KatrinaRecycled

In the Studio this Weekend......

2012-02-04T14:16:00.000-08:00

This weekend I found myself still tying up loose ends with left over pieces from the recent "Mamas in the Hood" exhibition. I've always been interested in journalling blogs and love Ro Bruhn's Art Blog and follow quite a few more. Motivated by these, I decided to use my tests and sample pieces to create a few journals and use up some of my leftover pieces. I also included some good quality drawing paper amongst the pages for doodling, sketching, writing, etc.

I've also been progressing two pieces inspired by the life drawing classes I did years ago at the Brisbane Institute of Art. The idea of incorporating the female form in my current medium has been knocking around in my head for a while ..... its presenting many challenges, especially working on a much larger scale, but its excting!

Float - Australian GhostNets and Joannah Underhill

2012-01-26T00:08:00.000-08:00

I think this is going to be one of my favourite exhibitions this year!! Go along and see if you agree.....

featuring Australian GhostNets and Joannah Underhill

at the

Woolloongabba Art Gallery

from

27 January to 25 February 2012

Just beautiful!

(images generously supplied by Joannah Underhill - thanks!)

Papergirl - The Art of Giving

2012-01-23T02:00:00.000-08:00

Papergirl Brisbane is an exciting innovative cultural initiative which works to bridge the gap between the wider public of Brisbane, and the local artists and writers who live here.

Art and writing is collected from the local creative community, exhibited in a gallery, rolled up, and then distributed by bicycle to the random passers-by in Brisbane’s CBD. Hope I'm lucky enough to receive something!!!

Anyone who wishes to be involved is invited to participate, regardless of age, education, profession, gender, or location. Artworks accepted include drawings, photographs, text, pictures, stickers, posters - basically anything ‘creative’ and considered that can be rolled and distributed by bicycle.

Writers, poets, and lyricists are also invited to get involved in the project. You are asked to submit as many contributions as you would like and in some cases artwork is reproduced to allow more people to receive your work.

Check out the Papergirl Brisbane website for more details and how to submit your work.

Studio Makeover

2012-01-10T02:33:00.000-08:00

Inspired by Sophie Munns recent post, I finally tackled my studio, tidying, decluttering, sorting, discarding and making a more conducive working space. Sophie's mention of a wonderful view from her room while working at her desk inspired me to re-arrange my studio so I too looked outside.

Its going to take a little getting used to but the action of tidying up and clearing out has started to have the desired effect. After I was finished yesterday my mind was clearer, although no new ideas were immediately forthcoming. I wondered when the ideas might come and decided to work out in the garden for a while and mow the grass (with a lot of help from Millie).

Today is a different story, ideas started to tickle around the edges of my mind, and then more and more came.......sometimes just by taking the first step and tackling the most mundane chores, a little bit of magic happens........

Like everyone, I have my moments of doubt in relation to my art and abilities, etc, however Candice Herne recently gave me this gorgeous teatowel by Nadine Sawyer, which I have pinned to my wall to remind me everyday that I am following the beauty of my dreams! Trusting you all are too :)

Lazy Beach Days......

2012-01-01T07:34:00.000-08:00

Am spending my days wandering this amazing shoreline

Contemplating what the new year will bring.....

I am here but will soon have to leave this restful place....

So while I can, I am reconnecting with family, collecting sea shells and more ideas for art work

Wishing you all find peace and contentment this year :)

Happy New Year

2011-12-30T19:03:00.000-08:00

We're spending our new year's eve at a little place south of Proserpine, called Midge Point, with some family this year. Its a magical place where we can go fishing, swimming and searching amongst the rock pools for starfish at twilight.....

This year has been eventful and looking back I think the highlight (besides my kids getting great report cards) was the "Mamas in the Hood" art exhibition during October.

I had many sales which made me feel very validated as an artist and I thank each and every one of you who felt drawn to my work and purchased something that will be hung on a wall in your home. Thats huge to me!

I am still hanging my pieces in the Dayboro Art Gallery and now have my work for show and sale at "Alfina's Cake and Coffee", Eatons Hill, Brisbane.
Happy Happy New Year everyone, wishing you a healthy and successful 2012.

Its starting to feel a lot like Christmas!

2011-12-22T01:19:00.001-08:00

Well the year has zoomed past and its that time of year again.....

I've had a little fun making some christmas cards and decorating our homemade christmas tree....

Wishing all my friends and those friends in blogland a safe and happy christmas and new year :)

Still Here (just having some quiet time....)

2011-11-29T16:01:00.000-08:00

Been a little quiet on the blogging front, the last couple of months have been busy times with the Mama's in the Hood Exhibition and now I'm looking forward to a few quiet weeks on the lead up to xmas......

still managed to squeeze in a little pit fire with my friend Deb.....

and take a few quiet days by the ocean watching the ships go by and ponder "where to next?"....

and do a few little pieces that I just felt like doing.....

Amongst all of this quiet time, I have also been enjoying many of my blogland friend's blogs including Candice Herne's, Sophie Munn's and Nicola Moss'.

Erosion/Corrosion Bundles

2011-11-01T20:01:00.000-07:00

I was asked recently where I sought motivation to create and get up and get on with it each day and for me its as easy as putting on a load of washing.....actually most household chores send me scampering for my art studio!

Up Close and Personal, Mama's in the Hood Exhibition at the Pine Rivers Art Gallery to Saturday, 5 November 2011

2011-10-20T20:42:00.000-07:00

A few images of my works including my own poetry, currently in the Mamas in the Hood Exhibition.............

I will be running a workshop at the Pine Rivers Gallery next Tuesday, 25 October from 11am till about 12.30pm on how to create the effects you see on these pieces. Come along and hang out with me for a while, it'll be fun!

Mamas in the Hood Exhibition - Opening Night and Progress

2011-10-16T14:48:00.000-07:00

Opening night at the Pine Rivers Art Gallery was great, lots of friends, colleagues and family came along to share this festive occasion.
Racheal Lee a good friend and artist, kindly took many photos of the night and Uta Heidelauf added some to the BAD Blog - thanks guys! CLICK HERE for photos of Opening Night.
Anita West's talk was inspirational, Anita has built a sustainable art career over 25 years whilst raising a family and understands the extra commitment and dedication needed. Anita shared her experiences to pursue creative endeavours amongst the backdrop of caring for children.
You can also read more about the layered meanings behind the "Mamas in the Hood" exhibition by visiting Candice Hearne's Blog or clicking here - Essay by Helen Sturgess.
Last Saturday, we did our artist talks and screened the film documentary "Who Does She Think She Is" at the Gallery to a group of interested people and discussed the issues addressed in the documentary which features five fierce women who refuse to choose between mothering or working.
There is still more to come, next Tuesday, 25 October I will be running a workshop on how to create Erosion/Corrosion Bundles and Candice and Sandra Landlot will also be running workshops too - CLICK HERE for the program of workshops at the Pine Rivers Art Gallery.

Mamas in the Hood Art Exhibition at Pine Rivers Art Gallery - 5 October to 5 November 2011

2011-09-28T15:32:00.000-07:00

Its getting very exciting now, our exhibition of works exploring motherhood, art, politics, contemporary life and society is opening next Friday night, 7 October 2011 at the Pine Rivers Art Gallery. Refreshments served from 6pm - all welcome!

The Opening Night guest speaker is Anita West who has built a sustainable art career over 25 years whilst raising a family and understands the extra commitment and dedication needed. Anita will share her experiences to pursue creative endeavours amongst the backdrop of caring for children.

Artworks by Candice Hearne, Sandra Landlot, Chrys Zantis and myself will feature in this exhibition.
There will also be workshops and activities to attend including a filming of Who Does She Think She Is?, on Saturday, 15 October 2011 at 11am. This amazing documentary features five fierce women who refuse to choose between mothering or working.

Look forward to seeing you there!!!

Spring Garden Party Fundraiser 2011

2011-09-11T17:59:00.001-07:00

Last Sunday, 11 September, a group of friends and I held our annual Garden Party in my back yard. This is the third year running we've held such an event and again we set about making it as much fun as possible while raising money for 3 charities. On the day we had entertainment, shopping, lucky door prizes and tarot card reading.

On the shopping side of things we had Robyn from "Fashions on the Go", Pauline with her gorgeous cuddly cushions, "Alfina's Cake and Coffee" with delicious baked treats and giftware, Madonna with handmade soaps, Leah with her magical children's clothing and Candy and Rhody with Rhody's delightful handmade wrapping paper and cards. Three lovely ladies attending the party agreed to be models and participate in the fashion parade to display the wide range of beautifully fashionable clothes and accessories. There was something for everyone as there were more clothes and accessories available to look at and try on than most of your leading fashion shops. To compliment the clothing, there was an exciting range of jewellery and handbags available.

There was also Tarot Card readings by Tara and Natasha from Spiritual Awakenings, two caring and gifted ladies who were kept busy with many ladies wanting a reading.

The hosts, Pauline, Sue, Alfina and myself, baked sweets and slices and made savoury items for the "high tea" included in the ticket price. There was delicious brownies, caramel slice, cheesecake, zucchini slice, savoury quiches, scrumptious sandwiches and more. Click HERE for the Brownie Recipe or HERE for the Zucchine Slice Recipe.

There were many lucky door prizes drawn throughout the day which were donated by the stallholders that attended, as well as the organisers of this event. Again thank you to everyone who contributed. My wonderful father also helped out again, cleaning my house and garden the day before and also by making two cork boards for the lucky door prizes. Thanks again Dad!
We placed coffee tables all over the backyard for our guests to enjoy a lovely spring afternoon. Sue made lovely floral table arrangements and decorated the posts with flowers and ribbons and the place looked magic.
My front yard once again turned into a carpark and thanks to John and Barchi (sorry if spelling is incorrect) for taking on the "parking attendents" role and fitting all the cars in. The kids played a big role in greeting people and organising the raffle tickets, especially Dylan and Kylan who found it a very busy experience.

Thank you to everyone who purchased a ticket and came and participated on the day, it wouldn't have been a success without all of you. Approximately $1,500 was raised this year and we asked everyone to vote on which 3 charities we would direct this to. The top 3 this year are Ovarian Cancer, Hope House and the Clown Doctors who will each receive a third of the money raised.

A big thank you to my wonderful friend Candice Herne who took these Spring filled photos! It was a fantastic day, everyone's positive feedback and encouragement was most welcome!

Full Steam Ahead

2011-08-25T01:45:00.000-07:00

Gosh its busy times around here at the moment. I spent today helping a friend out in her coffee shop "Alfina's Cake and Coffee", my favourite coffee shop in Brissie. I totally recommend dropping in here for your coffee fix (and a decadent cupcake), you won't be disappointed. I had a lot of fun today stepping out of my comfort zone and doing something I don't normally do and I totally recommend trying this sometime, its so refreshing.

This is a picture of one of Alfina's famous cupcake cakes, aren't they just gorgeous?

We finally sold our big boy, Khaleef, and he's headed down to his new home near Melbourne in Victoria. We'll miss him but his new owner is great and he's going to live at a minature horse farm and will be well fed and looked after.

I completed the painting above, "Earthly Vessels"and submitted it in an art competition run by the Arts Alliance of Pine Rivers this weekend. The exhibition is being held this weekend at the Albany Creek State Primary School from Friday, 26 August (opening night) thru to Sunday, 28 August.

I also completed the painting above for a raffle prize at our annual Spring Garden Fundraising Party thats coming up. Click HERE and HERE to view postings about previous events. If you'd like to come to this event please leave a comment or facebook me or send me an email, tickets are selling fast and we're capping it at 100 people, so please don't delay.

And finally, I have been progressing my pieces for our upcoming exhibition "Mamas in the Hood" at the Pine Rivers Art Gallery in October. Its getting very exciting and I'll post more information on this soon.

What's Been Happening in the Studio

2011-08-07T02:01:00.000-07:00

Been working away quietly and thought I'd share a few little snaps of parts of some of the works to give you a little idea of what I've been working on. This is all going to be included in the "Mothers in the Hood", a joint art exhibition at the Pine Rivers Art Gallery in October 2011.

Exhibition - Logan Gallery - Chrys Zantis opens 10 August 2011

2011-08-02T03:48:00.000-07:00

Join Chrys Zantis at her latest art installation: motherboard’s olympus

Subtle soft pink knitted yarns and beaded sharp kitchen objects are some of the incoherent elements of this installation. Pass through luscious soft embellished curtains to find the Queen Motherboard herself as she gives audience to her court. In this installation the classical world’s gods meets the matriarchal rise of the 21st century.

LOGAN ART GALLERY 10 AUG – 17 SEP

Cnr Wemberley Rd & Jacarander Ave, Logan Central

OPENING NIGHT 12 AUG, 6 – 8pm (featuring a performance by Cecelia Chong Wah of Spider 8)

Whimsical Weekend Works

2011-07-17T14:09:00.000-07:00

Squeaky and Coco keeping me company on a rainy cold weekend in the studio. The works above are some light hearted pieces I was working on while I was progressing works for an upcoming exhibition in October with Candace Herne, Sandra Landlot and Chrys Zantis.

Winter Wanders, Mt Mee

2011-07-09T18:54:00.000-07:00

Took the kids up to visit one of my bestfriends on her farm and we decided to take a wander as it was such a beautiful clear winters day. Sometimes thats all it takes to shake off the winter blues.........

Wonderfully invigorating and a great day with some of my most special people!

Encouragement Changes Lives.....

2011-06-29T22:34:00.000-07:00

“Everybody has the ability to offer encouragement to others and everybody can benefit from receiving encouragement.” - John Shadforth, my Mother's cousin and Founder of The Encouragement Foundation 2007.

The Encouragement Foundation is a not-for-profit organization that relies on corporate and philanthropic sponsorship to promote and raise awareness of the value of encouragement in our society.

Encouragement projects are guided by the belief that to achieve the most good for the greatest number, the philosophy of encouragement through education and supportive funding avenues is required.

A simple pat on the back, a smile or an encouraging word is sometimes all that is needed.

The Foundation provides support to both local and overseas projects like Encouragement House in Timor which will provide 7 villages in Timor with educational support to assist families break the poverty cycle.
At a local level, the Encouragement Foundation focuses on those projects that promote encouragement through support and education. It specifically recognises projects that help individuals break the poverty cycle and supports individuals who support others through Grants, Scholarships, Bursaries and social support.

Please take the time to browse the Encouragement Foundation's website and you'll find something that will encourage you. Check out the Blog and read inspirational stories of encouragement too by clicking HERE.

I hope you'll take the time to have a look and sign up for the regular news updates to stay informed on what the Foundation is up to.

Workshop Wonders

2011-06-26T01:57:00.000-07:00

This weekend I attended a Workshop run by Sophie Munns at the Perculator Gallery in Paddington, Brisbane. Sophie is an amazing, inspirational artist who helped us get our "Klee on" and explore Colours in Nature: the Nature of Colour. We all bought along found objects from nature to include in the various exercises which we pursued in various mediums, pastels, inks, acrylics, pencil, etc.It was so refreshing and a much needed reminder to revisit colour making and just do exercises that explored this rather than working on my current projects.

Sophie reminded me of how wonderful it is to come together with other artists and allow ourselves to just enjoy the spontanious creativity that inevitably happens and interact and converse with like minded people about creative pursuits.

If this sounds like something you would enjoy doing, Sophie is offering many more workshops so book in now so you don't miss out!

Amongst the creative people I had the pleasure in meeting yesterday, was Joannah Underhill and her work is exceptional, I totally recommend checking out her website by clicking HERE and keeping an eye out for her upcoming exhibition at the Woolloongabba Art Gallery.

Finally just a quick peak of what I've been up to this week.
Still painting and stitching on my corrosion stained pieces of fabric. This one happens to be a some fabric from the wedding dress I wore once upon a time in another life, beautiful silk tafetta. I would appreciate any suggestions you have for a title.........Also progressing the bowl series I've been pursuing over the last couple of years, this one will be in an exhibition at the Albany Creek Library in July with other members of the Dayboro Art Gallery. More on that soon.

In the Studio

2011-06-18T17:44:00.000-07:00

Ikebana

2011-06-09T02:19:00.001-07:00

Lily Kamatz (pictured above with one of her many creations) kindly showed some of us members of the Brisbane Artist Development (BAD) Co-op how to do Ikebana - blissful!!!
Lily's Ikebana are included in many publications including the very prestigious "Ikebana Through All Seasons" by Stichting Kunstboek.

This is my creation trying to take into consideration the 3 main elements of Ikebana that symbolize heaven, earth, and humankind. It is steeped in the philosophy of developing a closeness with nature. Nature has its own rhythm and order and the awareness of this is the first step in involving oneself in ikebana.

We worked in silence, each one of us becoming quiet as we were "in the moment" and the practice made us appreciate things in nature that we previously might not have paid that much attention to. It is said that by practicing this art, one becomes more patient and tolerant of differences, not only in nature, but more generally in other people. I like that.

Thank you again Lily for being so generous with your time and opening your home to us, it was a truly magical and inspiring afternoon.

Art Workshop with Sophie Munns - "Colours of Nature"

2011-06-07T16:45:00.000-07:00

Want a truly inspiring experience, come along! For more about Sophie, check out her blogs HERE and HERE.

Progress in the Studio

2011-06-01T02:43:00.000-07:00

I'm still here

Painting firm favourites

and exploring new ideas

its all good but it takes time!

Dayboro Day Festival - Sunday, 29 May 2011

2011-05-26T20:28:00.000-07:00

Dayboro Day Festival is on this Sunday!! There will be market stalls, entertainment, great food and the Antique and Collectables Fair. (also chopper rides, a street parade, waterless boat race and more!)

Click HERE for a Dayboro Day Festival Program.

The Dayboro Art Gallery will be open all day with painting demonstrations by members, a People's Choice Competition, a Raffle, our famous Trash and Treasure Stall and a Sausage Sizzle!!! I'll be there too so pop in and say hello!
Also the winners of the Australian busking championships 2009, and a crowd favourite in the finals of 'Australia's Got Talent' , "The Twine" will be playing at the festival!!!

A Peek at Bits and Pieces I am Working On

2011-05-25T02:21:00.000-07:00

Ripping, Wrapping, Rusting

2011-05-10T20:37:00.000-07:00

One Planet, one Community - More Doodlings on my Erosion Bundle Bed Sheets

2011-05-01T14:56:00.000-07:00

Happy Days

2011-04-23T00:28:00.001-07:00

Love heart shaped stones on the beach

Boats of all shapes and sizes moored in the river

Taking a walk with soldier crabs

Finding funny little images created by the crabs along the shoreline
Searching for circles

Leaving sweet little surprises on the beach

These are all things I love about going to Burrum Heads

I was there, and now I'm not

and still, the sun will rise tomorrow

Happy days..................

Burrum Heads Easter School Holidays

2011-04-17T22:18:00.000-07:00

Once again we're spending some quality time at one of our favourite places in our corner of the world, Burrum Heads, Queensland.

The tide goes out so far that you can barely see the ocean on the horizon.

The river is alive with marine and bird life.

The mangroves are thriving after all the rain.

There is an abundance of seedpods, creatures and shells everywhere to find.

However, not everyone sees these as they walk past so I left some little circles in the sand for others to happen across happy little surprises.

At the end of the day, we sit by the river and enjoy the sunsets. Living on the eastern coast of Australia, we don't often see sunset over the water, but here we can because Burrum Heads is situated on the mouth of a river.

Mother Earth

2011-04-08T19:59:00.000-07:00

I've been searching for direction, knowing somewhere in me I know what I am supposed to do but not doing it. On my recent camping trip it came to me, I could hear whispers in the corners of my mind which eventually became clearer and clearer. Earth's Mother was whispering to me, I could hear her in the rustling of the leaves and the smashing of the waves on the beach. I started to see her messages everywhere, etched in the trees and rocks, washed in on the sand. I could feel her around me like a warm embrace and I felt that I was exactly where I was meant to be so that I could hear her. It was bliss! I just had to listen, be quiet and still my mind. Then she came and took my hand and we walked together for hours surrounded by the bush and the ocean.

Her message was this:

Shhh, can you hear me?

Inside you? It's me, Earth's Mother.

Love me, look after me

and I will look after you.

Be still, quite

My magic is in you.......

Thank you Mother Earth, I'm sorry it took me so long to hear you.

A Little Get Away

2011-03-29T20:00:00.000-07:00

Do you ever have that feeling that you are in the perfect place at the perfect time? Well that is where I was last weekend. Both in need of a break, we kept it very simple, camping with only the bare necesseties in one of our favourite places, Double Island Point.

I was here on the dunes, having a morning coffee while watching the waves roll in.

I was here on the beach, strolling aimlessly alongside the seagulls and searching for ocean treasures.

I was here, amazing over the ever changing landscape of these mountains being eroded by the wind and sea.

I was here trying to take in the gorgeous colours of the ocean and watching the surfers and sea turtles swim by.

I was here meandering along this path up to Lighthouse surrounded by the native flora.

And as I got higher, I was here looking back at the beach we had driven along to reach the Point.

Can you see the love heart in this stone? When I am beachcombing I always have an eye out for heart shaped stones, so this was lovely to happen across.

I agree with whoever said "The journey is the reward".

The next day, we drove along Freshwater Track that takes us through to Rainbow Beach (what a magic name for a place hey?), weaving through the huge scribbly bark trees, stopping often to admire them and try to decipher the messages etched into the bark.

Further along the track we entered the rainforest which signalled the last leg of journey.

Perfect weekend, perfect company, perfect place.

Monday at the Dayboro Art Gallery

2011-03-15T19:11:00.000-07:00

Monday was my rostered day on at the gorgeous Dayboro Art Gallery. If I didn't have to do this, I would of been at Candy's place at Montville, checking out her Art Studio and having lunch with a bunch of brilliant artists, many who are also members of BAD Co-op - click HERE to check out Candy's blog.

Here is a sneak peak at a painting I am progressing. It was a very quiet day so it was pure bliss, just painting and listening to the world go by.

There are these amazing and huge Bunya Pine Trees out the back on the bank of the creek which produce bunya nuts which the native wildlife love to munch on.

And finally a photo of a message my son left for me on his bed - aaaaw you make me feel so special Dylan!

DOoDling ArOunD

2011-03-11T20:45:00.000-08:00

B A D (Brisbane Artist Development Co-op) News

2011-03-08T18:54:00.000-08:00

Last Saturday, on a lovely overcast, drizzly autumn day, I went to the monthly Brisbane Artist Development Co-op Meeting (BAD Co-op for short), so inspiring and the people wonderful. Please click "here" to check out the Blog and also find links for amazingly talented artists who are members. New members are always welcome. This month the meeting was held at Denise Dillon Bolland's beautiful Queenslander cottage at Annerley, a lovely older suburb in Brisbane. Denise took us for a tour through, under and around her house and garden which is full of many of her wonderful artworks (paintings and sculptures) and works by other artist's that she admires, including prints by her own very talented father. Denise is presently working on an exciting project creating sculptures (from parts of her much loved vehicle) which will be exhibited later this year. So stay tuned for more details of this later in the year! Thank you so much Denise for opening your home to the BAD Co-op members this month and sharing with us details of your exciting amazing personal artistic journey.

This is the Way I Wash the Sheets.........

2011-02-20T18:01:00.000-08:00

My mind is always busy, if I am not thinking about art and how I am going to progress my project and paintings, I am observing the beauty surrounding me, and working out how I am going to incorporate that into my art.

Finding time to dedicate to my creative self is hard, like many, I have parenting and work obligations, volunteer and social engagements and daily chores, etc, leaving little time to indulge in what I love to do creatively.

However, I find that these days I cannot focus on one thing or the other, all are blurring together and I am incorporating the daily tedious (but necessary) household chores into my creativity. (Notice I've not said my art into my household chores).

I see the potential of everyday household items contributing to my creative processes and start ripping up my bedsheets and making erosion bundles. I'm pulling my pegs apart to get the rusty springs to contribute to the erosion bundles and I'm generally utilising any household item I get my hands on to be creative.
Inspired by various blogs like The Erosion Bundle Project and Natures Whispers, I started exploring this concept and am really enjoying the randomness of the marks developing on the sheets with rusted household items. I plan to incorporate these into collages I am presently developing.

Kathy from While Tangerine Dreams writes about what works for her as a busy mother and business operator and has published an Ebook: "Handmade Time: How to Squeeze in a little more Crafting Everyday". I'm always interested to see how other creative souls manage their time, nurturing their creative passions, while being challenged by trying to fit everything into everyday.

Sure there are going to be days when it doesn't all come together and there won't be a spare second to do anything creative, those are the days I will paint in my mind's eye or scribble down a note somewhere to remember the idea for another time.

Erosion Bundle

2011-02-10T20:35:00.001-08:00

I dreamed here, upon these sheets........................
I cried here, upon these sheets................
I loved, I lied here..................

I planned and asked why here...........

Now I dye here, on these sheets.

'Women of Substance' exhibition at Red Hill Gallery

2011-02-09T14:53:00.000-08:00

Leigh Camilleri, About Backeringa

Red Hill Gallery upcoming exhibition entitled 'Women of Substance' features works by
Leigh Camilleri (BAD Co-op member), Susan Gilmour, Julie Hutchings, Pam Walpole

Friday, 18 February to Sunday, 6 March 2011

Red Hill Gallery, 61 Musgrave Road, Red Hill, Ph: 07 33681442

In Between - Corinne Colombo at Redland Art Gallery

2011-02-06T18:33:00.000-08:00

Image: Corinne Colombo, Where, why, why now, 2009, oil on canvas. Courtesy of the artist.

From 6 FEB – 6 MAR 2011
at the Redland Art Gallery - Cnr Middle and Bloomfield Streets, Cleveland Q 4163

Exhibition is showing:
Monday to Friday 9am – 4pm, Sunday 9am – 2pm (Admission free)
www.more2redlands.com.au/ArtGallery

This Moment................

2011-02-03T19:11:00.000-08:00

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo, no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savour and remember...... Soule Mama

Aussie Aussie Aussie!!!

2011-01-25T19:16:00.000-08:00

Its Australia Day, a day that Aussies gather together as a nation to celebrate what's great about this wonderful country of ours, and being Australian.
Crikey its a steaming hot day here, mother nature has really turned it on for us, fine and a high of 31 degrees celcius (88 degrees farenheit for my overseas friends!) so we're celebrating the day by having lots of swims! And a quick visit to the park to burn some excess energy!

Meanwhile, something is brewing in the studio...... (no its not beer!)

I found these rusted metal stump caps (or ant caps) years ago under an old house I previously owned which was an old Queenslander on stumps.

I've always saved them, with the intention of using them in my art, and have recently become really inspired by some textile artists I've been following, including Natures Whispers and Ro Bruhn Art. I love textile art and I love rusty things, so I covered the rusty stump caps in fabric and immersed them in water. Here they are sitting out to dry. I've since opened them up and the results are fantastic!!! Watch this space, more to come soon!

This Moment.............

2011-01-20T16:53:00.000-08:00

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo, no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savour and remember...... Soule Mama

(This wasn't this week, it was last month, but I just received this photo from a friend and loved this moment so much)

This Moment........

2011-01-20T02:42:00.000-08:00

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo, no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savour and remember...... Soule Mama

Nice Day!

2011-01-16T00:32:00.000-08:00

An exhibition of works by Susan Buret, Jenny Conde, Uta Heidelauf, Candice Herne, Sandra Landolt and Nicola Moss commenced at the Logan Art Gallery on 12 January 2011 and continues to 19 February 2011.

Website: www.logan.qld.gov.au/artgallery
Logan Art Gallery - Admission is free!
Open 10am to 5pm Tuesday to Saturday

Image above: Nicola Moss, Weather Relations - Blow Dry (detail), 2010. Photography by Carl Warner.

This Moment.............

2011-01-13T16:18:00.001-08:00

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo, no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savour and remember...... Soule Mama

The River is Rising

2011-01-11T20:03:00.000-08:00

Image courtesy of Brisbane Courier Mail, looking towards Eagle Street Pier. Picture: Peter Wallis

Brisbane my hometown, is experiencing its worst flood on record, the river is rising and expected to peak tomorrow. After a deluge of rain across the State over the last month or so, the full dams are now overflowing and the land soaked.

Image courtesy of Brisbane Courier Mail, taken from the steps at Custom House looking out to Story Bridge. Reader Picture: Mitch Ryan

People are being evacuated from lower lying areas as homes and businesses are being flooded and people are stranded all over the place. I am fortunate to live on higher ground and watching all this unfold on television seems quite surreal. I cannot go to work, the Queensland Premier and Government Officials have called for everyone to stay put and out of the Central Business District and limit leaving home unless it is really necessary.

A big thank you to all the emergency workers, you are doing an amazing job in extraordinary circumstances, and so are the many people and neighbours who are going to the aid of others in need.

So while I sit tight and stay out of harms way and wait for the water to peak, I am making the most of my time, painting in the studio.

When I have a break, I am browsing my friends blogs for inspiration and can highly recommend the following:

for crafty ideas and motivation - While Tangerine Dreams,
for an ever interesting read - Sophie Munns,
for an exciting art exhibition - Nicola Moss, and
for a good belly laugh - ColorMeKatie and Bridget Jones has Nothing on Me.

So until this disaster passes, I trust you will all take care.

BaCK to ReAliTY (the Holiday is Over)

2011-01-08T13:58:00.000-08:00

Oh how quickly time passes, my time camping at Double Island Point was too soon over. I already miss my long solitary walks along this beach, searching for small treasures amongst the sea foam and breathing in the fresh salty air.....

While it rained for most of our week at home, the kids found plenty to do when inside, look at the magic happening in the art studio......
And when there was a break in the rain, they made the most of it.....

All in all it was a nice break and life is good, the future full of promise, and new adventures are waiting to be found around every corner.

This Moment.......

2011-01-06T01:34:00.000-08:00

Warm Wishes

2010-12-21T00:41:00.000-08:00

Its starting to feel a lot like christmas, the tree is up and decorated (wonderful job kids) and the pressies are all wrapped. Only 3 days of work to go, then 2 weeks of freedom to relax, create and socialise. I've got a lot to be thankful for, but top of my list are my kids! They are both such unique individuals that totally amaze me everday with their brilliance in everything they do!

So to my friends, fellow bloggers and followers, I hope your year has been full of what you love and nutures your soul.

Wishing you a very safe and happy xmas and a new year filled with love, new and exciting adventures and unlimited creativity!

Circular Language - Works on Paper

2010-12-11T22:21:00.000-08:00

27 Bowls at the Metro Arts

2010-12-11T12:33:00.000-08:00

One of over 200 paintings, there is "27 Bowls" on the wall at the Metro Arts for the recent Belle Arti Art Awards. All the same size, the works looked amazing together up on the walls.
Lewis Miller was the winner, check out more about Lewis and the awards by clicking HERE and HERE.

On the Surface

2010-12-07T00:23:00.000-08:00

Images of bark from trees and plants taken at the Brisbane Botanical Gardens, Mt Cootha. It was kinda nice wandering through the garden with Dylan while it was drizzling rain which seemed to intensify the texture and colour everywhere we looked. Thanks my Dylan for coaxing me into a walk after discovering the water dragons around the lake.

"Eggs"cellent Job Girls

2010-11-28T01:18:00.000-08:00

This is Ruby, Rita, Roxy and Rosy, my gorgeous egg makers who lay huge delicious eggs.

For some reason the girls all lay their eggs in the same spot with one always sitting on them till I come and take them away. Using the fresh eggs, I baked a decadent chocolate cake for the kids, and
a Spinach and Fetta Quiche for lunches. Yum, thanks again Girls!

Not much progress in the studio at the moment, but check out my friends blogs, lots going on out there in blogland! Candice Herne, Nicola Moss, Sophie Munns.

Belle Arti - Chapman and Bailey Art Award 2010

2010-11-12T18:31:00.000-08:00

This is my entry in the Belle Arti - Chapman and Bailey Art Awards 2010 which will be exhibited at the Metro Arts, 1/109 Edward Street, Brisbane from 22 November - 3 December 2010. I, along with many other artists, including BAD Co-op members, have submitted entries, so why not come along for a squiz!

All the works had to be done on a 40cm x 40cm canvas supplied by Chapman & Bailey, the makers of fine art stretchers. Also available - conservation framing, contemporary art space, fine art materials and contemporary fine furniture.
I've included some photos below of the developing painting as I like documenting the process.

For me, painting these pieces is quite meditative and the paintings evolve very organically.

Colour makes its way onto my palette and depends very much on what I feel like using that day.

My son came up with the name, "27 Bowls" so simple but lovely.

A Bit of B.A.D. News

2010-11-06T13:39:00.000-07:00

I attended the monthly Brisbane Artist Development (BAD) Co-operative meeting yesterday and had a blissful day surrounded by like minded, supportive and nurturing artists.

Sophie Munns chaired the meeting, taking time out of her very busy visual arts practice where she is currently doing amazing art works inspired by her love seeds, the planet and sustainability. Love this work below Sophie!!

Untitled - Sophie Munns

Sophie bought to the table yesterday, a discussion about FAILURE after reading an article in Artist's Profile by Steve Lopes. We paired off for some of the discussion, I with a very nurturing and insightful, Jen Conde. We talked about our fears in terms of our artistic practice in a safe environment, and am grateful to the other attendees for sharing so much. A line from the article that stayed with me is "Art is a struggle between self-doubts and high confidence." Very true and something I have learnt that even the greatest artist's struggled with, even Picasso.

"Maddies Wish" - Jen Conde

Sophie also asked the question - "Where do we get our ideas?" What inspires us? Simple questions that perhaps some of us don't actually sit down and give time to thinking about. Sometimes all it takes is someone to ask a question or two, to get us working out where we're going with our art and voice it within a group of like minded people who get it! Thanks again Sophie!
Anita West an inspiring and very talented artist, just had a sell-out exhibition in Sydney (Congratulations!!!) and generously shared with us her journey, from getting the art work down to the Trevor Victor Harvey Gallery in Sydney, through to Opening Night. Here below is one of my favourites from her recent show.

"Red Sky with Cows" - Anita West

Following the break, Denise Dillon Bolland , another talented artist and Art Therapist, ran a Workshop for the members called "Treasure Mapping with a Twist" which was an exercise in trusting your intuition and listening to your inner voice. It helped me see things about myself and my art that I did not consciously realise. I thoroughly enjoyed the whole process, ripping out pictures and words from magazines that I was drawn to and pasting them onto paper to create a "visual map". Below is what I created during the exercise and it has revealed many things to me, two obvious things being that I cram so much into anything I do and I love colour.
Denise also reminded me to remember to have fun with my art and let go of expectations which I really tried to do. So many wonderful words Denise, I loved "witness the emergence of forgotten dreams and new directions for work and play".

Finally, quick snaps of a painting I am currently working on.

Pink Ribbon High Tea Fundraiser

2010-10-24T02:20:00.000-07:00

My good friend Nerida held her annual fundraiser today for the National Breast Cancer Foundation. Good friends, yummy food and lots of games, competitions and raffles to be had all in the name of raising money for research and hopefully a cure.

One of the fun competitions was patty cake decorating, everyone come up with something creative and fun.

So pretty and delicious.
Individual and elegant.

This one with the grapes and vines was the winner (yey Donna!).

And all a lot of fun.

My friends and patty cakes have a lot incommon!

Somethings Fishy Around Here......

2010-10-17T02:37:00.000-07:00

Dave caught it and I cooked it, Chilli and Lime Baked Snapper, Yummmm! Hope everyone had a great weekend, we did, catching up with good friends and eating lovely meals.

Our front paddock during the heaviest rain last week. After the rain finally cleared it was good to see so much new fruit coming on and everything so green.

Limes and mandarines, lets hope we get to try the mandarines this time before the sneaky possums get stuck into them.

And the biggest surprise, a pineapple!! (I planted this about 4-5 years ago and moved it 3 times and its finally happy where it is).

A little bowl painting I am working on exploring texture and depth.

Blog2Print

2010-10-05T19:26:00.001-07:00

How wonderful is this, Blog2Print will turn your Blog in to a Blog Book, a hard copy version to keep forever, click HERE for more info or to order!

I discovered this when I was reading one of my favourite Blogs "While Tangerine Dreams". Click HERE to check out how good Kathy's Blog Book is.

Works in Progress

2010-09-27T23:33:00.000-07:00

I finally got organised enough, after all the recent travelling, to get back in the studio today and pick up the brushes. I'd drafted this small painting over a month ago and decided to tackle it so I could look at it and feel like I'd accomplished something today.

After I've established the shape of the bowls, I work up the colours.

Thought you might like a peak at my very messy work area. I got a happy surprise when I looked at this photo, it gives the painting a 3D effect from this angle!

When I'm happy with the colours and shapes, I add a little texture and finish all the edges. This photo is not doing the final painting justice, my camera is on the blink and I had to use my phone camera and its flash kept going off and washed the colours out a little. Oh how I lust after a good camera and photoshop (oh yeah and some photography lessons)!

In August I also drafted these 2 paintings up onto canvases- click HERE to see this posting again. Today I finally added some colour and I'll post the progress as I go.

Magical Montville

2010-09-27T00:09:00.000-07:00

After a nearly year long trip around Australia with her husband and 2 small children, my good, good friend Candy has recently settled in Montville. Click HERE to read all about their travels and view amazing photos of their journey. I am so glad to have them back at last and went up to visit last weekend for birthday celebrations and a catch up. My drive to their place was full of wonderful photo opportunities.....

Letterboxes of all shapes and sizes.....

Very old sheds.....

Moss and Lichen covered seats on the top of mountains...

And then I turn into the road they live off and look at the view they get smacked with everytime they turn into their street!

Candy's clay works are the subject of my most recent paintings, beautiful hand built organic shaped bowls that have been saggar fired.

Little houses.

Candy and her family's new home is totally awesome and settled deep in a rainforest however I'm not going to show it here, Candy can do that when she's settled and ready, as its her story to tell.

But the wood stove and firewood are hints at how cosy their new home is.

The last photo is the art studio, magic things are starting to happen in here so keep an eye on Candy's blog for more on this in the near future.

So glad you're back Candy, am looking forward to working with you on lots of new art projects.

The Long Drive Home

2010-09-26T23:13:00.000-07:00

After 1 and a half days at the Western Plains Zoo in Dubbo, the kids and I had to start making our way home. With 1000 kilometres stretching before us, we decided to break it up and stop half way at Moree. We stayed at a Caravan/Cabin Park on the southside of Moree which had 5 hot artesian mineral bath pools averaging between 30 and 40 degrees. Perfect for soaking travel weary bodies.

The next morning we hit the road again, it was raining and the rivers and creeks were swelling. In one place, we had to drive through water a foot deep over the road. We finally crossed the river that divides NSW and Queensland at Goondiwindi. How quaint is the old bridge?

Goondiwindi was also home to the famous racehorse, Gun Synd who won the Melbourne Cup in the early 1970's. Being a horse lover, Emma had to get a photo at Gun Synd's memorial.

I am drawn to windmills, I spot them everywhere and I just had to include a picture I took of one along the way.

Well thats it, we arrived home exhausted but safe after a truly wonderful first big road trip together. Next year the Snowies!

Zoofari

2010-09-25T02:34:00.000-07:00

Day 3 of our road trip and we're off to the Taronga Western Plains Zoo in Dubbo. There is so many ways to get around the Zoo, you can ride, walk, drive or hire golf buggy type vehicles to drive around. We opted to walk and ride, however the paths/roads total approximately 6kms so after lunch we opted to get the car and drive the rest of the day.

When you pay to get in, it gives you 2 consecutive days admission, how good is that! We found that by the time we got around to see some of the animals they were resting, so we came back the next day and went to see them first up when they were more active.
The Zoo is currently being renovated and the new buildings, etc, are due to be opened at the end of October. The building in the background will be the new restaurant and information centre. The swan in front, has 5 baby signets, not something you get to see too often, so cute.

When we came back the next morning, we did the 'early morning walk' setting the alarm in order to get to the gate at 6.40am. It was fantastic, a volunteer (lovely lady called Mary) took us around behind the scenes, we saw animals getting fed and learnt a lot more about the Zoo and the animals. Highly recommended.

There were so many animals and its hard to pick a favourite and I won't bore you with a million animal photos but some firm favourites were the Meerkats. They are so active and its hard to walk away from their enclosure because they are always so busy and funny.

The animals have enormous areas to roam. These spaces are either surrounded by moats or built up embankments with little fencing making everything so open so you feel very close to the animals. The spaces are built to reflect the animals natural habitats.

Even the monkeys and apes are not in cages, they are all situated on islands in the lakes throughout the Zoo so they can roam around. When we needed a break or a rest, we sat and watched the monkey and ape antics. There are Gibbons, Siamangs, Lemurs and Spider Monkeys.

I could rave on for ages about how great the Zoo is because it is. We'll be going again and next time I'll book way in advance so that we can take advantage of the onsite accommodation package the Zoo offers!

Waterfall Way

2010-09-24T21:41:00.000-07:00

On the second day of our road trip, we headed west from Coffs Harbour along the beautiful Waterfall Way. The heavy clouds started closing in again as we headed towards the mountains.

We started driving up and up and came across waterfalls everywhere we looked.

Unfortunately it was raining so heavy that somehow I missed the turn-off to Danger Falls in Dorrigo, so our first stop was the majestic Ebor Falls. The clouds were so low that we were in them, it was a magical and mystical atmosphere, walking the paths amongst moss and lichen covered trees and rocks.Being Spring, the native flora was blossoming all around us, perfuming the moist, cool air.

As we wandered the paths to the viewing platforms, beautiful escarpments were revealed to us as the clouds lifted.

A nice surprise for Emma the horse lover as we were driving along, some horses running out of the mist. This was on the way to Cathedral Rock that we didn't end up seeing because it was a 3 hour return walk and it was raining and muddy.

Wollomombi Falls was next. As we wandered the path to discover these falls, a lone flute player sat amongst the trees playing a hypnotising melody across the gorge. We couldn't have arranged our timing any better because all of a sudden the earth shook and there was a landslide.

The kids and I agreed that detouring our trip across Waterfall Way was worth it. It added hours to our journey to Dubbo but how often do we get to see something so magical.

Smiley Peace Train Road Trip - BIG THINGS

2010-09-24T17:08:00.001-07:00

Dylan's cancelled school camp was the motivation for hitting the road this school holidays. He really wanted to get out and about and see the bigger things in Australia. So we loaded up the "Smiley Peace Train" as the kids called my car and headed down the coast of New South Wales. The Western Plains Zoo in Dubbo was our final destination however we had lots planned to see on the way.

It started pouring with rain but that didn't stop us and first on our hit list of big things was "The Big Prawn" located at the southern entrance to Ballina in New South Wales.

From there we headed further south until we reached Coffs Harbour where we found "The Big Banana".

Quite a few towns across Australia create something BIG that embodies what they are about to attract tourists. Click HERE to find out about more of AUSTRALIAN BIG THINGS.

The kids found this huge tree log at The Big Banana which was not a part of our official Big Things List, but it was one of the biggest trees they'd ever seen.

The next day we headed inland from Coffs Harbour and found another big thing in Tamworth, the country music capital of Australia -the Big Golden Guitar.

Swell Done! Swell Sculpture Festival 2010

2010-09-18T17:45:00.000-07:00

Well the arduous drive thru masses of traffic down to Currumbin Beach on the Gold Coast was well worth the trip to see the Swell Sculpture Festival which was totally amazing and exceeded all of my expections. The traffic was worse than usual due to the beginning of the Queensland School Holidays.

The weather was a little overcast but that did nothing to dampen everyone's enthusiasm to get out and see all the truly wonderful sculptures, so many ideas, such creativity.

I wandered amongst the sculptures for a couple of hours with hundred's of other people, locals, tourists, artists and kids who excitedly climbed over everything climbable (unfortunately ignoring the many keep off signs). I don't know what the organisers expected though putting such interesting things in plays way.

The beach was a beautiful moody backdrop on an overcast day to the sculptures. The weather didn't stop the many surfers who were out taking advantage of a few good waves.

This is one of my favourites (of which I have many), it reminds me of seagulls all standing together on the beach. Unfortunately I can't include photos of every sculpture as there were 55 and I know that very shortly, pictures of all the sculptures will be added to the Swell Sculpture Festival's website so you can check them all out there. Congratulations to all the artists who participated and the Gold Coast City Council, the whole festival was fantastic.

Anita West - 'Life, Love, Landscape"

2010-09-15T15:31:00.000-07:00

Anita West's latest exhibition opens 17 Sept (to 3 Oct) at the Trevor Victor Harvey Gallery in Sydney. If you're down that way during this time, make time and check it out! I was lucky enough to have a preview of Anita's latest body of work at her studio recently with some other BAD Coop members. We were all blown away!

That Felted Feeling - Art Journals

2010-09-09T17:33:00.000-07:00

My love of felting manifested in some more art journals which I finished the other day while on roster out at the Dayboro Art Gallery. The covers are all removable for re-use. This one is A5 size and on display at the Gallery (available for purchase - $25).

This hand made felt covered journal is also A5 size and on display at the Gallery (available for purchase - $25).

A4 size art journal - sold.

Spring is Here!

2010-08-31T20:15:00.000-07:00

Happy Spring everybody!

There is so much to do in Brisbane and the regions this month which makes it hard to decide what I can do and what I just won't have time to fit in.
The Brisbane Festival starts this Saturday, 4 September and my favourite - Riverfire is on Saturday night. It is rumoured that this is will definitely be the last time the F111's will be doing the famous dump and burn over Brissie.
I also want to find the time to drive down the Gold Coast and check out the Swell Sculpture Exhibition at Currumbin Beach from 10 - 19 September.
Creeping up quickly on the tail of all these exciting events are the Queensland September/October school holidays - Western Plains Zoo in Dubbo HERE WE COME!
And for all my artist friends, see you at the Monthly BAD Co-op Meeting is on this Saturday!! Gotta love September!

Wonderful Winter Weekend (and then comes Spring)

2010-08-29T00:20:00.000-07:00

On this last winter weekend for the year, the sun was shining and the sky beautiful.

Dave built a trailer for the ride-on so I can more easily collect firewood or horse poo.

The kids did what they do best, played and played and played.

And rode and rode and rode.

And Millie was more than happy to give everyone a different kinda ride.

She's a real darling and even motorbike loving Jesse has a ride.

Hunter is gaining greater balance, everytime he gets on.

Ally can ride without being led now.

Brooke and Millie, perfect fit!

Painting Bowls

2010-08-20T18:17:00.000-07:00

A beautiful late winter morning greeted me this morning and I knew how I wanted to spend this day. Alone in my studio, music playing, coffee brewing and painting. I'm still working on a series involving bowls (click HERE and HERE for previous post and pictures) and have sold 3 bowl paintings so far through the Dayboro Art Gallery.

I often get asked about painting and thought I'd blog about how I go about it. Here are the canvas's, drafted up with where I want to situate the bowls. To do this, I mix a little oil paint (burnt umber) and turpentine and plot directly onto the canvas with a paint brush.

The long painting leaning against the bottom of my easel is one I started earlier this year, on a canvas that my father made for me (thanks Dad!), but was not happy with the background colour. There is a photograph clipped to the top, left hand side of the easel, of my very creative friend Candy's (click HERE and check out her wonderful blog) hand built saggar bowls that I am working from.

I think the lighter background colour makes this painting look better already, the bowls will stand out much more.

After I finish working out where I want the bowls, I start by painting in the background colour, fairly thin, loose and light, and then add a bit of shadow. Following this I know I have to step back for a little while, because my biggest problem is not giving enough thought to each step of the developing painting, so I am going to go and have a cuppa and ponder colour, theme, etc. I find I need to take breaks, because taking time and pondering helps me capture those ideas flickering around the corners of my mind, and if I keep going, I miss these opportunities to include this stuff in my paintings. Hope that makes sense!

Pit Fire

2010-08-16T01:52:00.000-07:00

The waiting is over, I finally attempted a pit firing of my own on Saturday arvo. The weather was perfect, there are no fire bans so I decided to tackle it with the assistance of Dave and the kids.
We attached the trailer to the ride-on and collected fallen branches from around the property and piled it all into the pit fire constructed out of besser blocks (I couldn't dig a hole in the ground out here, its all shale and rock).
Before I thought to take photos, I had already put the pieces in the pit fire, added some seaweed, egg shells, horse poo (compliments of Millie and Khaleef), rock salt, sawdust and leaf matter and piled wood on top. Once the fire had burnt down a little, we put corrugated iron sheets on top to seal in the heat.

Its now Monday, and this afternoon, the pit fire had finally cooled down enough to take the lid off and reveal the fired pieces.

These are the pieces, straight out of the pit fire, I have yet to scrub them but first impressions are good.
This is the bottom side of all the pieces. The two smaller bowls are Emma's and the round one at top (in the middle) is Dylan's.

Our Ekkacelent Day!

2010-08-11T20:28:00.000-07:00

Its that time again, the Ekka is on in Brisbane (also known as the Royal National Association Show). The kids and I waited anxiously yesterday for the weather to break and it did, so we excitedly headed off at lunchtime for a day of sensory overload!!

Thats my little poppets up there, closest to the bottom left hand corner of this photo. Emma was so pleased she faced her fear of heights and went on as she could see for miles up there.

Dylan has no fear when it comes to Sideshow Alley rides and gets totally high on the rush he gets from them!

The Pirate Water Rollercoaster ride was a firm favourite, here Dylan and Emma are waiting for their turn with a motley looking character.

I love the Ekka, I love Sideshow Alley with all its noise, colour and excitement.

We also went to see the cows, horses and baby animals. When we were nearly worn out we bought sample bags and sat in the main grandstand for hours and watched all our favourite things, horse jumping, monster trucks, precision cars, motocross stunt bikes and fireworks. Totally awesome (and exhausting) day.

Artists of the Month - August - Dayboro Art Gallery

2010-08-03T19:18:00.000-07:00

Warren Watson and Avril Towerton are the Artists of the Month at the Dayboro Community Art Gallery.One of Warren's amazing paintings.
Avril's beautiful glassware.

Come in and check out more of their amazing work at the Gallery, available for viewing 7 days a week, 10am to 3pm, 7 days a week, until the end of August.

48 Ford

2010-07-26T01:59:00.000-07:00

Finally a picture of the painting I did of David's old Ford pickup for his 2009 Christmas present.

Colour My Day

2010-07-25T04:12:00.000-07:00

Over the last week, colour has really been making an impact on me. Each day, a specific colour really stands out to me. When I woke up in the morning the other day and slipped on my new blue slippers, I felt wonderful.
Green happens to be one of my favourite colours, as a child it was my most favourite colour. This is our latest crop of limes, don't you just love the colour.
Recent purchases at a trash and treasure, turns out that I was having a very yellow day.Finally, walking around the Botanical Gardens the other day, I was drawn to this beautiful pink hibiscus (however this does not mean I am going back to painting flowers).

The Beautiful Brisbane Botanical Gardens, Mt Cootha

2010-07-20T00:29:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, I ventured to the Brisbane Botanical Gardens to see my art friend, Sophie Munn's Homage to the Seed exhibition. I dropped in to see Sophie's amazing exhibition of art works and was pleasantly surprised as I could sit down and chat and participate in a bit of drawing while I was there. I had a little wander around the gardens to take in the attractions and came across the lake which was full of wildlife and lillies and surrounded by people picnicking.

I ventured up and down and around and around and kept finding lovely sculptures amongst the gardens everywhere I turned. My favourite was this native australian bee on a log which contained real australian native bees busily going in and out. I have 2 hives of these and am presently babysitting half a dozen hives of these bees for a friend and learnt a lot about their activities while I was there from a lady who can tell you what plants to plant to attract certain types of aussie bees, butterflies and other insects - www.earthling.com.au.

Nicola Moss at Redlands Art Gallery - Plant Life

2010-07-10T20:49:00.000-07:00

Nicola's latest exhibition will be at the Redland Art Gallery from 18 July to 15 August. Nicola is also a member of the BAD Co-op (Brisbane Artist Development Co-op) which is free to join and a wonderful place to meet other artists and learn new things about nurturing and maintaining an arts practice. Check out more about Nicola Moss by visiting her website, click HERE.

Sophie Munns, Artist in Residence, Mt Cootha Botanical Gardens, Open Studio Week, July 12 - 18

2010-07-10T20:38:00.000-07:00

For more information, check out Sophie's blog - Homage to the Seed. Love your work Sophie!

Artist of the Month for July at the Dayboro Community Art Gallery - Lorraine Emerson

2010-07-10T20:23:00.000-07:00

Come into the Dayboro Community Art Gallery this month and see Lorraine Emerson's beautiful hand felted shawls and scarves. Michael Foreman is also Artist of the Month, click HERE for more information about Michael's exhibit.

Dayboro Art Gallery - July Artist of the Month

2010-07-03T14:55:00.000-07:00

This month at the Dayboro Art Gallery, Michael Foreman, photographer, is the Artist of the Month. Come out for a drive and check out Michael's display and the other wonderful artist's work. I am working at the Gallery today (Sunday) which is open from 10am to 3pm, another good reason to come and visit today!

BAD Exposed Exhibition - Perculator Gallery, Paddington

2010-06-18T19:50:00.000-07:00

On now to 27 June 2010 at the Perculator Gallery at Paddington. Featuring art by Lorraine Emmerson, Sophie Munns, Rachael Lee, Nicola Moss, Corinne Columbo, Uta Heidelauf, Deb Peisley, Debbie Copnell, Denise Dillon Boland, Chrys Zantis and Sandra Landlot, all members of the BAD Co-op. All of these members have links from the BAD Co-op Blog to their Blogs or Websites - check them out!

Artist of the Month for May at the Dayboro Art Gallery

2010-06-04T03:28:00.000-07:00

I am Artist of the Month at the Dayboro Community Art Gallery. Please drop in to check out my latest works and all the other works by the talented artists in the area.

Nuno Felted Wrap made by Me!

2010-05-30T20:52:00.000-07:00

On Saturday I had attended a "Nuno Felted Wrap" Workshop at the Mountain Spinnery at Bardon. This is one of many workshops that Julie (the lovely and talented owner) runs at Mountain Spinnery, click here for a full list of workshops.

It was the perfect thing to do anytime but particularly on a rainy cold saturday. Julie has every type of fibre available including some fibres I've never heard of - banana fibre for instance. Included in the workshop price was all the materials to create the wrap including wool from a variety of animals including sheep, alpaca and lhama. To ehance our designs, we also added embellishments like silk and synthetic fibres.

Julie left the design on our wrap up to us but generously contributed her expertise as to the most effective use of colour and fibres to ensure we ended up with a wonderful unique piece of wearable art. Amongst other things, I also learnt a lot about the process of felting different fibres to each other and making tassles.

I totally recommend this workshop and intend to try other workshops in the near future including the spinning workshops on a Tuesday night - anyone want to join me?

Dayboro Day - 30 May 2010

2010-05-25T01:03:00.000-07:00

Dayboro Day is on again this Sunday, 30 May, from 8am to 3.30 pm. Theres lots to do and see and fabulous food to eat. Click here to find out more. I'll be there, working at the Dayboro Art Gallery all day with the other members so please come in and see the wonderful art and say hi! Oh yeah and if you want to pick up a bargain, we are also having a trash and treasure but be early, all the good stuff goes fast!

Autumn Garden Party and Charity Fundraiser

2010-05-17T21:08:00.000-07:00

Last Sunday, 16 May, a group of friends and I held an Autumn Garden Party in my back yard. This is the second time we've held such an event and again we set about making it as much fun as possible while raising money for 3 charities. On the day we had entertainment, shopping, lucky door prizes and tarot card reading.
On the shopping side of things we had Robyn from "Fashions on the Go", Maria from "Maria's Chocolates", Pauline and Eleise from "Isabeau Jewellery and Gifts", "Alfina's Cakes and Giftwares" and John with his secondhand books. Three lovely ladies attending the party agreed to be models and participate in the fashion parade to display the wide range of beautifully fashionable clothes and accessories. There was something for everyone as there were more clothes and accessories available to look at and try on than most of your leading fashion shops.
To compliment the clothing, there was an exciting range of jewellery available from Isabeau Jewellery and Gifts to suit the clothing. Also available was a lovely range of unique giftware.

Maria had a delicious variety of chocolates to tempt everyone and Alfina's Cakes and Giftware had a wonderful range of baked goods, tea and coffee supplies and crockery.

There was more entertainment in the form of Tarot Card readings and a Bellydancing display. Jeanette and Bob, two caring and gifted psychics with over 60 years experience between them, were kept busy with many ladies wanting a reading. For more information please click here http://www.angelblessings.com.au/.

Leeona from "Zahira's Danse Orientale" came with a friend and did a dazzling display of belly dancing and encouraged many of the ladies to get up and have a go. What fun! Leeona runs regular classes at Redcliffe, Ph: 0412 501 316, and also left a list of other local Middle Eastern and Belly dance teachers/schools with me should anyone be interested. Leeona also runs regular classes through the Community Education Classes run at Pine Rivers State High School, contact Ashley on 07 3889 1368 to enquire further.

The hosts, Eleise, Pauline, Sue and myself, baked sweets and slices and made savoury items for the "high tea" included in the ticket price. There was delicious date slice, brownies, chocolate balls, biscuits, zucchini slice, savoury scrolls, scrumptious sandwiches and more. (Click on links for brownies and zucchini slice for recipes I used).
There were many lucky door prizes drawn throughout the day which were donated by the stallholders that attended, as well as the organisers of this event. Again thank you to everyone who contributed. My good friend Nerida once again made a lovely quilt, placemats and handbag. Thanks again Nerida! My wonderful father also helped out again, cleaning my house and garden the day before and also by making two cork boards for the lucky door prizes. Thanks again Dad!

We placed coffee tables all over the backyard for our guests to enjoy a lovely autumn afternoon which turned out a little cold but everyone was having a good time and didn't let it bother them. Alfina trimmed flowers from her garden to decorate the tables and fence and the place looked magic.

My front yard once again turned into a carpark and thanks to John for again taking on the "parking attendent" role and fitting all the cars in. Jamie and Emma-Kate took the photos for this posting, thanks girls. Emma, Emma-Kate and Dylan managed the reception and issuing of lucky door prize tickets and found it a very busy experience.

Thank you to everyone who purchased a ticket and came and participated on the day, it wouldn't have been a success without all of you. I appreciate that some ladies drove down from as far as the Sunshine Coast, thank you for making the time to come so far.

This year we nominated 2 charities that we wanted to direct proceeds to whilst asking the guests to vote for the third charity they wished to see the proceeds donated to ($1,563.00). The funds will be divide equally between, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, The Heart Foundation and the Royal Children's Hospital. A special thank you to Coralie at the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation for lending us the hot water urn for use on the day.

It was a fantastic day, everyone's positive feedback and encouragement was most welcome and we'll do it again next year!

Shell Art

2010-04-18T20:24:00.000-07:00

On my daily wandering along the beach at Burrum Heads whilst on holiday, I come across a lot of shells worn by the elements to these lovely lacey looking shapes.

Inspired by my good friend CandiceHerne, and her recent photographs of the spider webs covered in dew in the early morning looking like nanna's crotched doilies, I set about creating some with the shells I found.

Beach Walk Art

2010-04-16T14:27:00.000-07:00

More from our holiday at Burrum Heads. Each morning we'd set off on a big walk and find the most wonderful things that would inspire us to create pictures right there on the beach. Hopefully other walkers enjoyed our little impromptu art creations amongst the shells and seaweed.

Erica created this picture of a man from seaweed, and below Emma and I created a face of a mermaid.

A little further along, we left a fish swimming along the shore line.

Beach Art from Burrum Heads

2010-04-13T21:31:00.000-07:00

While on one of my daily morning wanders up and down the beach, I found this lovely piece of driftwood that resembled a bird,
and a little further along, I came across a beautiful piece of worn shell amongst the sand balls rolled by the soldier crabs,

Drip marks in the sand,

ripples in the sand made by the ocean sweeping out

and finally, these lovely leaf skeletons that motivated me to make a doilie like that which my grandmother and great aunts used to make (inspired by reading my good friend Candice Herne's recent blog posting).

Holiday Snaps - Easter Break at Burrum Heads, Queensland

2010-04-11T00:33:00.000-07:00

We've just returned from Burrum Heads, 30 minutes north of Hervey Bay, Queensland, our favourite Easter holiday desination to take the kids and kick back and relax for a week. For the last 3 years, we have been taking our families camping at the Burrum Heads Beachfront Caravan Park which is close to everything, the water, the shops, etc so we don't have to get the car out all week.

As an added bonus to all the water and fishing activities, the annual Burrum Heads Amateur Competition is on at this time each year. Our 8 kids (3 families) always register in the competition and participate in all the fun activities put on including the opportunity to win great prizes like rods, reels and tackle boxes.

The kids were all mad keen little fisher people, here is a photo of Dave and Hunter concentrating on catching the "big one". Many fish were caught (probably our best year ever for fishing) including a 43cm spotted rock cod - yum!!

Another wonderful thing about Burrum Heads is that there is a lovely long shaded walkway right along the river which the kids can ride their bikes and Ripstiks along quite safely. Jesse and Brooke finally mastered the Ripstik, a "must do" this school holidays.

One of my favourite times of the day was to sit out by the water in the early evening with a glass of wine and good friends and watch the beautiful and usually spectacular sunsets. Can't wait for next year...............

Totally Awesome Easter Break Read - "Salvation Creek - An Unexpected Life" by Susan Duncan

2010-03-30T21:59:00.000-07:00

I am currently reading "Salvation Creek - An Unexpected Life" by Susan Duncan. It a wonderful read, totally inspiring, honest and real. I can't put it down and am so looking forward to the Easter Break where I'll have more time to read! Wishing everyone a happy happy easter full of love and fun times (and chocolate!).

Dayboro Art Show 2010 - 26, 27 & 28 March

2010-03-24T02:56:00.000-07:00

Paintings, drawings, sculpture and pottery

Dayboro Community Hall

Official opening

6.30pm to 8.30pm Friday, 26 March

Mueller International Chamber Orchestra Trio

www.attillasautov.com

Tickets $10

Opening Hours

9.30am to 4.00pm Saturday and Sunday, 27 & 28 March

Live entertainment. Food available. Free entry.

That Felted Feeling

2010-03-06T22:45:00.000-08:00

The following are some of the felt pieces I have been working on. If you are looking for something different from the designs here, please let me know what you are looking for and perhaps i could make it or to make your own felt click here.

All of the following pieces are enough to make a removable cover for a journal, some A4 size, others A5 size.

This piece will cover an A5 journal. (SOLD)

This piece will cover an A5 size journal and has some hand stitched wool down the right side.

This piece will cover either an A4 or A5 size journal and has a hand stitched wool outline over the top of the tree. (SOLD)

This will cover an A5 journal and has hand stictched wool covering the tree.

This will cover an A5 journal.

At present, these pieces are all waiting for me to make into journal covers. If that is not what you are looking for, the piece can be purchased as is ($20 each) or again, let me know what you are looking for and we can go from there.

Martin Galleries - 4 fabulous exhibitions opening 4 March 2010

2010-03-01T23:06:00.000-08:00

Martin Galleries is opening 4 fabulous new exhibitions this week. My friend and former Dayboro Community Art Gallery member, Tony Beckley, is participating in the Group Show.

A little bit about Tony and some pictures of previous works....

Printing Workshop at Thea and Sami

2010-02-23T17:26:00.001-08:00

Last Saturday I attended a full day fabric printing workshop at Thea and Sami where Thea shared with me and 4 other keen and talented ladies, her immense knowledge, talent and experience on fabric printing. For 5 wonderful creative hours we learnt the art of cutting stencils and printing our own designs onto fabric. Click on this link to Thea and Sami blog for more photos of the other ladies printing.

Amongst other things, I screen-printed some seed pods onto a russian linen tea-towel and was very happy with the results. The printing bled through to simultaneously create a textured print on the paper underneath which was a wonderfully unexpected surprise.

For more details about Thea's fabric printing business, products using organic and sustainable fabrics, etc and more workshop dates please check out her website.

Having Bowls of Fun

2010-02-08T20:01:00.000-08:00

(SOLD)
These are my newest paintings in the "Bowl" series. Next stop - for exhibition/sale at the Dayboro Community Art Gallery.

The Beach Up Close

2010-01-27T17:04:00.000-08:00

Seed pods on the Causuarina Tree.

Banksia Tree against the sky.

Melalueca Trees by the Beach.

Yabbie holes in the water.

Eroded rocks by the ocean.

The Great Aussie Long Weekend

2010-01-27T16:33:00.000-08:00

We really are living in the lucky country, we spent the Australia Day long weekend camping at Teewah Beach and swimming and boogie boarding down the sandunes over at the Blow (other side of Double Island Point via Leisha Track).

While the water on the surfside was littered with Blue Bottle Jellyfish, the water over at the Blow was crystal clear, calm, warm and there were little fish (including the human variety) swimming all around us.

Infinity Patterns

2010-01-20T02:45:00.000-08:00

Some of the patterns Dylan and I created on our recent visit to the Gallery of Modern Art. The wonderful thing about doing this, is that once finished we could email our creations home. This activity is available as part of the current exhibition, "The 6th Asia Pacific Triennial of Contempory Art" (APT6) which is on until the 6 April. Click on the following links to check out our creations or why not go one step further and have a go at creating your own unique infinity patterns (there is another link on our pattern page to do this).

Dylan's Infinity Pattern

Dylan's Infinity Pattern 2

Dylan's Infinity Pattern 3

Katrina's Infinity Pattern

Katrina's Infinity Pattern 2

Family Mix-Ups

2010-01-19T19:40:00.000-08:00

On our visit to the Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA) last Sunday, Dylan and I had the opportunity to use the equipment in the Kids Art Section to mix our faces together. What a laugh!!!

Dylan and Katrina's Queensland Museum and Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA) Adventure

2010-01-18T19:25:00.000-08:00

On Sunday, Dylan and I had the rare opportunity to spend some time alone together and took off early to visit the Queensland Museum where we heard all about the latest Dinosaur discoveries in Queensland. We listened to a wonderful talk by a leading palaeontologist at the Museum and then Dylan went on a Dino Dig to dig up bones which he then had to identify. While wandering around we were surprised by a T-Rex rampaging through the Museum causing madness and mayhem amongst the crowd - hilarious! If you get the opportunity, go! Its only on till 25 January so don't delay. Oh yeah and apparently the Dinosaur Dig planned for this year out at Winton in Western Queensland still has a few placements if you want to volunteer and go on a real Dinosaur Dig! How much fun would that be!

We also visited the Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA) to participate in the Kids APT Summer Spectacular which runs to 26 January and had an inspiring, artistic afternoon. There was so much to do, we made our own individual "Infinity Patterns" on a computer after being inspired by Monir Shahroudy Farmanfarmaian , and a thaumatrope, also known as a ‘turning wonder’ and created many different pictures from different resources provided through the children's program.

Our final visit was to the Queensland Art Gallery where Dylan made an aeorplane from the pile of recycled material supplied to the Gallery.