The week has flown by. I don't know where the time has gone and I really don't know what I've done all week. I haven't even done any artwork. Does that mean my creative frenzy is over? Hope not.
I have been concentrating on my exercise and trying real hard to lose the weight I've put on over the holidays. Especially that holiday stomach. The older you get the harder it is to shift the weight. That's probably where all my focus has been this week.
Zoe is very excited. She's going to Queensland with her mum and dad next week. She's having the week off school and going to Surfer's Paradise to go to Movie World, Sea World, Wet and Wild, Water World and any other "world" they can find. Julia won cheap accommodation on ebay so it was a spir of the moment thing. They will have a wonderful time and bring back many photos I bet.
Well its market day so I'd better stop rambling and be off.
Friday, February 29, 2008
Monday, February 25, 2008
Chores
Nothing much happening around here except catching up on some much needed chores. The creative frenzy I've been on lately has meant all other things have been piling up. Today is some washing and general cleaning and other boring stuff like that, groan.
Saturday, February 23, 2008
Stories of Old
Bob's Aunt Flo is turing 90 and is having a birthday lunch today. That's Bob's father's sister. Imagine being 90 and still driving a car! That means she was born in 1918. WOW the different eras she's seen. What stories she could tell.
I have always enjoyed the company of people older than me. They usually take life slower. Its as though its to make sure they don't miss those subtle things in life that are truly important. They see life with wise eyes and seem more patient. I could listen to their stories of the way things were in "the good old days" for hours. One of my favourite pastimes (that I miss so much) was to sit at Bob's Mum's kitchen table. It was always covered with a nice table cloth, usually checked fabric with some embroidery. She would make a cup of tea and tell me stories of the past. I think the story I enjoyed best was when it was announced WW2 was over. She explained the atmosphere so well I could almost hear the cheers of the crowd. The excitement and joy would wash over me as if I had been transported back in time.
When I was around 5 years old the person that I considered to be my best friend was a retired gentleman. I called him Uncle Arthur although he was no relation. I was his shadow and followed him everywhere. Under his bed he kept an old trunk filled with all his treasures. On rainy days he would pull out the trunk and show me old photographs and mementos of his life. These stories were better to me than any fairy stories and I would hang on his every word. Thats probably why I love to use vintage photographs in my artwork. Wonder why I've never realised that before. When I was around 10 we moved but Uncle Arthur would still visit me and take me to the movies. He came to my wedding and was still alive at the birth of my son.
Anyway enough reminiscence. Lets hope I'm lucky enough today to hear some of Flo's stories.
I have always enjoyed the company of people older than me. They usually take life slower. Its as though its to make sure they don't miss those subtle things in life that are truly important. They see life with wise eyes and seem more patient. I could listen to their stories of the way things were in "the good old days" for hours. One of my favourite pastimes (that I miss so much) was to sit at Bob's Mum's kitchen table. It was always covered with a nice table cloth, usually checked fabric with some embroidery. She would make a cup of tea and tell me stories of the past. I think the story I enjoyed best was when it was announced WW2 was over. She explained the atmosphere so well I could almost hear the cheers of the crowd. The excitement and joy would wash over me as if I had been transported back in time.
When I was around 5 years old the person that I considered to be my best friend was a retired gentleman. I called him Uncle Arthur although he was no relation. I was his shadow and followed him everywhere. Under his bed he kept an old trunk filled with all his treasures. On rainy days he would pull out the trunk and show me old photographs and mementos of his life. These stories were better to me than any fairy stories and I would hang on his every word. Thats probably why I love to use vintage photographs in my artwork. Wonder why I've never realised that before. When I was around 10 we moved but Uncle Arthur would still visit me and take me to the movies. He came to my wedding and was still alive at the birth of my son.
Anyway enough reminiscence. Lets hope I'm lucky enough today to hear some of Flo's stories.
Friday, February 22, 2008
Nature's Artwork
Went for a walk along the beach yesterday. The hot weather had finally subsided and it was good to get out of the house. I love walking along the beach and yesterday morning it was particularly beautiful. The sand was all rippled like it had captured the ripples of the water and frozen it in time. It felt good under my feet. Cool and damp. The ripples massaging the souls of my feet. This beach is Semaphore beach and before 10am its open for dogs to play on the sand or in the water or with each other. They are allowed off the lead and their humans follow them around carrying all number of things. Balls to chase, towels to dry them with, water to drink and plastic bags to pick up any little deposits that I would not want to step in. I always get this real sense of freedom when I walk on the beach. I seem to withdraw from the world a little bit and go deeper inside myself. Its nearly like the feeling I get when I work on my art. Life is good and I am happy :)
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Rainbow Lorikeets
Gums trees are planted on the street where we live and there is one right outside our window. The gum trees are flowering now which attracts the Rainbow Lorikeets. The racket these birds make is amazing and I absolutely love waking up to their squawking. Its so loud that while talking on the phone I'm asked if I'm in an avery. For days now I've tried to get a good photo of them but this is the best I've got so far. 
They move around so much feeding on the nectar its been really difficult but I will keep trying. When Bob and I lived in a rural area my favourite sound in spring time was the bonk bonk bonk of the frogs in the dam. I used to love laying on our bed at dusk listening to them calling each other. I really miss that. Living in the city the different seasons don't seem to be so pronounced. Its either hot or cold. You don't see the countryside changing from yellow to green as the rains come. You don't see lambs playing in spring and you certainly don't hear the frogs. But at least I have that flowering gum tree and the sound of the Rainbow Lorikeets.
They move around so much feeding on the nectar its been really difficult but I will keep trying. When Bob and I lived in a rural area my favourite sound in spring time was the bonk bonk bonk of the frogs in the dam. I used to love laying on our bed at dusk listening to them calling each other. I really miss that. Living in the city the different seasons don't seem to be so pronounced. Its either hot or cold. You don't see the countryside changing from yellow to green as the rains come. You don't see lambs playing in spring and you certainly don't hear the frogs. But at least I have that flowering gum tree and the sound of the Rainbow Lorikeets.Only did a little bit of painting today. I went to the Lion's Club garage sale which is on every Wednesday. Its just a big old shed filled with second hand stuff thats been donated. Lion's Club sell it for charity. I had a couple of good finds today. One was an old wooden chair, real sturdy and the other was a book publish in the 70's called A Small Book of Grave Humour. The book is shaped like a headstone and each page records an ephitaph from old headstones some of which don't exsist anymore. My favourite is this one.
HERE LIETH
MARY-
the wife of JOHN FORD
WE HOPE HER SOUL IS
GONE TO THE LORD
BUT IF FOR HELL SHE
HAS CHANGED THIS LIFE
SHE HAD BETTER BE THERE
THAN BE
JOHN FORD'S WIFE
1790
MARY FORD
Here's another I particularly liked and had a bit of a chuckle over.
16 Jan 1751
J O S E P H
B A I N
Good people as you
pass by
I pray you on me cast
an eye
For as you am so once
was I
And as I am so must
you be
Therefore prepare to
follow me
I corrected the spelling because it makes it easier to read. I just love old grave stones and have spent hours walking through cemeteries but have never found any as good as these.
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Philosophical Day
As soon as the sun stopped blaring in the window yesterday I opened the curtains so I could paint. This happens just after noon. At first I had real trouble. Haven't painted (without any collage elements) for over a year. Probably close to 2 years I reckon. Of course I had to make it difficult for myself and have a drapery in my still life. Used to be good at drawing them but painting them is another story. Being out of practise doesn't help. It all started to come together once I went through all my art books to see how other artists tackle a drapery. I think the biggest problem was my paints drying so quickly because of the heat. Anyway its coming along and I'm enjoying the process. Not going to worry about the outcome ... yet.
Up to chapter 7 in Julia Cameron's Walking in This World. Its 12 weeks of practical strategies for creativity. Had a quick look at chapter 8 and I loved what Julia had written. "When we are in the midst of making something, in the actual creative act, we know we are who and what we are because we forget our public reception for a minute. We become the art itself instead of the artist who makes it. In the actual moment of making art we are blessedly anonymous." I call it "the zone". To me the zone is an amazing place that I resent having to leave to perform mundane tasks. Its a matter of consciousness, a place where I can live outside the restraints of the physical body. I can just be... Its peaceful and very very delicious. I hope thats what death feels like. Sounds like I'm having a philosophical day. Thats rare!
Off to the easel!
Up to chapter 7 in Julia Cameron's Walking in This World. Its 12 weeks of practical strategies for creativity. Had a quick look at chapter 8 and I loved what Julia had written. "When we are in the midst of making something, in the actual creative act, we know we are who and what we are because we forget our public reception for a minute. We become the art itself instead of the artist who makes it. In the actual moment of making art we are blessedly anonymous." I call it "the zone". To me the zone is an amazing place that I resent having to leave to perform mundane tasks. Its a matter of consciousness, a place where I can live outside the restraints of the physical body. I can just be... Its peaceful and very very delicious. I hope thats what death feels like. Sounds like I'm having a philosophical day. Thats rare!
Off to the easel!
Monday, February 18, 2008
A Visit From a Friend
No artwork was done yesterday but it was for a really good reason. My girlfriend Kris came to visit. As she too lives in country South Australia she stays overnight and travels home the next day. It was great catching up with her. We had pizza night. Bad I know, but its ok to have take away now and again and they do say that pizza is one of the better take aways to have. Lets hope thats true.
Still hot here but as soon as the sun moves a bit and stops shining in the window I will open the curtains and start on my painting. I have a real need to do a painting without any collage elements. Haven't done a whole painting for over a year and I'm really excited about starting. It is going to be a still life of some white objects; a bowl, an oil bottle, spice jar and a bit of a drapery on the side, all on a white table with a drawer on the front. Its all drawn up on the canvas and ready to go. It will be a bit of a challenge as I usually work in lots of colour. I like to set up the still live and take photos of it to see what the composition looks like, how the shadows are placed and what adjustments I need to make so its interesting. I move the objects around to get different aspects to choose from. Once the images are on the computer I can see which composition looks the best. I like to work from the photos as well as from the actual objects themself. Well enough rambling. Just need to finish a few household chores and its off to the easel. *insert happy smiling face here*
Still hot here but as soon as the sun moves a bit and stops shining in the window I will open the curtains and start on my painting. I have a real need to do a painting without any collage elements. Haven't done a whole painting for over a year and I'm really excited about starting. It is going to be a still life of some white objects; a bowl, an oil bottle, spice jar and a bit of a drapery on the side, all on a white table with a drawer on the front. Its all drawn up on the canvas and ready to go. It will be a bit of a challenge as I usually work in lots of colour. I like to set up the still live and take photos of it to see what the composition looks like, how the shadows are placed and what adjustments I need to make so its interesting. I move the objects around to get different aspects to choose from. Once the images are on the computer I can see which composition looks the best. I like to work from the photos as well as from the actual objects themself. Well enough rambling. Just need to finish a few household chores and its off to the easel. *insert happy smiling face here*
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Hot Again
I'm about to start on a new piece of artwork but the weather has heated up again. I have real trouble creating in hot weather. The curtains are all closed to keep out the heat so there's not enough light. Forecast is 36 today (96.8F) with 37 tomorrow (98.6F) and its not meant to be cooling down till Wednesday where they forecast rain HA! Its flooding in Queensland with the highest rainfall in 90 years and here in South Australia nothing! Still on water restrictions. Only allowed to water the garden once a week with a hand held hose. Poor plants suffer when its so hot but the poor farmers are suffering more so I shouldn't complain. Summer will be over soon enough and then I'll be complaining about not enough sun. No pleasing some people hehehe.
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Rosie
Yay! I finished another piece. I hope this creative spell keeps going for awhile. This piece I've called Rosie because the old chevy is all pink and rosie. Its on a stretched canvas 50.8x40.6cm.
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Exhibition
Thought I'd share some pics of the exhibition. The theme was Inspirations of the Orient. Orient simply means East and includes China, Japan. Korea, Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, Burma, Laos, Egypt, Turkey, Phillippines and the smaller countries around Russia.
This painting is called Humphrey by Jen Hutchison and it was Julia and my favourite. Its on a very large canvas and although it didn't say what medium was used it looked like oils.
Here is Julia standing in front of her piece called Vision of a Geisha. Its gouache and acrylics on canvas.
Look how proud our little Zoe is with her work Blossom Dreams which is acrylic on bamboo mat. She received a "highly commended" certificate the second year running.
This one is entitled Passion that Flies and its about a Chinese love story. Its acrylic on canvas and painted by my best friend Vanita.
How amazing is this? Complete with cushions on the inside, it won first prize in the sculpture section. Zoe wants one in her bedroom. Entitled A Man's Home is his Castle by Gillian Hornabrook.
Painting section first prize winner Pera Hera by Trish Daniel, acrylic on canvas.
I absolutely loved piece in the photography section. Its part of a series of three entitled Moonlight at Dusk by Ingrid Wimbury.
The middle painting is by a friend of mine Kay Hole entitled What About Me and its an acrylic painting of a Vietnamese orphan.
Oil paintings by Nichola Clarke.
This painting is called Humphrey by Jen Hutchison and it was Julia and my favourite. Its on a very large canvas and although it didn't say what medium was used it looked like oils.
Here is Julia standing in front of her piece called Vision of a Geisha. Its gouache and acrylics on canvas.
Look how proud our little Zoe is with her work Blossom Dreams which is acrylic on bamboo mat. She received a "highly commended" certificate the second year running.
This one is entitled Passion that Flies and its about a Chinese love story. Its acrylic on canvas and painted by my best friend Vanita.
How amazing is this? Complete with cushions on the inside, it won first prize in the sculpture section. Zoe wants one in her bedroom. Entitled A Man's Home is his Castle by Gillian Hornabrook.
Painting section first prize winner Pera Hera by Trish Daniel, acrylic on canvas.
I absolutely loved piece in the photography section. Its part of a series of three entitled Moonlight at Dusk by Ingrid Wimbury.
The middle painting is by a friend of mine Kay Hole entitled What About Me and its an acrylic painting of a Vietnamese orphan.
Oil paintings by Nichola Clarke.Tuesday, February 12, 2008
More about my Entry
Laura had sent me some dvd's. I particularly liked the techniques used by Carrie Burns Brown where she shows you how to stain tissue paper and alter newspaper etc. so I thought I would try it out.
The theme being Inspirations of the Orient made me think that red, black and gold would be good colours to use. I had bought some canvas on a roll and wanted to create something that resembled a wall hanging. When I found the hanging device (which is used to hang wall hangings or those beautiful exotic fabrics) and it was the exact width needed for the canvas I knew I was onto something.
I had real fun staining and altering the tissue paper and I had picked up a Chinese newspaper from the market which I altered. The weather was hot so luckily the papers didn't take long to dry (only minutes in the sun).
So there you have it. The title is Facing East and its constructed of layers of stained and altered tissue paper, altered newspaper and found papers on a piece of unstretched canvas. The top edge of the canvas is stapled to the back of the carved wooden hanging device and just hangs loosely like a piece of fabric (only stiffer because of all the medium used to glue the papers on). I had so much fun creating it, winning that prize is icing on the cake.
Laura, hope that answers all your questions :)
The theme being Inspirations of the Orient made me think that red, black and gold would be good colours to use. I had bought some canvas on a roll and wanted to create something that resembled a wall hanging. When I found the hanging device (which is used to hang wall hangings or those beautiful exotic fabrics) and it was the exact width needed for the canvas I knew I was onto something.
I had real fun staining and altering the tissue paper and I had picked up a Chinese newspaper from the market which I altered. The weather was hot so luckily the papers didn't take long to dry (only minutes in the sun).
So there you have it. The title is Facing East and its constructed of layers of stained and altered tissue paper, altered newspaper and found papers on a piece of unstretched canvas. The top edge of the canvas is stapled to the back of the carved wooden hanging device and just hangs loosely like a piece of fabric (only stiffer because of all the medium used to glue the papers on). I had so much fun creating it, winning that prize is icing on the cake.
Laura, hope that answers all your questions :)
Taste of the Orient
Naracoorte which is situated in the south east of South Australia has an annual festival called The Taste Festival. This year's theme was Taste of the Orient. Naracoorte is in one of South Australia's wine regions so along with some delicious food there is plenty of wine to try. The gallery puts on an exhibition in conjunction with The Taste Festival and entries have to adhere to the theme. There is a sculpture, painting, textile, photography and children's section with each section offering a prize to the winner. There is also a prize for for the best thematic entry. That is for the entry that best captures the theme and is open to all entrants. Well blow me down, guess who won the best thematic entry?
More pics later. Will show you Julia's entry and Zoe's entry. Zoe is very pleased with herself as she received a "highly commended" certificate again this year and the judge had such nice things to say about her painting.
More pics later. Will show you Julia's entry and Zoe's entry. Zoe is very pleased with herself as she received a "highly commended" certificate again this year and the judge had such nice things to say about her painting.Thursday, February 7, 2008
Waiting for Mr. Right
As you know I love to use vintage images in my work. This came about at seeing so many old photographs in antique shops. They were once somebody's loved ones, somebody's daughter or mother or brother or sister and now they lay unwanted and forgotten in a box in the back of an antique shop. Their identity is no longer known or their life's story. This always made me feel sad :( and I would wonder what their life was like. Who had loved them, who did they love, what was going on in their life when the photo was taken? Anyway I started using vintage images and create a new story around them, give them a new life so to speak so they would no longer be forgotten.
Waiting for Mr. Right
Waiting for Mr. Right50.8x40.6cm
This little lady looked so sad and she's all dressed up so she must be waiting for her lover. Lets hope he is Mr. Right.
Back to the studio. I've already started a new piece and its calling me.
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Creating
The trip went fine. It was real fun travelling with Julia and Zoe, being able to stop whenever we wanted to take photos and not having to worry what other people wanted.
Went swimming in the lake at Naracoorte. Its a human made lake/swimming pool. One side is like a little beach with sand and the other 3 sides are like a swimming pool.
Delivered our entries for the exhibition. The opening is on Friday night so we will be going back for that and staying for the Taste Festival. This year's theme is taste of the orient.
Been on a real creating frenzy in the last couple of days. Been in my studio creating and only coming out to do the usual everyday household chores. Haven't even been spending my usual time on the computer. So that's it for now because my easel is calling me and I have to take advantage of it while the urge is there. Will post pics soon.
Went swimming in the lake at Naracoorte. Its a human made lake/swimming pool. One side is like a little beach with sand and the other 3 sides are like a swimming pool.
Delivered our entries for the exhibition. The opening is on Friday night so we will be going back for that and staying for the Taste Festival. This year's theme is taste of the orient.
Been on a real creating frenzy in the last couple of days. Been in my studio creating and only coming out to do the usual everyday household chores. Haven't even been spending my usual time on the computer. So that's it for now because my easel is calling me and I have to take advantage of it while the urge is there. Will post pics soon.
Saturday, February 2, 2008
On the Road Again
I'm off to deliver my artwork for the Taste of the Orient exhibition in Naracoorte. Next weekend Naracoorte hosts their annual Taste Festival and the gallery puts on an exhibition in conjunction with the festival. My best friend Vanita is the art teacher in the local high school so thats how I got involved. Its about three and a half to four hour drive but thats nothing in Australia. Could go there and back on the one day but decided to stay over and spend time with Vanita.
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
For the Love of Rusty Things
As I was reading Julie's blog http://julielea.wordpress.com/ one morning I discovered that I'm not the only one who loves rusty things. Thought I'd share my collection even if I'm committed afterwards hehehe. Anyway my family already know I'm mad.
the tools hang on a wall in my backyard. My Dad was a carpenter so I love old saws. The handles are always worn and smooth from years of use.
This looks like some sort of grubber which may have been use in someones vegie patch.
Just an ordinary kitchen knife with a lovely old wooden handle. The blade is really corroded and quite thin now.
This is my found pitch fork with a missing prong. I love how thin it has become and it reminds me of a delicate line drawing.
These tools don't even open and close anymore. Aren't the colours fabulous?
I love everyday objects and I think it adds another element when they are rusty and dented. This is a Salvital tin. You can just make out the printing under the rust. Too bad its not a Campbell"s soup can. Eat your heart out Andy Warhol!
Nuts, bolts, nails and washers. Some of the nails are hand made with lovely thin points.
This is a close up of the handmade burley holder I found in Second Valley. Copper wire was used for a handle and woven to hold the bottom on. Look at that lovely green of the copper. The lid which still opens is also copper. The weights used so it wouldn't float are still tied on tight on the inside.
The next few items are just bits and pieces I found with bolts still holding them together. Got no idea what they once belonged to or what their use was but I love the colours and textures.
I love doors and windows and use them a lot in my artwork so I was thrilled to bits when Bob brought home these lovely old door handles. Makes me think of Samantha's Aunt Clara who collected door knobs in Bewitched.
I just keep all the bits in an old bicycle basket which is also starting to go rusty where the white plastic coating is cracking and exposing the wire. That hangs on the fence in my courtyard in the wind and weather getting more corroded as time goes on.
the tools hang on a wall in my backyard. My Dad was a carpenter so I love old saws. The handles are always worn and smooth from years of use.
This looks like some sort of grubber which may have been use in someones vegie patch.
Just an ordinary kitchen knife with a lovely old wooden handle. The blade is really corroded and quite thin now.
This is my found pitch fork with a missing prong. I love how thin it has become and it reminds me of a delicate line drawing.
These tools don't even open and close anymore. Aren't the colours fabulous?
I love everyday objects and I think it adds another element when they are rusty and dented. This is a Salvital tin. You can just make out the printing under the rust. Too bad its not a Campbell"s soup can. Eat your heart out Andy Warhol!
Nuts, bolts, nails and washers. Some of the nails are hand made with lovely thin points.
This is a close up of the handmade burley holder I found in Second Valley. Copper wire was used for a handle and woven to hold the bottom on. Look at that lovely green of the copper. The lid which still opens is also copper. The weights used so it wouldn't float are still tied on tight on the inside.
The next few items are just bits and pieces I found with bolts still holding them together. Got no idea what they once belonged to or what their use was but I love the colours and textures.
I love doors and windows and use them a lot in my artwork so I was thrilled to bits when Bob brought home these lovely old door handles. Makes me think of Samantha's Aunt Clara who collected door knobs in Bewitched.
I just keep all the bits in an old bicycle basket which is also starting to go rusty where the white plastic coating is cracking and exposing the wire. That hangs on the fence in my courtyard in the wind and weather getting more corroded as time goes on.
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
and more...
These are the final pictures of my holiday in Surfers Paradise.
The view from the front balcony of Surfers Paradise beach.
This is the amusement park as seen from my window.
I did enjoy living on the beach front for a week. Just being able to walk along it whenever I felt like it was a real novelty. Its really not safe for swimming so the people all crowd into the areas where lifeguards are on duty. Real good holiday vibes. I loved it.
This is Q1. Its the tallest residential tower in the world and the 20th tallest building in the world. It has 78 floors (really 77 because they never use number13). On the 77th floor is an observation deck with the most amazing views all round. It literally took my breath away when I stepped out of the elevator. The elevator only take 43 seconds to reach the top. Can hardly feel it either. Had trouble with my ears going down that fast though.
This is the view that greets you when you step from the elevator
I loved this Thai restaurant we went to. It had won a list of "best restaurant" awards and the food was to die for. I loved the decor. You could dine inside or outside and we decided to sit outside because they had these adorable little huts with grass roofs. Each hut was just big enough to house one wooden table and 2 benches. Some of the furniture was exotic chunky wooden pieces that were like sculptures in their own right. Some had beautiful carvings and my favourite chair still had all the branches from the tree as the back rest. The furniture had that waxy look like thousands of hands had touched it over the years. To top it all off the staff all wore traditional dress and were so polite that it made you feel very special indeed.
Here we are at the casino. I'm not a gambling chick (too boring) so my larger holiday stomach and I enjoyed a lovely frozen cocktail instead yummo. This one is called a fruit tingle and was very refreshing hic.
Anyway the frozen cocktails were so nice we tried a few more hehehe.
The day before we left we went headed for the hills to a place called Tamborine Mountain. It had that real rainforest feel with vines growing up trees and everything was moist and steamy. It was a real foggy day so we didn't get to see the advertised views of the Gold Coast but it was still a very beautiful place and worth the trip. Sitting in the car with the air conditioner on you forgot what the weather was like outside. It was foggy and raining so you naturally assume its chilly. But when you open the car door and step out into a hot steamy rainforest day it really plays with your mind.
These houses are what's called Queenslanders. They are constructed of timber and are on stilts which is a sensible response to the climate. Most of them have fabulous colour combinations and some are in bad repair with peeling paint and rusty lattice work ( a pleasure for the creative soul).
Heading to the airport we stopped and Burleigh Heads, another beach of the Gold Coast. Would love to go back and stay at Burleigh Heads. Its quieter than Surfers Paradise and there's a nice calm swimming area where the river goes into the sea. Anyway there in the distance we got our last glimpse of Surfers Paradise. Hehehe sounds like a corny romance novel. I'll go on; we turned and headed for the car filled with mixed feelings of sadness for leaving, for our adventure had come to an end and also happiness for going home and seeing our loved ones once again. LOL Mills and Boon eat your hearts out.
The view from the front balcony of Surfers Paradise beach.
This is the amusement park as seen from my window.
I did enjoy living on the beach front for a week. Just being able to walk along it whenever I felt like it was a real novelty. Its really not safe for swimming so the people all crowd into the areas where lifeguards are on duty. Real good holiday vibes. I loved it.
This is Q1. Its the tallest residential tower in the world and the 20th tallest building in the world. It has 78 floors (really 77 because they never use number13). On the 77th floor is an observation deck with the most amazing views all round. It literally took my breath away when I stepped out of the elevator. The elevator only take 43 seconds to reach the top. Can hardly feel it either. Had trouble with my ears going down that fast though.
This is the view that greets you when you step from the elevator
I loved this Thai restaurant we went to. It had won a list of "best restaurant" awards and the food was to die for. I loved the decor. You could dine inside or outside and we decided to sit outside because they had these adorable little huts with grass roofs. Each hut was just big enough to house one wooden table and 2 benches. Some of the furniture was exotic chunky wooden pieces that were like sculptures in their own right. Some had beautiful carvings and my favourite chair still had all the branches from the tree as the back rest. The furniture had that waxy look like thousands of hands had touched it over the years. To top it all off the staff all wore traditional dress and were so polite that it made you feel very special indeed.
Here we are at the casino. I'm not a gambling chick (too boring) so my larger holiday stomach and I enjoyed a lovely frozen cocktail instead yummo. This one is called a fruit tingle and was very refreshing hic.
Anyway the frozen cocktails were so nice we tried a few more hehehe.
The day before we left we went headed for the hills to a place called Tamborine Mountain. It had that real rainforest feel with vines growing up trees and everything was moist and steamy. It was a real foggy day so we didn't get to see the advertised views of the Gold Coast but it was still a very beautiful place and worth the trip. Sitting in the car with the air conditioner on you forgot what the weather was like outside. It was foggy and raining so you naturally assume its chilly. But when you open the car door and step out into a hot steamy rainforest day it really plays with your mind.
These houses are what's called Queenslanders. They are constructed of timber and are on stilts which is a sensible response to the climate. Most of them have fabulous colour combinations and some are in bad repair with peeling paint and rusty lattice work ( a pleasure for the creative soul).
Heading to the airport we stopped and Burleigh Heads, another beach of the Gold Coast. Would love to go back and stay at Burleigh Heads. Its quieter than Surfers Paradise and there's a nice calm swimming area where the river goes into the sea. Anyway there in the distance we got our last glimpse of Surfers Paradise. Hehehe sounds like a corny romance novel. I'll go on; we turned and headed for the car filled with mixed feelings of sadness for leaving, for our adventure had come to an end and also happiness for going home and seeing our loved ones once again. LOL Mills and Boon eat your hearts out.Sunday, January 20, 2008
more holiday pics
The highlight of the holiday would have to be the Andy Warhol exhibition. Brisbane was the only place in Australia that its showing. We drove from the Gold Coast to Brisbane which meant I got to see the sights along the way. By the time we got to the Gallery of Modern Art I was beside myself with excitement. No photographs allowed at this exhibition so all I got is the entrance.
I thoroughly enjoyed the exhibition and got rather emotional seeing Campbell soup cans, Marilyn and Elvis (huge fan) in "the flesh" so to speak. I loved Andy's use of strong colour and design elements. Loved his movies! He filmed people without a script and I was mesmerized by the ordinary dialogue of some quite disfunctional people.
Next door was the Queensland Art Gallery so there were more treats in store. In the entrance foyer we were greeted by a pond of water. Floating on the water were hundreds of silver metal balls. A pump kept the water moving which in turn kept the balls moving. The best was that we were allowed to touch and gently push the balls into each other which made them clang together with the most amazing sound.
Due to the love of everyday objects (oo just like Andy Warhol), one of my favourite exhibits was the large pear sculptures.
Sorry can't remember the artist's name (very bad) and not sure what they were made of. It looked like copper. Hey what do you think of the work of art standing next to the pears ;) ??? hehehe
His career spanned the transition from the narrative paintings of the early 1880s, through the impressionist era, to the freedom of his later works in the first part of the 20th century. 
Sadly in his later years he became increasingly dependant on alcohol and became addicted to heroin, leading to bouts of schizophrenia. He finally died of an overdose in 1992.
I thoroughly enjoyed the exhibition and got rather emotional seeing Campbell soup cans, Marilyn and Elvis (huge fan) in "the flesh" so to speak. I loved Andy's use of strong colour and design elements. Loved his movies! He filmed people without a script and I was mesmerized by the ordinary dialogue of some quite disfunctional people.Next door was the Queensland Art Gallery so there were more treats in store. In the entrance foyer we were greeted by a pond of water. Floating on the water were hundreds of silver metal balls. A pump kept the water moving which in turn kept the balls moving. The best was that we were allowed to touch and gently push the balls into each other which made them clang together with the most amazing sound.
Due to the love of everyday objects (oo just like Andy Warhol), one of my favourite exhibits was the large pear sculptures.
Sorry can't remember the artist's name (very bad) and not sure what they were made of. It looked like copper. Hey what do you think of the work of art standing next to the pears ;) ??? heheheOne of my favourite Australian artists is Frederick McCubbin (1855-1917).
His career spanned the transition from the narrative paintings of the early 1880s, through the impressionist era, to the freedom of his later works in the first part of the 20th century.Another joy to see was this self portrait by Brett Whiteley (1939-1992)
Sadly in his later years he became increasingly dependant on alcohol and became addicted to heroin, leading to bouts of schizophrenia. He finally died of an overdose in 1992.more later...
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