heater, and feeling sorry for myself.

Recovering on Monday from physical exhaustion was actually quite pleasant, as I was able to almost reach the conclusion of Emily Bronte's "Wuthering Heights". I am currently, at ten pages to go, anticipating the thrilling closure. The strangely incestuous relations between those residing at The Grange and The Heights is almost as compelling as Heathcliff's dedicated affection for his Cathy, and his contrasting detest for every other earthly specimen.
I also found the day a perfect opportunity to begin the therapeutic folds of the origami crane, formed from the discarded pages of an old Oxford World Atlas {perhaps my next post will include a picture}.

I discovered I won $20 in the Tuesday family Cup sweep that I hadn't even pitched in for, indeed I was very lucky! Don't ask me what horse won, though.....

On Wednesday, I decided to begin weeding the garden. A massive task for those who live on a large block of land, and choose to focus always on cleaning the inside of the house and ignore the outside. As you could guess, there is a long way to go. I hope to achieve more tomorrow.

In the meantime, I hope you enjoyed the few photos I took on my SLR around the house.

{LOVE}

Ticking the List

2007-10-31T16:36:00.000+11:00

I certainly have achieved many scribbled objectives from my to-do-list this week:

{Monday}
I HANDED IN MY THESIS! Which was a testing moment for me... as I dropped the bulky load into the hands of a lecturer, a deeply embedded sob released itself from my gut. It was almost like giving up a new born baby. I'd been creating this for 9 months!

{Wednesday}
A timely morning catchup with my old time best friend, N, from way back in kindergarten. Her glamorous stories of being wisked away to France, Germany, Greece, and Italy. N lovingly retold her historical voyage and cultural musings in the sweltering heat of a dirty Rome, a beautiful Florence, and a wet Venice {for more reasons than one, it happened to be her only day in Italy with rain}.

A sense of satisfaction from much determined house cleaning, and experienced absolute awe over the amount of cat hairs vacuumed up from the couch she's claimed as her own.

Choosing which roses to pick from either my garden, or the neighbours, whose shrubs, I glimpsed, were overhanging the footpath.

Listening to the battle of sounds between the deafening choir of cicadas, and the dated tunes of Carol King's "Tapestry", that somehow reminds me of my mum's saturday night music selections during her pre-spaghetti bolognaise dinner preparations.

Following this, a wonderful dinner with a large group of not-quite family {all previous empolyees/ers or partners/children of an old beautiful workplace}. We said goodbye this time to M and then B who are off to Florence themselves to not only enjoy the cultural difference from Melbourne, but to relish themselves in music theory, and performance, in the glorious home of meatballs {Although I think M & B would prefer to eat something non-animal}.

{Thursday}
I caught up with {a different} N for lunch in Richmond, before leaving him and scooting up to catch Jennifer Bartholomew's "Digitally Enhanced" at Craft Victoria for the { now quite concluded } Melbourne International Arts Festival; and The Installation of "Riceboy Sleeps" at Gertrude Contemporary Art Spaces. I stopped in at Max Watts INDUSTRIA on the way home, to find myself purchasing an old "Concise Oxford Atlas" to begin cutting out for my c o n t o u r l i n e s necklace line.

{Friday}
As it is still only Thursday, my plans for tomorrow remain as yet, incomplete. However, I very much intend on seeing a couple of friends at 11am, an then the remainder of the day has been left blank on my list. I could read more of my enthralling Bronte novel, "Wuthering Heights", or begin preparing my necklaces. I could also visit my mum, my friend P, or do some weeding in the garden. These are some of my ideas, but what do you think???
Until next time, { LOVE }

shiny and new

2007-10-28T21:55:00.000+11:00

hello.... this is my brand new blog, something I told myself I would get around to organising a long time ago. You will probably see a few major adjustments occuring in my next few posts. This innitial one is really just to make sure that it's running smoothly. I've just completed my Honours year thesis for University { phew } and I immidiately wanted to begin a new project. Hope this little blog becomes enjoyable for you. LOVE