Caffeinated prints - the blog of Sally Flynn

Map and Hatch - preview

2012-02-09T19:20:00.001+10:00

Hello all,

Here is a little sneak peek into the Map and Hatch workshop coming up through BrisStyle.
This is one of the pages from the workbook; an indication of what to expect.

For those of you coming along it would be great if you had a look over this before you come along.
It'll give you an idea of some of the questions you'll need to answer to make the workshop work for you. For those who missed out - it did book up very quickly - this is something you can do at home!

It's quite interactive, lots of filling in of the workbook, and workshopping with others. Not to mention the cameos! There are three wonderful women who will speak briefly about their businesses and how they got from there to here.

Enjoy the sneak peek.

Best,

Memory lane part one: Hobart

2012-01-28T20:08:00.001+10:00

On Christmas day the bear and I flew into Hobart, Tasmania.

This is the city where I went to uni. I studied fine art at the the lovely old building on the port. You can just see the pink facade in the shot of the fishing boats.

I grew up on the nw of tas and left for the mainland the first time in 2001, and after a brief return for more study I finally left for good in 2004.

This visit had been 7 years in the making. I don't have any family living there, but quite a few friends. And, as I discovered on this holiday, lots of good memories.

The not so good thing about Hobart and Tas in general, is that everything closes on public holidays and Sunday too. So flying down Christmas day was not so great in hindsight. Also not much wifi. But if you hunt around there are still some treasures!

For us it was the Laundry cafe in Salamanca (see porridge shot), the Jam Jar in battery point (lovely brick building), and the Henry Jones Art hotel restaurant where we had Christmas dinner.

I loved all the old buildings and laughed at myself for not noticing them when I lived there. Old buildings features often pop up in my art.

I took the bear up and down the streets marveling at places that are still there and pointing out gaps where others are no longer. I pointed out where I had gone to see the violent femmes, the chocolate shops, the coffee shop with the loft, and buildings and gardens I painted.

Our fourth and last day was a normal trading day. We rushed to see music shops, antiques houses and witness people in the streets before heading to the Taste of Tasmania. If you haven't been to this it is well worth it. The best tasting festival, and free entry!

The daylight savings provided light until 9pm. That day we used all our waking hours up! At the taste we did a red hat tour of the brewery stands which included ciders. This was amazing and we will do one of these again in the future for sure.

I didn't want to leave Hobart so soon. Next time we will consider the public holiday thing so we can do more.

Goals

2012-01-24T07:34:00.001+10:00

I'm going to do a couple of blogs before the workshop next month. I want to provide a bit of background and show some behind the scenes preparation.

The idea of setting goals vs the reality of setting goals can be so far apart. The bear and I have listed goals on our to do list for years.

On the weekend we got around to writing them down; a huge accomplishment. It took a three week holiday to name what had been the blocking points to achieving this. If you are not getting something important done identifying what is stopping you can provide clues for achieving your task.

For us it was time and distractions. Pretty common stumbling points I expect. We don't have any children so work and electronic devices (and iview) are what keeps us busy. We thought if we could get away somewhere we might actually get it done.

The opportunity came up to add an extra night to our weekend away (big day out). We had to keep in mind that the extra day was for setting goals. Especially me, because I can get distracted by anything anywhere.

We had a chat about goals and what goals we wanted to set. We chose a ten year scenario, ie where do we want to be. During the activity we also added some things we want to have done along the way, and plans for this year.

Making a list of what defines us and what we value helped immensely. This served as a criteria when we got a bit stuck.

We haven't finished with the goals. The next step is to do the budget. But as they say in motivational courses - how do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time.

If you are coming along to the workshop it would be helpful to have a rough idea of your goals for your business and thoughts about what defines it.

Love to hear your comments and what works for you!

Hatching

2012-01-18T08:03:00.001+10:00

http://brisstyle.blogspot.com/2012/01/from-here-to-there-map-and-hatch-your_16.html?m=1

Not sure if this link will work (I'm using the blogger app).

Anyway, big news: I'm running another workshop for BrisStyle!
Yay. The last one was 2009! It was on business planning in the creative industry. This one is the same topic but I'll adapt it to include new tools. Even going to make a little handbook for it! I'm going to use my little chick in the images. Maybe even a little zine will emerge.

I will keep posting developments on here about it.

On the home front things are happening too. When I'm not glued to Damages episodes I'm sorting out the apartment to help stream production and inspiration. Here is a little vignette I created with Christmas pressies and wedding paraphernalia.

Lazy days

2012-01-14T22:50:00.001+10:00

I am getting around to posting about Tas. Just not now.

I've been getting some odd jobs done that I kept putting off last year.

It's leaving me feeling happy and determined to keep making good choices. A bit like new years resolutions.

The chicken stamps had been on my too do list for months! They look super!

Salad days

2011-12-28T20:02:00.001+10:00

We arrived in Ross late this arvo. It's now 8.30 and it still looks like 2. I love it. I can feel the sunshine working wonders on me.

We checked in to a quaint little cottage and then sat on the courtyard and feasted on a selection of food and drinks from the taste of Tasmania festival.

The past few days have been great. We have seen as much of Hobart that you can fit in over three public holidays. Trading was back open today and the vibe was quite different.

We trawled through the music and antiques shops on Elizabeth street first. Then we moseyed down to Salamanca for the taste. We cancelled our cascade brewery tour to take a red hat taste tour. On this we visited 7 brewer stands and tasted over 27 drinks.

Then we indulged on the famous tempura mushrooms, some chargrilled octopus and Eton mess. With enough lining our stomachs to match the alcohol we revisited four of the stands to buy some travelers.

We filled a market trolley with treats and hit the road after clearing the voluntary breatho. A nice detour in the botanic gardens saw the husman tracking trees.

I wasn't sure how I would feel about this trip- visiting the homeland. But I find myself making mental notes "for next time".

Flashbacks

2011-12-27T06:47:00.001+10:00

Yesterday I got talking with another visitor about going back to childhood places and experiencing flashbacks.

Since arriving in Hobart I've remembered more of the times when I visited my best friend who moved here at the start of high school, than the three years I lived here while I went to art school. And none more so than when we went up mount Wellington.

A rush of images - a hot pink snowsuit, collecting snow for the bonnet and throwing heaped melting snow at Jane and Travis before suddenly falling through the powder layer across the rocks.

And then the visitor tells me he is off to namibia next month to film mad max 4. He was making a point about feeling nostalgic but recognizing that if you stayed you would never achieve all that you do after you leave.

Three more sleeps

2011-12-20T17:44:00.001+10:00

Yes I am counting down until the holidays.

Especially because I am working to a revolting deadline on an enormous project. And I have three niggly little projects with loose strings to tie off. And especially since I have another flu.

On the creative side though I received this lovely vase from my m-in-l. It's quite enchanting- holding another world on its walls. A little water colour on one side and an antique tile on the other.

Did I tell you we are off to Tasmania? Back to the homeland. First time in 6 years. I've been discovering lots of yummy food blogs from there. Do you know any?

Next post will undoubtably be enroute! See you then!

Breakfast

2011-12-13T08:16:00.001+10:00

Another beautiful ride into work. I'm thinking of buying a bike mount for my phone so I remember to take some photos. I ride along the river most of the way. It's so warm that I need to leave early. By the time I reach the cycle centre my brain is functioning enough to formulate a routine.

I'm not due to start work for another 20, so I found myself visiting a new coffee shop for breakfast. Sadly it's not as yum as I hoped.

Last night I made the dough for Dutch spice cookies from my feast magazine.
The spices looked like a galaxy sprinkled over the kitchen counter. I hope to have time to bake some tonight after pressing bits into moulds.

Sounds like a brass band is playing carols nearby...

Generator

2011-12-11T01:17:00.001+10:00

Have just seen the foo fighters play at the metricon stadium. it was huge and completely rock. I felt young again! Shaking my head and playing air guitar in the sweaty post rain weather.

We are staying at mermaid beach. I love this part of the gold coast. It's still sleepy with an eclectic mix of old and new. Gov's espresso was grand, but disappointing that they don't do meals. Bloody good coffee though.

We had a great explore today of the main and back streets. Keen for another sniff around tomorrow. More delights like the exotic Asian grocers which I always thought a porn store.

Resting up

2011-12-02T12:56:00.001+10:00

Another day of resting. I attempted going to work but got sent home by colleagues who have good health preferences.

So my resting today consists of Christmas shopping until the cleaner finishes up at home, and then falling blissfully asleep in a freshly made bed.

When did Christmas shopping get so revolting? Hideous lines of clever and funny useless objects, queues and finding yourself buying shit like tony hawkes and wii karaoke. God. And for good measure tapping all the purchases into my gift list app.

Sensibly I have split this up with wonderful things like eyebrow tints from the lovely Deirdre at benefit and a sparkly silver pedicure in anticipation of the Christmas function this sat.

I am writing this from the delightfully understated jojos.

Tired

2011-12-01T16:48:00.001+10:00

Taking the day off to rest. I'm so tired at the moment.

I keep trying to do things tho. The dishes, the washing, load some new programs. As a result I have deleted all my computer files, spilt the muesli on the floor and nearly broken the plates.

Just rest. Why is it so hard?

Bedside table

2011-11-27T15:24:00.001+10:00

Currently reading these two. On the list of age indicators - preference for non fiction reads.

Loving the font book. Equally good for two minute waiting for the bus reads and snuggling up in bed. Indulgent learning.

The zine book is more academic. While it reads a bit like a blog the info is heavy. Better for a chapter at a time.

And I just purchased the art one today. Why is it every time I go Christmas shopping I benefit?

Pinterest. Nailed it.

2011-11-25T20:14:00.001+10:00

I've made some of the projects that I have pinned on Pinterest. God it feels good to say that.

A work colleague asked me today, considering that my hubby has a fancy car, what my toy was. I was a bit stumped so I went with shopping. But I should have said pinning!

So, for your interest my projects...

Wrapping paper with stamped names.

Glass etching (it really is easy, but watch out for drips)

Chocolate Lego men.

What pins have you nailed?

Hello stranger

2011-11-23T18:49:00.001+10:00

Hello again. I've been holding off blogging while I figure out some changes. But three months have passed and while I haven't finalised those changes, blogging here will bridge the gap.

I'm taking some small steps towards integrating my website and blog onto one interface. I'm aiming to have this ready before the end of the year, so the New Year will mark the turning point.

I've changed my business name from Flight Industries to Flight Studios (someone had actually registered the other one before I could). I've managed to buy the domain too, so soon I will be blogging from there. To ensure I can do this where ever I am, I have invested in an iphone.

I'll make the announcement and link here when its all go.

Here is the new look logo. Its based on a tattoo I got recently. The back story is Fraser's proposal, which you can read about here. I had the chicken designed so that the solid colour is mis-registered, this being a reference to printmaking.

The reason this is taking me so long is that I have decided to stick with working full time. I have secured a good job with Queensland Rail, a company I enjoy working for. Its a busy job, but not so creative. This leaves ideas bouncing around my head, however when I get home I'm beat. Domestic duties and creative plans have to be balanced. I'm putting some systems into place, to help me. One of those is getting a cleaner.

In other news, six months into our marriage we are forging great memories by continuing to do awesome things. Mini-breaks, concerts, and dinners out are all regular occurences. We are planning a trip to Tas for Christmas through New years. Above is Byron Beach - my first stay as an adult. I loved it. Maybe as much as Paris. Is that too strong?

Check ya.

I am making art

2011-07-10T21:11:00.000+10:00

I have a list of things to do at home, but its not a list of tasks like at work, its a list of lovely friends that I want to make sure I catch up with.

Today I got to see the divine Nicole. We have started doing a wonderful thing, where we meet halfway at Ipswich and go to one of the cool little coffee shops that have popped up, and then peep into one of the antique shops. Its a very wonderful thing. Today was Cactus Espresso (because Bon Laneway is undergoing renos). It was really oldschool - sort of an upstairs downstairs thing, and the toilet was out the back up some rickety stairs looking out over the world.

We also peeped into Cultiver (said Cul ti-vey), which is a new little kraft shop. I really loved it. The building is beautiful, and filled with wonderful vintage and handmade furniture. There are a lot of new labels which I haven't seen before, and I was enchanted. I bought some sweet peep toe heels (secondhand) and the sweetest brooch which makes me think of cupcakes and milkshakes.

As for making art, I always come away from wonderful things with Nicole wanting to make things, and try new things and invest in my dreams! I want to learn more about my art and develop my point of difference, I am re-energised to pick up some things on the back burner and address them.

I am making some prints for a show in Melbourne in September. I found the impetus to get cracking on these after seeing Nic - thanks Nicole. Pulled the little gocco machine out and started printing on some different surfaces. I'm looking forward to posting the progress of this.

Good eatings

2011-07-03T11:13:00.000+10:00

I signed up on Pinterest this week. Addicted immediately.
I really love this piece of social media.
You can find me here

One of the first things I pinned was the Smitten Kitchen pic of their homemade oreos, which my friend Nicole had blogged about here. It was repinned 22 times. Viral.

I made the recipe yesterday using many new wedding pressies - including Tony Stark - the red kitchen aid, and the precious Nigella Lawson measuring cups. I balanced the finished cookies on a chunky divine dipping plate.

Have you made these yourself?
I think next time I want to use less butter, because the wafers were pretty oily. Other than that they are wonderful, so much so that I wrote them into my recipe book.

Six senses

2011-06-27T20:17:00.000+10:00

Sight: The Northey Street Market, in full swing with buskers and dogs and coffee

Sounds: Rainbow Lorikeets in the trees

Touch: plucking lush coloured vege from market stands.

... and then arranging them

Taste: bbq and fresh salad on the deck (fresh shelled peas with goats cheese, baby toms with basil)

Speech: catching up with friends over cheesecake in the park.

Inspiration: I loved reading this wonderful sign at the market. Hope you do too.

food and festivities - a catch up

2011-06-05T13:23:00.000+10:00

A quick catch up of the last couple of weeks ...

The mural I designed has now been painted at Corinda Station. Next phase will be the installation of the murals on panels. Three weeks to the project's deadline, and we are down to the last two murals, and getting the remainder of the panels up.

One of the lovely moments in our newly married life, pancakes in bed!

Our first trip to the market in over a month! The rich colours of natural vegies, the smell of the sausage sizzle, the crispness of apples, babies and dogs enjoying freedom.

Pizza adventures - making the dough, heating the stone, basil from the balcony pots, the house getting warm from the oven ... and then the eating!

Finally, visiting some of our favourite places for an eat - including the kitch as all get out, Jo Jos.

I am not my job

2011-05-30T20:26:00.000+10:00

This new mantra is helping my grab back the corners of my day.

wedding bubbles by ngg

I made a bubble sketch, with me in the centre bubble, and then all the things that make up me in bubbles around it. I had so much trouble trying to fill up the bubbles. I've forgotten who I am. No, thats not quite right. Its more like I have stalled. With all my energy going on my job, its no suprise.

But I am going to try to engage more of my loves by focusing on some other bubbles.

Cooking was one of the first bubbles I added. And yesterday was a bit of inspired meal planning, flicking through some delicious new cook books (wedding pressies!!). I've been wanting to try to do some slow cooking. A big grocery trip, followed by a snooze, set me up to relish my spot in the kitchen.

Tonight for dinner we reap the rewards! Beef cheeks in red wine with creamy polenta. Delish.

Bris-ventures

2011-04-09T22:06:00.001+10:00

The long days are paying dividends. The chapter at the warehouse has finished, and the next phase has commenced. Look out for artists painting at stations near you. With only 3 months left in the project our timing is good, and the response is fantastic, including a couple of newspaper articles.

My work hours are intense, regularly clocking up 10 per day. My hours at home rely on the instant - iview, takeaway, pre-programmed washing cycles, and a heavy duty spreadsheet dictating what's left to be organised for the wedding. Not much thankfully. 20ish days left. Weekends have been booked up too, but for this one. I am chilling at the parents. What's not to love about homecooked meals, the spare bedroom, and someone else's waterbill!

Bris-ventures

2011-03-20T08:19:00.001+10:00

On Friday I went with lovely workmates to see Arj Barker at the Brisbane Comedy Festival. I love how they do these projections on the side of the building. I laughed so hard during the show I was sure I was going to vomit. I had to take some very deep breaths!

At work, we have one more week in the warehouse to finish the last of the murals for the train stations. We are ahead of schedule, which is fabulous. For the artists there will be a week off, and for me a week of admin. Then they will go onsite at the stations to finish the murals that need to be direct application. My role has been coordinating the murals being made at the warehouse. Below is a pic of all the murals complete. I think it is 12 stations worth!

I am making art

2011-03-02T21:12:00.000+10:00

This is a bit exciting ...

My designs are now huge murals!

Weddingstock

2011-03-01T20:35:00.001+10:00

Instead of decorating the Powerhouse (reception venue) we fancy the idea of having gobos instead - projections from light sources (google it). This could look very cool - silhouettes over the graffiti covered concrete walls.

I have spent so many hours on google skimming forums for crabbing together homemade versions. I love shadow puppets and printmaking, so I have been excited about designing these.

Today I worked up some designs.

This one is possibly going to have a possum in the branches.

Only then to return to forum skimming tonight to discover you cant put a gobo on a 65 par can because it doesnt focus, and what you need is an ellipsoidal reflector spotlight.

Who knew?

Perhaps we can hire some over head projectors instead?

6 senses

2011-02-27T14:22:00.000+10:00

Sight - lots of new antique, homeware and coffee shops in Ipswich

2. Sound - triple j from the new speaker system

3. Smell - bunch of white hyacynths from the market

4. Taste - gf chocolate and almond cake/ lamb souvlaki with haloumi, tatziki and greek salad

5. Touch - hugs hello and good bye from the ever lovely Nicole

6. Inspiration - elements to play with for my wedding jewellery

Join in and link back if you like
x
Sal

Weddingstock

2011-02-26T15:18:00.001+10:00

With 64 days until the big day, preparations are in full swing.

Clockwise from top left: love birds design from the engagement party garlands; paper pinwheels for the reception; paper roses for the reception; paper rose for the boutonierre; lego cake toppers; lace from Paris for the front of my dress; the big date; silk, tulle and polka dot dress samples

Centre: wedding invite sketch

Good eatings

2011-02-17T11:01:00.000+10:00

Flamingo Cafe, Fortitude Valley

Banneton Bakery

Mondo Organics (Valentines dinner)

Prints for others

2011-01-22T20:21:00.000+10:00

This is a really old print I did when I first moved up to QLD. I think that is about 5 years ago.
I was staying with mum and dad until I found a place of my own. I was in a bit of a dark place personally, and I hadn't made any art for about 6 months. This little lino cut was a step out of the dark.

There are so many people who are in various places after this flood debacle. Everyone reacts differently.
Some reactions seem valid, others more unusual. I am trying to keep open minded, and have found various ways to support others online, because I dont really know anyone who has been affected badly. I came across Digella who is behind baked relief, and then the lifeline flood appeal (so many people will require their services), I purchased some pressies from etsy sellers donating their proceeds, and today I purchased a beautiful print by Glen Skein, in exchange for a $55 donation to the premiers flood appeal.

Small steps. Big impact.
Want to share some of your steps?

A white Christmas!

2010-12-22T06:49:00.000+10:00

Last week I was in sweltering Bundaberg taking some workshops at the regional gallery.
I had about ten workshops where I helped the participants make paper snowflake chains and also some blind prints/embossings of doileys - which look a bit like snowflakes.

Participants had the choice whether to take home their creations or contribute them to a larger installation in the green room (a dark green reading room).

Here are some pics ...

No two snowflakes were the same - even the ones we all cut out from the same template.

What Christmas Crafts are you creating?

Miaowy Christmas

2010-12-21T18:35:00.000+10:00

Overcommitted

2010-12-07T00:38:00.001+10:00

Tonight I got home from work and went straight to bed. Slept for four solid hours. Took me awhile to orientate myself, but finally got there and made cookies and scones for morning tea at work tomorrow. Also sampled them - just to make sure. I like to use the marcus-neiman recipe for choc chips and alter it slightly. Lately my tweak is to put ground almond meal in the mixture. I like the texture it creates, also the cookies are more filling.

So, I did my real last market for the year on Saturday, which was a bit of a wash out. But it was lovely to see some regulars returning to the market, and pointing out which of my prints they have, and others enquiring about the process, or sharing their printmaking stories.

The well admired hanging - which I have had since I was a little girl.

I loved hearing people stories when it jigs their memories of the same

of similar childhood bedroom adornments.

The increasing marshland at the front of my stand!

The new perpetual calendars caught a few eyes.

I am sorry for being quite surly. Im not the best in the mornings, and I got up at 4am to finish off some preparations. It was all a bit silly and unprepared of me, and in that respect, novel. Retrospectively it was a big lesson about being overcommitted - which I am. So, its time to cut back on things.

But what goes and what stays?
How do you decide what to cut back on?

Christmas lunch

2010-12-03T10:34:00.000+10:00

Wondering why I haven't been blogging much ... Im working full time again.

There are of course pros and cons regarding this.
Money for one, but brain fog is the trade off.

However on the upside we are off to the Jade Buddha today for Christmas lunch.
Lovely.

Its really amazing the difference your colleagues can make.
For example a podmate of mine emailed me this chicken today.
Wonderful.
Much nicer than a summons to the head office. Or a knife in the back.

Got a market tomorrow. Thought I was all done, but one more.
Come and get some new cards with Christmas beetles and snowflakes, or a perpetual calendar.
St Augustines Church, Hamilton 9 - 4. Whoohoo!

The LIZARDS of OZ

2010-11-18T06:18:00.001+10:00

"got my arms back here"

Ok so technically the second one is a gecko, but stil, a lizard none the less.
Look at them all!

The heat is starting by 5.30am (I discovered this morning), so of course the lazy ones are out basking away by the time I am trudging home from work in some inappropriate shoes. Last night I got so close to one, but then another lady aborting the bus moved too quickly and scared him off into a pipe. Stop moving so quickly ladies!

Also, on a more twinkly note, I am guest starring* at the BrisStyle Twilight market tomorrow night. Check it.

*By guest starring I mean I will be the main event ... of course. Not really. But I will be there, in the Co-op marquee next to the divine Parisian, Sandrine Marsh

Organised by Art planners at the market!

2010-11-04T07:29:00.001+10:00

I am very excited because the collaborative project I worked on with my cousin is coming to fruition. Our functional and beautiful 2011 planners and art calendars will be for sale at the BrisStyle eco market this Saturday. I blogged about these here if you are feeling out of the loop. The Organised by Art website show all of the designs and you will be able to buy from there soon if you cant make it to the markets. You could also leave this webpage open for your partner to see and get the hint!

The Lesser Sooty Owls Art Calendar

I was really inspired by this project and as a result found myself with the impetus to make a perpetual calendar for recording birthdays.

My big sister has has one of these for many years, and it has travelled around with her everytime she has moved, reminding her to remember friends and family's special days. So here is my version.

Its available as a download from my etsy store. It comes with instructions for how to assemble, and even has some friendly tags with lists of things you might need to celebrate birthdays! I hope you like it. The imagery relates to the exhibition I had - the Gatekeeper, and shows a lot of gates, hinges, keys etc, which I love, but are appropriate because they are metaphors for entryways. And every birthday is an entry to the next stage of your life.

The big market getting ready-ness

2010-11-02T07:35:00.000+10:00

Hello from the midst of eating my porrige and rushing out the door to catch the train.

Yes that is my first zine you see there in the promo material for the next BrisStyle market.

Its my first eco market with BrisStyle, but I believe the second market of this genre.

My stuff will totally rock this market.

Ah, ha, ha.

Just trying to build some confidence up.

And what is this?

The makings of a new zine?

One that will help you choose pressies for people?

Yes, yes it is!

BrisStyle eco market Sat 6 Nov, St Augustrines Church, Hamilton.

Catch you there (I'll be on the co-op table this time).

low-fi long time

2010-10-24T22:38:00.000+10:00

Its true, I am working on a new zine!
I will have it at the next BrisStyle market.

There is so much to see in Brisbane ... like this bit of street art found in East Brisbane.

I think I will make some supplements to my first zine.

I missed some wonderful places out, and then of course there are the suburbs ...

The new zine is a flowchart made from lino cuts.

Taking photos is on my to do list - which has become very long now that I am working again.

spooky owls

2010-10-20T21:29:00.000+10:00

so, here are the new owls
I call them the spooky owls.
I think its their eyes
tried a few new approaches with these fellas

Here they are looking curious and stark in an ikea frame.

What do you think?

I'll sell a few at the indie eco market coming up. It'll be my first eco market. I'm looking forward to it.

6 Nov at St Auggie's church in the lovely Hamilton.

Also this is one of the images on the calendar planners - have a peak over here ...

on a completely other note
eugh, I've started working full time again.
I dont mind the getting up as much as I used to, its the tired cloak that drapes over me in the evenings thats the drag.
my to do list is hanging like a timed out internet session and the only thing I seem to be on top of is the washing.
However I did buy some new makeup.

Blog Action Day 2010- Water

2010-10-15T07:32:00.001+10:00

This has got to be the best metaphor for greedy use of water.
I hope you enjoy it.
Tiddalik is one big greedy frog.

But we are just like Tiddalik. For example...

Water over-consumption in industrialized countries:

While the developing world faces a water crisis, those in industrialized countries consume far more than their fair share.

• Food Footprint: It takes 24 liters of water to produce one hamburger. That means it would take over 19.9 billion liters of water to make just one hamburger for every person in Europe.

• Technology Footprint: The shiny new iPhone in your pocket requires half a liter of water to charge. That may not seem like much, but with over 80 million active iPhones in the world, that's 40 million liters to charge those alone.

• Fashion Footprint: That cotton t-shirt you're wearing right now took 1,514 liters of water to produce, and your jeans required an extra 6,813 liters.

• Bottled Water Footprint: The US, Mexico and China lead the world in bottled water consumption, with people in the US drinking an average of 200 bottles of water per person each year. Over 17 million barrels of oil are needed to manufacture those water bottles, 86 percent of which will never be recycled.

Learn more here
In the words of Russell Brandt ' we got to do something'

Pondering the rain ...

2010-10-13T06:27:00.002+10:00

Its pouring down here, but in others places there isn't enough to go around.
We are so plentiful in our water supply, but how do we use it?
Dug up this little animation, with its fine drawings, and found it made some strong visual points about this.
With great water supply comes great responsibility - Spiderman's uncle (paraphrased)

Rainy day freebie

2010-10-11T14:03:00.002+10:00

I know I said it was hot and sticky ...well I spoke too soon.
Now its pouring.
I shouldn't have complained.

I always feel a bit trapped when its raining. I hate putting on jeans because I know the ankles will get sopping wet. The grey sky seems to frown down. Not to mention the wet dog scent in the air.

Downpour at beautiful Northey St City Farm

So to distract myself from this I have been buckling down with my to do list (and a packet of choc bits) and getting a good feeling from ticking things off. One of the big things is planning for the wedding in May. The other is the not-so-secret planner project I have been doing with my cousin Sara of Yumi Projects.

Part of this is a special freebie with which you can countdown the rest of the year. Just click on the link below which will take you to a google docs section. You can select the PDF file and print out on your home computer. You can adjust your settings to print A3 size if you have access to one of those printers.

Countdown 2010 downloadable planner

Dont forget to visit the organised by art website to view the complete range of planners. There are a few styles including planners with room to write on and art calendars which are better at looking beautiful. I have done the artwork and design for the 2011 range. Sara will be gathering more artists to produce the range for 2012. I am really happy with the results - some new linocuts, and some old favourites.

The Jacaranda Lyrebirds planner

hot, sticky woman

2010-10-07T10:26:00.000+10:00

its totally humid - but also beautiful ... how can I stay angry with Brisbane when there are these delights?

QUT Gardens Point

Mowbray Park

Norman Park

In other news, I had breakfast at the Waterloo Hotel in the Valley the other day. Yummy. How wonderful. Its a very pretty hotel, with lovely food, and a fresh smoothie on request served in a tall cocktail glass. I was a bit alarmed when I went in, all dressed in flowy linen and hair still wet, to see many business executives who the barista knew by name. I timidly approached the counter which was covered in drink making tools and things ... of course she was lovely and vetted my fears. I was soon seated with cold water and a fancy pants menu - art neoveou meets art deco meets book binding ...

Anyway here is what was left of my buttermilk pancakes with raspberries and homemade vanilla bean icecream

Zine for sale

2010-10-05T18:21:00.001+10:00

You can now purchase this ranty piece of writing from my etsy store ... and guess what else? You will soon be able to buy it from Sticky too! I cant wait to see it on their online store - screen shots fo'sure.

I did my own version of a photoshoot of the zine, using my new favourite prop - a slide case. I've decided to use various cases as the theme for the market stand, and carry this over to the etsy store too. Sort of a travelling sales man vibe. There are some amazing cases around too. I'll have to pop a shot up of the one I got today from the Valley Lifeline. Its a lovely sort of deep square shape which will be nice to prop prints in. I think I'll be moving away from doileys - shame, but the bear thinks they are old fashioned, and as he is sharing the stall I shall endeavor to be more new fashioned.

The fabbo thing is that I sent a copy of my zine to Elle, because it was made in response to her zine (I lost my sense of irony in Brisbane - get a copy, its funny). And after waiting, waiting, waiting, and then remembering mail to Melb does not arrive overnight, so waiting more patiently I received a delightful email. She approved! And she wants 20 copies. So excited. However I have to now go back to officeworks and make more copies to assemble in front of a video (I dont think I will manage to ever progress to saying DVD).

Excellent.

Brisbuzz!

2010-09-17T11:50:00.000+10:00

Oh, so much on!
Wonderful things ... hard to choose - like a smorgasboard of good seafood.

So far myself and the bear have partaken in:
Brisbane Festival including seeing the delicious and witty Paul Dempsey at the Spiegetent

Valley Fiesta starting with cocktails at the Bowery, Glass and Laruche and finishing with the spectacular Pyrophone Juggernaut.

(Image: Lee Constable)

and the Swell Festival along the Currumbin foreshore.

zeen

2010-09-16T18:24:00.000+10:00

so, I made a zine!

There has been a bit of an understory happening with zines and finally it got to the point where I made my own. Its called The next time you are in Brisbane. It responds to directly to Elle's zine I lost my sense of irony in Brisbane. This zine is pretty tasty, and caused much rememberance of my first impressions of Brisbane. My zine is sort of a guide to the best of Bris according to me. And it feature my urban avine linocut and my ibis stamp. It was fun to use them in such a lo-fi method.
LO-FI ... I like it.

So, do you read zines? What are your favourites? I am rather fond of Gutterslug, and I love Elle's earlier ranty one Envious Casca. You can get these from the Sticky Institute (which is in Melb - underground near Corky St Clairs). Shopping online for zines is good because you get so much for your buck.

Understory ... I read a couple of zine plugs via the four thousand blog. I was really interested in one called Gutterslug about a homeless chick from Brisbane. When I went online to buy it was out of stock. Then later I was raving to my sister the beezus about "possibly she could do her media studies assignment on something fun like zines". Then after this I beseiged her with every zine I came across - google reader and the share app got a good workout. Eventually I went back to sticky's online store and found gutterslug in stock, along with the second issue. The total of the order was so cheap that I added a few more to the shopping cart.

The next day I read about the zine fair at Bleeding Heart gallery, which I plugged into my outlook calendar, and invited my bear too. Then for my birthday Beezus sent me a handful of zines. Then I recieved my mail order. Zines were everywhere and I was happy. Also something that was rad was that Elle (who is from sticky) added notes with her thoughts on my new zines, and revealed herself as the author of Envious Casca - which is most excellently ranty and stampy. Talking with Beezus on the phone I then discovered that she knew Elle from work. (Sorry this is getting long). Also then I met Elle at the zine fair - she travelled up from Melbourne for it. I introduced myself to her and bored her to death with my alkward communications. But as it turns out she made a zine about her time in Bris and then sent me a copy. Radness. Oh and it turns out Elle writes those zine reviews for four thousand. And Beezus got a good mark for her assignment.

My creative space goes on an outing

2010-09-02T11:46:00.007+10:00

You are invited to the latest showing of my work at the Brisbane Square Library. Finally the show is up! The screenprints that I have been posting peeks of here are now framed and on display. They are on the second level on the wall that looks out to South Bank and the river.

Below are three low res images of the results. While I was strongly influenced by the decorative gates and doorways of Europe and the UK, I have actually use images of gates from Brisbane! The keys are the ones I found in the secret garden in Northern Ireland, and the doorknocker is Parisian.

Porte

Flight (four keys)

Please enter (three colour)

Now I am off to create in my other favourite space - the kitchen (guacamole with tortillas). To peruse other creative spaces rocket yourself off to Kootoyoo.

Synapses, steampunk and shadow puppets.

2010-09-01T15:09:00.007+10:00

I have just finished watching this short film by Anthony Lucas. I was amazed. How wonderful it was. I rented it from the library - completed seduced by the cover. The design reminded me of a Tim Burton film , most particularly the Nightmare Before Christmas.

Today with all the ironing piling up around me I popped it on. I like to watch something while I iron. I wasn't entirely sure what the film would be like - I had heard nothing about it. I didnt take long for my synapses to start firing ...steampunk...silhouettes...gothica...iron lace...

The film finished before I had completed the ironing so I watched some of the extras. Most interested was the section about Jaspar Morello's world. Director Anthony Lucas, an Aussie ginger, has a most creative approach. I was captivated. He builds the backdrops using found objects. Oh wow. Synapses again ... Kate O Brian a local photographer has just blogged about her latest steampunk photoshoot - oh so beautiful. Best part is she makes the props herself and seems to always learn a new craft- this time handstiching leather.

Lucas talks about his inspirations being the 1930s King Kong, Jules Verne (obviously) and curiously Lotte Reineger - a German shadow puppeteer who made the first feature length animated film. Another synapses - while in Germany my aunt took me to see a shadow puppet show by local artist Albert Volkl. He makes his puppets, and I got a closer look at these after the show. I saw distinct relationships to linocutting and relief prints in general, ie positive and negative space, and then also like a stencil, ie how do all the elements connect - a black part of space will always need to be connected to another one or else your stencil will become two stencils.

One of Volkl's street lamp designs

So yes, lots of synapses firing today. And what a wonderful film. I am thinking now about the six pieces I hung in the library yesterday. Six new screenprints that use colour. Using colour was strange and confusing for me, as I have always stuck with black and white. But there is always room for change and development. Lucas talks about learning how to incorporate texture into his films and also removing details by using silhouettes. I wonder if I could combine my new themes of gateways and entry points with silhouettes, and dredge up the netting works from the past. I love the idea of making some art that is operational. I think that is why I get so excited about Lucas' film, Kate's photography and Volkl's puppet. They operate outside of the art as objects. Or perhaps its that they consider the space the artwork will inhabit.

Making some more arts!

2010-08-25T11:35:00.005+10:00

Making art and making food has a similar invigoration for me. Above are the monte carlo biscuits halves (ready for pairing) I made on my birthday. The recipe is from Katrina who is undertaking her own Arnotts challenge - to cook the range herself! You can read about it or grab the recipe yourself here.

A peek at the prints from Saturday's screenprinting session. Look at the lovely colour on colur effect! I might sell these as posters at a market one day. The work is for my showing at the library which is less than a week away now. I have one more Saturday to make the serious pieces. I hope to post the invite soon on here.

Instead of the promised steely-grey, I went with a green-black as I couldn't find a steely-grey that I liked. This is nice though, a bit reminiscent of heritage green. I think from memory that big gate is actually green.

And back to food. You may also like to try out the impossibly healthy but delicious Goody balls recipe via Sam. Delicious, but remember to use fresh dates. I didn't and ended up with a mixture that wasn't sticky enough. Easily fixed with peanut butter and honey, but I am looking forward to trying this again ...

Oh and here is my pre-birthday sponge cake with cream and passionfruit, displayed on my new vintage plate setting (coffee, or tea, for two) and our lady chickens teatowel. When we were in Ireland I bought a Jamie Mag . This recipe is in the three weeks of meals section as a morning tea idea ... a great idea indeed!

I am making art (200th post)

2010-08-16T14:26:00.006+10:00

I have approximately 2 weeks until my new exhibition. I have been given the time to spend focusing on this, and not job hunting. Although job hunting might be good regardless.

I have become obsessed with making the artworks from screenprints for the exhibition, despite not having the skills. Fortunately fate offered a path that made this possible - a three session screenprinting course. I had my first session on Saturday just been.
The workshop was with Jenny Sanzaro-Nishimura. She is the president of Impress Printmakers Studio, so I know her and love her style. She is forthright, hardworking and real. The course reflected this. Here is a pic of her showing us how to use the squeegee on the exposed screen.

Here is my exposed screen - standing up in its hinge. No cutting out of stencils for us, this is the big time, the new technology. Using a black and white transparency, some exposure solution and a megawatt bulb the screens are transformed from blank mesh to block outs with our designs ready for printing. (I'm not going to do a tute here. There are plenty of bits of youtube to tune into, or you could do a course with Jenny yourself. It is well worth the money.)

And here is the magic moment - a print, exactly as it should be, in a wonderful lilac shade. I got such a childlike kick out of lifting the screen to see the same design perfectly printed each time that I made quite a few prints, and came home with nearly a ream! It was unreal not having ink all over me, and not having to wrench the big press around like I do with linocuts.

Here are my prints on the drying rack. The closest image is of a Parisian Door Knocker, and the far two are of a German Gate Handle. Next week is serious business, so no more pretty lilac, Im thinking a steely grey-black. I have been fiddling around on photoshop today editing some more door handle and key photos from the overseas trip into black and white stencil type things.

My view while printing was very lovely!

The exhibition, titled the Gatekeeper, will be in the Brisbane Square Library during September and October, where the theme for all the exhibited artwork is 'What is a book'.

I have built onto the work I did last year for the Threefold exhibition, and looked further into iron lace. I excitedly discovered that early iron lace patterns were inspired by illuminated books. Initials of owners made their way onto gates and entries, and with them the sweeping arcs and lines of calligraphy, as initials disappeared arcs and lines stayed, and are the influence of the product we see today -the humble and much simplified garden gates of Brisbane.

The artwork, then, will examine some of the old gates and keys, drawing parallels between books and gateways - presenting both as entryways of sorts. Image wise there will be some lovely new screenprints of keys, gates and door knockers, with embossings of books.
I hope to post some more next week!

Also, this is my 200th post. Thanks goes out to Nicole who encouraged me to start a blog. I love all my readers, and thankyou for indulging me as I journal through my art practise, new recipes, markets and more recently travels. For those that love magazines there is a giveaway with Peppermint Magazine for new subscribers. You could win one of my owly prints!

fayre well

2010-08-04T07:43:00.004+10:00

Beautiful green countryside, languishing farms, charming wildflowers, pear cider by the pint, white houses with grey rooves, lilting accents and potato plants in blossom.

falling through the looking glass ... into a fairytale

2010-08-02T08:22:00.005+10:00

I'm completely sure I found the secret garden today.

Belfast - proper nice

2010-07-28T16:18:00.004+10:00

I have never been so enthusiatic about drinking so much. I want to try every cider available. Two + a ginger beer down, so far.

Happy after the strawberry and lime cider

Ale and ginger beer in a tiny corner pub
Pub fare and pear cider

Lovely art deco type and features

One of the little entries that will take you to a courtyard.

Ok, so we spend most of yesterday pub-hopping, and catching up on some shopping, but today I promise is all about the art scene. There is a lovely council publication listing approx 50 must see venues, of which I have whittled it down to seven (because two others are changing exhibitions). I hope I can get through all of these, because there are also four pubs we simply must see!

Homage to the Seed - art to encourage growth

2010-07-27T20:31:00.004+10:00

Sophie Munns has created a wonderful storm of postcards using art to lasso the importance of seeds. Visit the blog here

Oh, and this is a selfish post because she features me! Hurrah! Thank you for featuring me Sophie - look forward to meeting you on my return!

an eye-full

2010-07-25T18:06:00.003+10:00

Paris is superlative.

We found it! Antique market - a maze of warrens and nooks
Spitting fellow

Pompidou at night

Again, quickly penning this before we head out. Sunday is a lazy day in Paris, with anything that bothers to open choosing to do so after lunch. So for now I am in bed with a crusty baguette!

As you can see above we made it to the tower! Beautiful, and amazing. We hiked up two levels. I was so nervous it took about 30mins before I dared look over the edge at the city (ant-size) below. Fraser rocked on up to the very top. Then we ate decadently at the first floor restuarant- and swilled my first champagne- delicioux!

We have done much walking, resulting in the sleep of the dead, and some crabby interactions as one or both of us grows tired. There is so much to spy ... and it becomes a wonderment how to use out time perfectly. Yesterday was the massive flea/antique market north of MontMartre. I found a lace swatch for my wedding dress! Then we found the magical street of guitar shops. I took this opportunity to have a coffee.

We are one street away from the Pompidou, which makes us very close to everything. We hve found a wonderful boulangerie close by, and Chez Marie-Madelaine, a crepery which serves organic cider! Today is the last full day, tomorrow we fly to Ireland. Hoping to do a Seine Cruise tonight, if we do not fall asleep again!

au revoir! x x

cross country - Amsterdam to Paris

2010-07-23T07:12:00.003+10:00

Amsterdam - such beautiful back streets
bikes everywhere ...

in a laundrette in Paris eating a baguette

the Centre G Pompidou - after six hours of looking we went slightly loopy

hanging with a Picasso (!!!)

It's really overwhelming to jump in the car and bypass several countries in a mere afternoon. On arrival in Paris I was so exhausted that I was scared to go out for dinner - can you imagine this of me? We have had a most enchanting day today, even the laudromat was fun. My French linguistics are worse than I even imagined, and I find myself wanting to say German, because I have now got the swing of that lingo. Off to the tower tomorrow ...

cross country - Germany to Luxembourg

2010-07-22T18:01:00.003+10:00

A quick post with some pics before we make a trip to the laundrette! At the Luxembourg fortress - cat in sunshine
View of the fortress grounds

Legoland!

A lego wedding ...

The Porshe museum

I hope to post some more later today. We are now in Paris. Our quaint hotel room is down the block from the Centre G Pompidou! Guess where we are strolling later today!

abroad!

2010-07-20T18:48:00.003+10:00

flea market in zwimelheim

balloon launch

bratwurst in bensheim

My first blog post from our wonderful adventure abroad! It is deliciously hot, and the skies are clear! I am posting from our room at the St Christopher hostel in Amsterdam. Today we are going to wander about and see the Droog outlet, the Architecture museum, and hopefully get some new sandals for my threadbare feet! Also I am testing out my new polaroid camera- a bargain from the flea market. Got some impossible project polaroid film. So far I have a orange exposure of us on the balcony, and a blurry orange and grey shot. Shouldn't be too hard to improve on those. Love from abroad!

essential packing items

2010-07-10T19:00:00.003+10:00

Clockwise from left - new old leather jacket from opshop, squishy sleepy travel pillow, Pia Jane Bijkerk's Paris Made by Hand, finger puppets, new keen 'midori' shoes, shelley berelli wristlet pouch and ipod on loan with soundtrack for the next four weeks of my life!!

Let me introduce you properly to our travel avatars - on the left is the loch nip monster, and on the right is Steve the guitar.

Essential eating prior to departure - vegetarian mexican Byron Bay gourmet pie.

And miniature chocolate self-saucing puddings.

I hope to be posting while on a our pre-honeymoon in Europe. Itinerary reads: Germany, Amsterdam, Paris, Northern Ireland. Home in August.

Also, before I head off here is some art fantastic in Stones Corner. Looking very good. Hope when I get back there is more!

BrisStyle exhibition & website launch

2010-07-07T13:02:00.002+10:00

The BrisStyle Indie Designers are set to exhibit their amazing array of handmade goods as part of a collaborative exhibition at the Brisbane Square Library for two months in July and August this year. The exhibition will have a loosely interpreted kitsch/retro theme that will make the 2nd floor of the Library really come to life.

We'll be kicking things off with an Exhibition Opening and BrisStyle Website Launch on the afternoon of Friday, 16 July 2010 from 4.30pm til 6.30pm. We invite you all to attend and meet the designers and celebrate a year full of excitement and creativity in the BrisStyle crafting community.

If you can't attend the opening, we hope you'll find the time to visit the exhibition at the Brisbane Square Library during July and August. You can also visit the BrisStylers online as well as at all the BrisStyle Indie Markets

What: BrisStyle Indie Designers Exhibition
When: 7 July through to the end of August 2010
Where: Brisbane Square Library, Level 2, 266 George St, Brisbane City
Opening: Exhibition and Website Launch - Friday 16th July
Time: 4.30pm – 6.30pm
Cost: FREE
Parking: Various throughout the City
Public Transport: Train, Bus and Citycat all close by
RSVP: Monday 12th July to brisstyleteam@gmail.com

Homage to seeds

2010-07-05T19:35:00.009+10:00

oh seeds ... what magicical wonder, from Roald Dahl's description of conkers in Boy, to my own thrill of dropping sycamore 'helicopters' and watching them spin

gouache and embroidery on sycamore veneer

... here are my postcards responding to Sophie Munn's wonderful call out (previously mentioned here)

... and here a glimpse of my creative space (imagine The United State of Tara playing in the background and a heatpack snuggled close)

So how are those owls going, yeah!

2010-06-29T02:46:00.005+10:00

Well, you can see for yeeself here.

Not mucho impressed with this tho - got a bit too wanky with trying on technique and ended up with an eagle in the nest (I was composing the blog as I carved ... la, la, la so very good aren't I and thank you to my inspirations ....). Also cleverly forgot about the reverse bit that happens after the printing, and hated myself for buggering this up. Then I pondered giving lectures on composition; pos and neg space and not getting carried away with cross hatching ..."the key is to really consider what will be placed in the top left hand corner, being, of course, where the viewers eyes will first land ..." in the end I decided to cut out the passive behaviour which wasn't solving anything or tricking anyone, and bloody do another cut.

And do so very much like this one better ... very odd isn't it?

And now for that lecture ... as one can see in the print on the left, although the technique is very nice there is nothing interesting in the top lefthand corner to capture your interest. The print on the right, however, uses positive and negetive space in a most clever way and maximises the potential of the top LH corner with a strange looking owl beast.

overdoing it/sick again

2010-06-27T13:51:00.004+10:00

Yesterdays challenge: with a 3.5 hour limit, catch public transport to West End to buy art bits from the Art Shed, and delicious bits from the markets and get back for the grocery delivery. Challenge met with 30 mins to spare. However I did end up walking from South Bank to Montague Road, West End and got 30mins exercise. 30mins too much; today I feel like I was crane kicked in the throat.

Casting this aside, although the lack of lustre means I am complacent enough about other tasks to blog, here is a quick roundup of the week that has been ...

highlights from the gourmet food connect box: rocket, garlic, coriander, granny smiths and vanilla beans
what I made: thai beef salad
latest art project: lesser sooty owls in tree nest (drawing and tracing, cutting, bragging)

I was even able to view an exhibition!

Above and below: Brett Harper - playing with decals and heads
Below: Stephanie Reid - all sold out I'm afraid

Standouts from the exhibition 'Something More', now on at the Circle Gallery. Someone should write a review on this show, it's meaty.

Seeding!

2010-06-25T13:53:00.006+10:00

I'm really excited and am making this post pretty much a minute after reading about this rad exhibition happening in July at the Botanic Gardens.
Also - you can join in too. Would you like too? The details are above.

This is fairly serendipitious because I am currently doing some seed drawings ... I am excited about evolving this into a postcard! Here are some of my studies so far ...

scan of sycamore/helicopters

sketch of gathered leaves and sycamores/helicopters

The funny thing is that I wont be here for the exhibition - I will be far away in Germany. But that is nice, my postcard will be there while I am travelling - in the true spirit of postcards!

My creative space

2010-06-22T00:36:00.005+10:00

Lot of creative work going on around here. Not just sitting on window sills and smoking a pipe. Well, my little seal friend is doing that, but not me.I'm trying out new prints in preparation for my next big show (Sept/Oct at the Brisbane Square Library). No point just rolling off some proofs - may as well use the ink up on some cards. I'm going to pop these cards in the etsy store one day and make some cash. The show is called The Gatekeeper. I really like the key image, and am working on another one. I'll probably do most of the printing in August, but wanted to show you that I'm pottering around on it now.

This has been my major distraction/delight of late - book making!This is a double page from 'The Loch Nip Monster". You can see the rest here. And here is a double page from The Boy, The Snow and the Loch Nip Moster. Which you can peep here.

They are quite petite. Maybe 10 x 10 cm?

If you want to try your hand at this here is how it works ...Have yourself a sheet of A3 paper.

Fold it in half and in half again, but always in the same direction (can you see above where the binding rings are? - you are making these folds).

Now turn your paper around 90 degrees and do the tricky business of folding this into three sections (see the two lines that have been cut above - you are doing these folds).

Now you want to cut along these fold carefully - start from one side and use your quarter fold lines as a guide. Dont cut all the way, leave one quarter joined. Then turn your paper around and repeat.

Then you get to accordian fold it all up and add your piccies!

How was that for a terrible tutorial. I will aim to do a better one if you are interested ...

get into the olive groove

2010-06-07T22:40:00.002+10:00

So, as you know, we did the market thing again on the weekend. This is the sort of thing that as a child I would have loved to imagine I would do as an old person. My happy bear with his fantastic product. Cheeseboards with grooves for your oil/balsamic/dukka/olives. The front one featuring the Brisbane River was the most popular with the crowds. We promise to have more at the Sept market.

The bear's favourite customers of the day!

My artistic effort!

I am enjoying the challenge of making the display. Current challenge is: height.

Highlight of our stand was cheeseface man. He is the ultimate entertainer. You can have a groove with oil and balsamic, another with dukka, and line your olives up in the groove.

Plastic Fantastic exhibition at Reverse Garbage

2010-06-07T22:00:00.003+10:00

Oh dear - this was ever so much fun!

Great music pumping with plasticcy dub sounds ... crazy, eclectic and bright artworks contrasted with the more delicate and sensitive crafts.

Here I am smiling at my absurd plastic garlands - which looked great hanging from the suspended ceiling cage.

Here are my favourite works in the show, from BowBirdie. Who are you BowBirdie? You are amazing!

pacing ourselves

2010-06-03T14:39:00.004+10:00

I have a man voice, due to my cold - but that means it is on its way up and out! (If you are really lucky I will still have my man voice at the BrisStyle Market on Sat, but I really hope it is gone by the Suitcase Rummage on Sun.)

Also here is a peek at the new owl cards ready for the market. Sorry, but I sold out of the little lino owl cards, and wont make it to the studio before the weekend. So you can either spend boldly and buy a large owl print, or rid yourself of some pennies with these new lovely cards featuring wallpaper samples, and beautiful embossed art paper.

Hope to also post you some pics of the bear's wonderful new chopping/cheese boards. They are very sexy and require cheese and wine pronto!

Ticked the SOLA craft fair off the list on Tuesday evening, over pizza and How I Met Your Mother. It was most excellent, with rad knitting all over the show, and my store looking like it had been freshly bleached for the outing!

Marketpalooza!

2010-05-27T19:22:00.005+10:00

Tuesday 1 June - Saviours of the Lost Arts Craft FAIR
10am - 6pm @ King George Square
Saturday 5 June BrisStyle Indie Designers Market
9am - 2pm Racecourse Road, Hamilton
Sunday 6 June Suitcase Rummage
12 - 6pm King George Square.

See my newly improved upcycled map packs of envelopes!Find all sorts of bargains that make you happy!

Support independent local craft!

Time for craft

2010-05-24T13:53:00.000+10:00

With a veto on all 'yuk' shows, ie everything i would normally watch, the quiet evenings were spent stitching and felting and we are delighted with the results!

Warburton nordic festival

2010-05-23T14:25:00.002+10:00

The vikings are out to play!

Split stitching up a fox.

2010-05-22T14:59:00.002+10:00

Split stitching up a fox. Learnt the skills at brown owls last weekend and I haven't stopped embroidering since!

Wintery soup - chestnut and mushroom!

2010-05-21T12:06:00.002+10:00

Wintery soup courtesy of the lovely miss Dahl.
Have you read her book?

A second early morning treat.

2010-05-20T08:04:00.002+10:00

My second early morning treat in freezing Melbourne town was maple vanilla syrup on pancakes with milk as thick as cream!

Early morning treat

2010-05-19T12:43:00.001+10:00

The lovely Amanda's cafe in Yarra valley. And a giant pumpkin x X

getting printy

2010-05-10T17:36:00.007+10:00

Hey all,

I had the apartment to myself the other night and found it was possible to do the printing I had fancied would be fun to get done.

As I am want to do, I had about three things in my mind that I wanted to work on, but I decided that it would be an opportunity to do one thing at a time. This was a great decision, and I found myself moving through some half started projects and finally feeling free to start something completely new. I got some more envelopes maps finished. I like having these at markets, and haven't as yet listed any in my etsy shop. But I have challenged myself to improve my packaging and labelling so I can list some. There are a lot of people creating envelopes from upcycled maps, and other upcycled paper materials. I get quite green eyed about this, and have to remind myself its not an original idea, and to work on my own envelopes to keep them distinct and make sure they are available for people to buy.

I buy maps rather than atlases, and I prefer the really old ones with design from the 80s and earlier. As I have posted before, sometimes the maps are so good I just keep them for framing (one day). I print linocuts of the appropriate floral and faunal state emblems onto the envelopes made from Ausralian maps. This is such geeky fun! The common heath and lead-beater possum for Vic, as seen below. Watch out for these at the next BrisStyle market - June 5.Watch out for my new labels too. For maps outside of Australia I try to think of alternative symbols for printing. I have done skulls and foxes on UK maps, sort of a Mighty Boosh reference. I've got a Tanzania map that I am pondering imagery for ... the pigeon sketch I did a while back is an idea for international maps ... homeing pigeons with messages from afar!

Above is a glimpse of the very new work I have made. I'm pursuing the imagery of skeleton keys at present. Love them! I bought one at the last suitcase rummage for $2! This work could be a series of postcards, but I'm still feeling it out.

What are you up too?

Mother's Day stealthily approaches ... & a freebie

2010-05-04T11:15:00.007+10:00

Hello all ...

How are you going with your mother's day shopping? We have found some crazy presents, ranging from plastic duck measuring cups to delicate porcelain vessels. Now just to get to AusPost before the short week runs out.

Last year I got a bit focussed on making graphics for iron-on transfers. I created a couple of cuties for valentines day. But now I am thinking these could be good for Mother's day too ... it must be time for a freebie ...

If you live in the tropics you will be well familiar with the sight of little geckos. Here is one you can print out and make a transfer with. Spoil your mum (and make her laugh) with a gecko teatowel, oven mitt, apron, pillow case or pair of knickers ... the choice is yours.

Visit here to download a lizard (you'll find it in the files).

How to iron-on your lizard:

Save the jpeg to your computer.
Buy some transfer paper and run it through your printer.
Cut around the transfer to get round corners and rid the excess.
Place it on your item, and then iron away (best to follow packet instructions at this point)
Wrap with a pretty bow!

Pretty paper garlands #2

2010-04-25T21:08:00.004+10:00

I finished the paper garlands!
There are five of them in total, plus one display one.
They each have a unique ribbon, and some have a button, which you can wrap the ribbon around. I've gone with a purple and gold thread, and a pink and gold thread. My stiching is not so great, so I ended up doing zig zag which is somehow much tidier. The disks were all cut out from my embossed paper offcuts. You can see a shot of this all happening at the bottom.

Above: they are all strung up in the kitchen ...

I love, love, love the shadows! Above: engagement party garlands!! These are different specially for us.

It's funny to think that this table is now all covered with the bears tools and a guitar finger board which he has built.

op shop gold

2010-04-18T12:02:00.003+10:00

Op shop gold! This little bundle is from the New Farm RSPCA op shop. I have been trawling around and not finding much at all ...

I have a list in my head ...
antique keys,
glass measuring cups,
polaroid cameras,
travel books on Germany, Paris or Ireland
typewriters,
old drawing pencils and watercolour sets,
retro pitcher with possibly some matching glasses,
books by Roald Dahl that I haven't already collected ...
oh and plus size natural fibre dresses with pockets.

What is your list?

I love maps, and use them to make envelopes which I sell at the markets ... except when the map is of this quality ...

This is a snippet of the Batholemew Children's map of London. I imagine I will frame it eventually. It seems to include bits of nursery rhymes, ie the old woman and her shoe seen here, and also English myths such as the Giant Gog featured higher up!

While on my op shop kick I encouraged the bear to come along with me (or rather drive me in his car) to the Antique precinct at Woolloongabba ... The best by far was the really big grey one that has a cafe in there. Next time we'll have to go earlier so we have time for coffee. We saw some crazy pieces, such as this teary duckling above, which had us in stiches! We walked away empty handed, but happy. I do prefer op shops to antique centres.

Also in other wonderful gold news, the strange rumour I heard about Cafe Bouquiniste being closed was a lie. They are open, and their wonderful cake continues ...

I am totally printsy

2010-04-17T14:41:00.003+10:00

rad, hey?
Check the printsy blog here

All my group exhibitions at once

2010-04-13T19:21:00.004+10:00

Above: my woodcut at the Impressions 5 exhibition, Circle Gallery - until tomorrow.

Above: Flower Power exhibition at the new Artworkers office and gallery, Paddington

Above: My print in Flower Power exhibition

I also had work in the 2010 Connections exhibition at Space Gallery, Launceston, Tasmania. This has just closed but I sold a work!

Now I am working towards a showing at the City Library (making some new work), and finishing off some pieces for the Plastic Fantastic exhibition coming up at Reverse Garbage.

baking and creating: the days of a would be house-wife

2010-03-31T13:29:00.004+10:00

The fragrance of warm cinnamon and pear is saturating the kitchen. Its tremendous and scrummy. I am once again baking Sophia's Peach and Berry Tart (from the one-armed cookbook). I have substituted autumn pears and almonds for the peaches and berries. Its a bit like a tea-cake.

And now that is in the oven, and the apartment has reached a sweaty temperature I am making hot cross buns. Being averse to sultanas (and raisons, and craisons, and sultanas etc) I use apricots instead.

Baking is one of the delicious positives of 'working from home'. Another one is staying up late and sleeping in. I find myself staying up later and . There is some outstandingly b-grade tv on after 9pm, and this can last up to 2am with the new digital stations. Its great for sketching or cutting out too. I am thrilled that I have begun drawing again - little sketches of things in the house - with no real reason. Except enjoyment. A good reason.

Wedding planning and sourcing is constantly inspiring me. I never knew the importance of bunting and garlands before, but now with a diamond on my finger, I understand. To decorate the apartment for our forthcoming engagement party I am making some paper garlands. And I am going to make a few more of these to sell.

treasures from the land of online (perhaps a little wedding themed)

2010-03-28T12:41:00.004+10:00

Sseko (pro: sayko)

Pretty sandals with changable laces/ribbons that support business/economy in Uganda, or more specifically change the lives of rad Ugandan women so they can pay for their uni fees!

Buy some here.

Read about them here.

Check them out as an option for Bridesmaids ...

Little house of love from Vespertine Cafe.
So petite and luxe! (I also got two love birds)

And beautiful porcelain white bird garland from the enchanted Nicole of Hot Toffee
actually I dont think these are in stock yet, but I was gifted with a preview!

love, love, love, love

Pineapples opens in Brisbane ...

2010-03-21T11:16:00.005+10:00

Its here - in Brisbane. Hope you can make it! The Ibis and Scrub Turkey would love to see you!

new stockist, fav cider and revisiting the best cake ever

2010-03-10T18:19:00.002+10:00

The Bleeding Heart Gallery is now stocking my cards. They are in the middles of revamping the retail area, and when its ready - maybe next week there will be all sorts of lovely handmade wonders to buy. I took this shot of their a-frame sign when I popped in the other day. I love the little sketch. Looks like something you would see all over Melbourne, but seeing it in Brisbane was too nice. I had one of these toasties with a flat white - delicious. The dining space is lovely too - Im not sure if its the high ceilings, the white walls, or the sereneness, and the wonder that this could be in Brisbane (the city, not West End, or the Valley or Paddington).

Third fella from the left. My new drink. But its not stocked at my local. So let me know if its at yours so I can organise a drive by. Thanks.

I am doing a lot of wedding daydreaming and a little bit of planning. I'm so keen to have the yoghurt cake from Cafe Bouquiniste as our wedding cake. The bear wants some conglomeration which involves layers of cookie dough and jam in a chocolate marble cake. Maybe we will get two tiers?

Pine apples Installation

2010-03-02T23:09:00.002+10:00

Installation Part 13
Originally uploaded by Myrtle Street Studio

Look at my funny print nestled in among these beauties!
Please have a peep at the rest of the set ... its a wonderful salon style exhibition hung in a gorgeous heritage listed church. You can also go to the Hunter Island Press site and see more pics here

Proudly introducing ...

2010-03-01T23:18:00.005+10:00

... the bear, making his debut at the next BrisStyle market.

The bear has always stood by me, and encouraged my artistic endeavours. I am so happy and proud that he has been able to find time to transform some of his many ideas into actual functional products. It will be amazing to stand together at the next market as a team!

So, if you are keen for cheese, get your hands on one of the limited edition mark 1 cheese boards (featuring the Bris-o River).

Above: production shots. Yes those are my linocutters!

Tragic social media self promotion: Flight Industries on facebook

Burger Force: The exhibition

2010-02-28T09:37:00.004+10:00

My last hurrah at the gallery was curating this.

Its an exhibition based on the wonderfully cult new comic, Burger Force.

Directed and written by Jackie Ryan who is of course from Bris-vegas. You can read the comic online at http://www.burgerforce.com/ - it gets released in parts.

The exhibition shows some of the storyline from part one & two of episode one. It also has some largely unseen work showing how it comes together behind the scenes, and some character stills.

I am quite a fan now, and can't wait for the next episode to come out. I will have to wait five years to read it all, as the creation is such a labour intensive process.

What I love the most is that Jackie comes from a writing and film background, and yet she has an amazing aesthetic for still images. Each artwork is heavy with narrative, yet not with words.

Here are a couple of shots from the install. The exhibition is on at Redland Art Gallery, Capalaba until 24 April. If you are young at heart you can even attend a workshop with Jackie and learn how to shoot images for comics.

More info here, here, and here

More market prep ...

2010-02-27T11:57:00.003+10:00

I am looking forward this week. I have finished up at the gallery now. I will be starting some new projects in community arts, but more about that later. This week I will be fancy free to work on my stock for the market. Last week I had a creative surge and put together some prep work, despite a viral thingy and a headache. The above works are getting ready for some layers of printing. I have my cute birdcage design all cut. I think I might do it in silver. I also have my lovely fox and chick design, which I am really looking forward to printing.

I had some fun doing some silly masking activities. Maybe I can do something with them, maybe not, I dont mind. It was fun just printing on the deck.

See you at the market in a weeks time!

Famous and lazy

2010-02-15T10:39:00.006+10:00

Hey all,

I know I have been a bit quiet on this front, that's not to say I haven't composed a million (approximately) posts in my head that haven't quite made it here.

I have also been waiting to brag about this ...
Its an interview with me on Printsy - a very rad printmaking blog featuring printers from etsy world wide!
Ah, hah ha. Check me out. I am famous!

Its funny reading over the answers that I penned out last year. Must have been having a zAny day!

In other news I am lazily preparing for the market.

You know, the its a hard life, I have Monday's off, think I will watch a movie and make a lino cut out of this sketch I did of a fantastic part ceramic bird house I saw in an antique shop in Cleveland, lazy approach.

Stand by for linocutting shots in the next post.

Pine Apples - print exhibition

2010-02-05T06:42:00.003+10:00

You are officially invited to:

but if you cant make it, thats ok, its coming to Brisbane.

I have included two terribly iconic QLD images - the brush turkey and ibis coat of arms, and a view of sugar canes at Childers.

days off

2010-01-27T09:54:00.007+10:00

I'm currently watching Home and Away - the early years. Its on seven 2. But I've also done my usual seven things at once, washing, ironing, vacuuming, removing old nail polish, eating breakfast, watching telly, reading blogs ... you know, the usual. And now I am cooling down in the air con, trying to get back into the swing of blogging, and well everything. Christmas holidays were a little too good.

Right now I am in the midst of transition. I have cut back my hours at work, and will be finishing up in a month. We are also organising our wedding, and getting our heads around the next year, which will involve a big trip overseas.

Its really nice to have the extra days off. Last Wednesday I realised I could get along to the Lifeline bookfest. But being in transition I am not settled enough to splurge. I found two lovely Dick Bruna pieces - Cinderella, and a counting frieze. It was lovely to come home with only a couple of treaures, but knowing they really are treasures. Not like last years uncontrollable purchasing!

As I come closer to finishing in Cleveland, I've taken to looking for unusual things to keep me entertained. Last week someone put detergent in the fountain. Rad. Later today I am heading into the city to check out the City Library. I have an exhibition coming up there, and this is my first consult with the exhibitions manager. I think I may check out the Wednesday market at Brisbane square while there.

Mia's for coffee on the verandah

2010-01-22T17:08:00.003+10:00

This is another well overdue post. Mia's! Love it. Beautiful queenslander come gift store/cafe. Sit outside in the breeze while you eat lovely snacky cakey things. Spend all your pocket money on the jewellery and homewares. No kidding but i did half my xmas shopping here! Oh its in cooperoo. Google it and take a mate.

Open doors

2010-01-20T10:37:00.000+10:00

Long time no blog. Penning this from the dentists waiting room. I have been given a lovely new laptop, and i promise not to spill wine on it. I have set up a igoogle home page which means my google reader is waiting for me every time i web. Its super easy now to while away time reading blogs. Not that it was hard before. I have caught up on what i missed over christmas. I an enjoying lurking and not posting. However there is much to tell. The bear and i got engaged! We did some travelling, including torquay, vic. And now it is back to work. I am counting down because i am finishing up at Redlands and moving into some freelance projects. So much to tell. Pics: christmas chick, hot rod bear, lil, doors.

Torquay!

2009-12-31T07:15:00.001+10:00

Just a quick post. In torquay for new years. Camping by the beach. Swimming, visiting wineries and brewerys, eating fresh local mussels and cheese. Having a ball! Happy new years to all my lovely blog readers!

I an a mother hen this christmas! Meet l

2009-12-24T10:43:00.001+10:00

I an a mother hen this christmas! Meet little peep. If likes to cheep and fly.

BrisStyle Market Dec 5th 2009 Flight Industries by Kish Photography & Design

2009-12-10T22:05:00.001+10:00

BrisStyle Market Dec 5th 2009 Flight Industries by Kish Photography & Design
Originally uploaded by Chicuff

sorry - couldn't resist posting this one too

Thank you to everyone who came to my stall.
I loved meeting everyone - even though you couldn't tell - introverted.

Stay tuned for the next Market adventure!

BrisStyle Market Dec 5th 2009 Flight Industries by Kish Photography & Design

2009-12-10T22:01:00.001+10:00

BrisStyle Market Dec 5th 2009 Flight Industries by Kish Photography & Design
Originally uploaded by Chicuff

This is better than anything I could take.
thanks Darren.
Check out the Kish photostream on flikr for more BrisStyle market goodness.

Also - fabbo news. Some etsy sales have been happening for me! From the US too ...
I've uploaded a few items from my market stock to my etsy store ... so if you missed out at the market ...

Queenies for a tea

2009-12-02T07:39:00.003+10:00

About a month ago my older sister took me out for tea. She is a bit (!) of a connoiseur so little did I know what she had discovered. Queenies is magical.
So much better than Tea2. Its got real charm, and its decked out like its the fifties.
This top photo is from their website, the others are from our decadent morning tea.
You can shop from their online store, but dont.
Go there.

Roll out christmasbots

2009-11-24T22:32:00.001+10:00

Roll out christmasbots

loving the ibis stamp

2009-11-22T19:53:00.004+10:00

Its been a fine weekend of drinking cider, napping, reading blogs and stamping cards

I love my ibis stamp - courtesy of swift stamps
These guys are seriously great - quick on the turnaround, and very keen to provide what I wanted! I am already planning my next stamps.
Here is a nice close up so you can admire the linework too.
Look familiar? Its from my sketch for the tote competition.

I have posted more images from my market prep on my facebook page

We are putting up the Christmas decos tonight. And I have made thai salmon patties - using fresh salmon.

Ibis stamps

2009-11-17T12:43:00.000+10:00