Summertime Fish Series

Back from holidays! Pics soon.Had the most awesome week down at Eden... as always you need never wonder WHY they named it as such

My new series are off to a flying start... mmmm make that a SWIMMING start. Am I PAINTING? YES I AM... I met some really inspiring artists... OH YES and was inspired by good old MUM and her beautiful work and picked up those brushes again...

"School" 30 x 30cm mixed media

I will be hanging a completely new series every two weeks at Braveo this year.

"Summertime Fish" 26th January to 8th February

Braveo, Glenrose Shopping Centre, Belrose

"We Meet" 240 x 40cm

"Pond Force" 40cm x 30cm

"Orange Fish"

20 x 30cm

lots more to see at Braveo :)

Coming next...

9th - 22nd February... "Thoughts of Sydney" impressionistic seascapes.

A collection of dreamy monochromatic paintings

inspired by my weekend urban hiking.

"Early Sunday" 260 x 60cm

Green Army Guy Necklace... "But the flowers where beautiful"

"But the Flowers where Beautiful" assemblage necklace

This is an idea I've had kicking around in my head for a while.

Now I'm finally getting on top of my commission assemblage jewellery pieces, I'm finding a little extra time.

There is a little story behind him. He is inspired by a conversation... I will leave it to you.

PS I know all my jump rings are not sealed up yet... still playing :) BUt I THINK he is finished.

Under the Sea and through the woods...

New Work! It has been TERRIBLY hard to get new things finished. Christmas, WORK etc etc etc! I have a zillion pieces started as you do... Here are the first ones out the studio door this morning and going straight into Bavero today First in a fairy series...

"Rhoswen" the white rose fairy

30 x 25cm

I ADORE these mermaids... these are the start of a series as well

"Marina" the sea maiden

30 x 10cm

"Nerissa" daughter of the sea

30 x 10cm

and these are just so sweet! available individually

"Evie", "Clare" and "Cassie"

10 x 10cm I created all of these pieces by first cleaning up my found photo digitally, then collaging onto a painted deep canvas. I enhance each piece with my drawings, paint, oil pastels, found objects, papers and charms. No two would EVER be the same.

Celibate Rifles!

It's been a while... I had THE best night of 2008 at this gig last night. ALMOST didn't go... what is wrong with my friends tastes in music? At the last minute I thought... "Am I REALLY going to miss THIS!!?" and jumped in a cab and went. The guys where faultless... I danced like the remenant of a voodoo possessed doll circa 1981... ears rang all day today BUT it was downright bloody worth it! Here's the site... Go here http://www.celibaterifles.com/indexb.html

Biggest mistake? NOT TAKING MY CAMERA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I am seriously going to grab one of those tiny models fast.

Support bands where pretty good... LOVED the rendition of Candy by Crazy Charlie.

Best moment of the night...

A clump of teenage 'dudes' going off at the front of the stage not only took up all available space but one constantly yelled out song title requests over the top of Damien Lovelocks' between song banter.

Damien threw this at the kid "What have you been to in your life? Four gigs maybe? You haven't earned the right to request f***en NOTHING Mate."

All us 'oldies' cheered him on with LOADS of laughter to boot... AWESOME stuff!!

Boxing Day - East Balmain Hike

This is a very nostalgic hiking spot for me. It's where I grew up. Paul loves going over there it was a real surprise for him the first time. He used to have that insular northern beaches belief that life and beauty ended at the toll gates of the Harbour Bridge!

So here we go...

There are loads of great hikes you can take, but today we parked in Darling Street and walked down to the water, then around the water to Birchgrove, then looped back to the start. 8km.

I adore the old wharves...

And how's this for a beautiful old church...

St Andrews

and here's a walk around... love those old cottages... when can I move in!!!?

Ok LESSON TIME...........THIS is a pub...

See it looks like it belongs in Sydney, Australia!~ it's not a Bali resort copy in the middle of suburbia!

BUSY BUSY... will update this post later today ;)

Christmas & New Years thingys...

YEAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! A Navman! my family gave me one for Chrissy. xx OK OK OK I admit I'm one of the very first to scoff them. But other than taxi drivers and couriers, I'm the only person I know that actually travels all over this city to different weird and actually VERY wonderful places every weekend. AND I'm the VERY VERY worse map reader since the Captain of the Titanic. So no more adding an extra hour hour to my ETA! I'll be on time and not frazzled. :) I think my last search for the gallery in Sutherland finished me off!! My junking trips should be much more fun now. Oh and finding carparking on my hikes looks like a breeze now too. mmmmm makes me remember the list... New Years Resolutions? The thing with me is, I'm terrible at lots of things in life but I've never broken a new years resolution, EVER. I'm not a goody two shoes it's just I'm very superstitious and I really think them through and set achievable goals. I believe that it's about being honest with yourself. So 2009 in no order... 1. GET THOSE HIKE JOURNALS DONE! Every weekend, rain or shine I spend most of one day on a 4 - 5 hour hike somewhere in Sydney. I've done most of them now but I'm terrible at getting all my notes, photos, sketches together. This year I'm doing it... AND blogging it all too. 2. BUILD UP! I so want to bulk up and build up and I'm doing it slowly but I am so stupidly scared of putting on fat. SOOOO I run far too much. Less running more weights! So it's stop worrying about what other people think and keep building up! I don't want to look like a stick insect I want to be fit and strong, to improve my boxing and push even more massive weights, not sit in a corner like a sickly looking skeleton with clothes falling off me. Start date of new training program? 1st jan! Bring it on :) 3. FINISH MY BOOK... or at least make a BIG dent in it! Ruby has got to get her act into gear this year :) I'm so happy when I'm in her world but life has kept me shut out this year. Goal: be ready to submit by end of 2010. 4. Keep the educational training path going. Boy did I let things slip this year in this area... have signed up for my first term classes and am pumped for it. 5. Spring Clean my life. This is the BIG one... I'm not listing it all here but in a nutshell? It's out with the going nowhere things, ideas and people and building up the positive, exuberant and energy giving. Merry Christmas, Happy new and I hope all your dreams and resolutions come to fruition!

Heart's Memory

Most exciting moment this week (maybe the month!) was hanging a new selection at Bavero and having someone buy one of my pieces before I could step away! I'm also LOVING meeting those who are interested in my work as the coffee shop is straight opposite the butcher shop I work in. My boss doesn't like it though! mmmmmm maybe I need to be a gallery gal not a butcher? So if you own a gallery and need someone who is great with people, arty, responsible, a hard worker AND can bone out a leg of lamb for you... let me know :)

Here's one of the new pieces at Bavero. I have a selection of assemblages and collages there at present and YES there are some paintings coming very soon. This week actually. Although I paint, MY heart is stuck on collage and assemblage. It really is the artform I have the very most fun with. I find it exciting and playful. This piece...

"Heart's Memory"

16 x 12 x 2 inches

$50

sorry blurry pic... :(

And one of the new mini assemblages... Miniature Assemblage:

offered framed

"Ocean"

unframed: 12 x 6 x 3cm

framed: 20cm x 14cm

mint tin, paint, adhesives, fork, spoon,wire, tile, shell, nails

$60 (framed)

Where's some new work?

Ok not just yet is the answer! I am overloaded with commissions for Christmas... so things are VERY hectic. But I can tell you what is about to come available this Sunday... 6 new 'fairy Alice' collages, 4 new mini tin assemblages, 2 large can assemblages and a brand new never seen collection of 8 mixed media paintings (fairy lovers watch out!). Oh and the first in my new pendant series (hint if you like those green army men, you are going to LOVE this!) All will be updated into my etsy shop and a selection will be displayed in Bravero, Glenrose (if you are in Sydney). Thanks for all the interest. I will post here all pics and info regarding the new work on Sunday.

Maddisons' Recent Artwork

My daughter Maddi also loves her art.

She is very keen on photography and is a Photoshop Wiz.

Nanna requested to see her latest things so here's a snapshot...

Surreal Seal...

Her Black and White version was a successful entry in the Mosman Photography Prize...

I love this one though...

This is one was painted this week and snapped up by my son for his bedroom. He actually has the largest art collection in the house! Jared has a keen interest in art and really likes his walls covered in it.

An environmental sculpture... I promise I'll get all the names of these pieces later today and edit this post...

She was selected to go on the Arthur Boyd Art Camp this year and this was her major work. It proved a bit of a problem but a great lesson in fact. Maddison LOVES abstract and pop art. She is also headstrong and a typical teenager. Everyone at the camp was encouraged to paint in Boyd style (pretty traditional landscape, slightly impressionist I suppose) ANYWAY Maddison was heavily into abstract this year and her vision was not a Boyd knock off...

She said that while it is true there are beautiful streams and typical Australian bush... the thing that surprised her was the large amount of farmland areas and in fact the lack of trees and the effect of humans on the bush they where there to paint...

This is the countryside as she experienced it...

And I LOVE it! She was disappointed as it was completely different to everyones' traditional paintings of streams and bush, she thought she had made a mistake, I say she was the only one who got it 'right'. She created a piece of artwork straight from her heart, she used her head as well in thinking about what she was painting and she employed her favoured style brilliantly.

"Wings of Friendship" Assemblage Necklace

Here we are!!!!! She got it today and I'm thrilled she loves it so much. It;s so cool when you meet someone that you can feel 100% no holds barred like yourself. So making this necklace was just so special for me.

"Wings of Friendship"

assemblage necklace: plastic wings, silver wired, fresh water pearls, bird charm, word charm, silk ribbon, cotton threads.

Friendship that starts with a laughter, connects with understanding and grows with care.

No phone calls, no girly lunches, but still it's there.

Anything really is possible.

LOOK Bunki YOU DO HAVE WINGS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! AND WHOLE NEST of ideas waiting to hatch...

The tiny shell... we both live by the sea. Picture coming... :)

Shut your eyes and look into your heart... just let go and imagine THIS...

IT'S SUPPOSE TO BE FUN and IT'S NOT A COMPETITION... I think U told me these things, didn't you? BELIEVE IT Bunki and your little bird will fly free and happy write down your art dreams and wishes and pop them inside... keep them close to your heart... right, ok, really small writing... mmmmm maybe one word prompt? :) lock them with faith THAT YOU ARE AN ARTIST AND YOUR WORK IS WONDERFUL!

Inspired by pure and simple sweet friendship, born in an art class and grown with laughter...

End of Year Cadet Parade

Jared is a Warrant Officer now (yes we have TWO WO Darceys in this house now!). At his cadet Unit they where without any higher ranks so he was the highest ranked. The cool thing was, he was the one that yelled out all the commands at the parade. Am SERIOUSLY going to learn how to put video on my blog today and put a bit on here. He was SO GOOD I felt like I should of been snapping to attention! All he really wants to do though is be...

a Clearance Diver like Dad. Here he is with Dad and his Godfather, Nigel, a CD too. Well I'm happy that he knows what he wants to do and has a goal. The work experience last year at the Navy Dive School confirmed what he already had in his heart, he told me. He just wants to get in and do it and doesn't want to spend four years effectively at Uni. So ADFA is off... general entry and application to be a Clearance Diver is ON! :)

We love what Cadets has brought our Jared. He has the best time, going on Bivs (camping), he has been flying, gliding, yes shooting, travelled, learnt to teach courses and become a leader. I heard a very sobering statistic today... It costs the same to lock up ONE juvenile offender for a year as it does to support 300 Cadets for that period. We pay about $200 a year in fees but everything else, the uniform, EVERYTHING is paid for through the Defence Force. AND I am sure if you where struggling with fees there would be some avenue of help.

We see the benefits of his Cadet training in his attitudes and manner at school, at home, even on the football field.

AND I just want to say how appreciative I am of the adult leaders who make it all possible at these units. The commander at this one is awe inspiring. Greg is tireless and just wonderful!

The Sneek Peek

Ok another commission completed... I LOVED this adventure. I met this beautiful gal last year, she was my Bunki at an Art Workshop. She sent me a magic bag of treats and requested a necklace. The brief was "Use anything... but I REALLY want the plastic wings" AND YES I cringed when I first saw them. Oh don;t get me wrong I love them... but I couldn't right off SEE them in something. But then I played and I'm so happy as I adore the outcome. I will put all the photos up next week once she has the necklace. PS how awesome is E6000 glue? Just discovered it and it;s my new bff. AND discovered an AWESOME Beading Store here in Sydney. If you are in the area it REALLY is worth a visit... beautiful supplies (E6000 glue!) and wonderful helpful advice. Plus the store is just so nice to be in, it's beautiful. The Bead Master.

The Formal

In my day there where no 'formals'....... blah blah blah.

Oh I actually think it's pretty cool that the kids have formals these days.

Though I AM surprised that my son has a Year 11 formal next week.

Harbour Cruise! Blood hell lucky bugger!!!!! It's fancy dress and he is either going as Buzz Lightyear or Spiderman BECAUSE he has the body to pull it off and not look like a dork so I;ve been told. (He's 17)

But this week it was Year 10 Formal... Dinner and Dance at the Epping Club.

I have to shuffle through more photos as I can't get a clear one of THE necklace on her... it was a hit I'm happy to hear. BUT more importantly... Maddi had a wonderful time and she looked beautiful.

It's so very hard to look at her and realize that I left home at her age... she's my little girl and I'm one of those silly Mums who find it incredibly hard to accept she's growing up. But I'm very lucky as she really is all I could of wished and hoped for in a daughter. Beautiful, strong, smart and confident with such a caring nature. So headstrong but it's a trait I now appreciate as it will get her far in life.

Maddisons' Assemblage Formal Necklace

Sometimes they surprise you... It's Maddisons' Year 10 Formal next week and after weeks of shopping for a dress and bag... an after work dash to get the 'most awesome shoes in the universe'...

she came to me this week and said...

"the other thing I REALLY REALLY need is..."

I was ABOUT to cut her off with a tirade on money I'd already spent etc etc etc.

BUT I'm so glad I didn't because she melted my heart...

"What I really really need Mum if you can fit it in, is for you to make me a necklace. That would be so meaningful and besides I love them so much."

I cleared off my table and away I went yesterday.

AND here it is.

"The Winged Formal"

pendant: 10cm x 6cm

toy butterfly wings, playing card button, beads and crystal drops,

silver wire, chain & silk ribbon

Like me, Maddison has the Alice in Wonderland gene hence the card.

The butterfly is from a favourite childhood treasure she asked me to use from a Yowie (Kinder Surprise type thing)... the beads from some of her old jewellery and an old hair ribbon.

Bling that makes you smile. :)

By the Sea

Love this little one...

he's going into Braveo today.

Sometimes when I think I have had enough of my

tiny assemblages and it's time to try something new, I create something like this one

and I'm all inspired again.

By the Sea

Take me away to the Sea

We'll lay on the sand

gaze at the sun

Take me to the end of the sand

just take me to the sea

Miniature Assemblage:

12 x 6 x 3cm (unframed)

mint tin, paint, adhesives fork, spoon,wire, tile, shell, nails

He's the usual price of $60 framed

I have two new bodies of work I'm busy with at the moment as well as the art prizes. Still making commission jewellery pieces too which is loads of fun!

Beef & Guinness Pasties or What's the Best Meat?

In order to afford my artist life... I have a day job. I'm a very lucky person as I actually love my job... I thought I'd start sharing a bit of this in my blog. Butchery is a complex trade but it's not gory as a lot of people seem to think. When YOU are in your kitchen slicing up a bit of something to stir fry, just think that what I do is the same, just on a larger scale. There is no spurting blood or cows heads looking at me at work... just really really big bits of meat to cut up. I LOVE to cook, so it makes my job even more fun. A great deal of my time is spent advising customers and helping with recipes and ideas they have... Here's something fun and yummy and a few tips to get the most out of your meat buying...

Beef & Guinness Pasties

People ask me what the very best meat is. FULL STOP. Well there is NO ANSWER because they haven't finished the question. The question is... "What is the best meat for the recipe I am cooking?" Some people think if they make their stews etc with more expensive cuts that they will produce superior dishes. Well it just doesn't work that way. Meat cuts are not cheaper because they are inferior, it's a combination of factors. The major one being the amount of the cut on the body, another is it's popularity and then the amount of bone/fat. I'll go into all this another time. It just so happens that those very tender cuts are also short in supply and high in demand

Science Lesson: Meat is muscle and the harder a muscle works, the tougher it becomes, the big bonus is the TASTIER it also becomes. Eye fillet sits up there on top of the cow, not doing much other than watching the paddock. You can cook it in a few minutes in a pan and it really does melt in the mouth. BUT it is the blandest cut. Hence the usual need to add a sauce.

Gravy beef or Osso Bucco, Shin on Bone (all the same cut) comes from the lower leg. If you had to lump around a cow all day you would be working pretty hard, am I right? All that work makes a piece of meat toughen up as I said and BUT it makes it really tasty. You can still have your melt in the mouth texture, you just have to cook it for a lot longer to break it down. Bonus? Rich flavoursome meat! So your shin area meat is fabulous for soups, stocks, casseroles, stews etc. Another hard working area is the neck. Have you seen how big a cows head is? All that looking around for nice grass, swinging from side to side as you stroll around the farm = hard work for the neck.

Whole Chuck

The meat that comes from this area is CHUCK. The GREAT thing about chuck is that is has that amazing 'fall apart, shredding texture that is great in pies and a preference for some (me included!) in their casseroles and stews. Chuck is NOT an inferior meat. It comes in plentiful supply and just takes a bit of time to deliver the goods.

Diced Chuck So go to your local Butcher... don't you dare go to the Supermarket... support the local guys & girls... and grab some DICED CHUCK.

Beef & Guinness Pasties Makes 6 Prep 20mins Cooking time 3 hours 700g chuck steak diced in 2.5cm squares 200g bacon, rind off, roughly chopped 1 brown onion, coursly chopped 1/4 cup tomato paste 2 tbs plain flour 1 x 440ml can Guinness Beer 1 cup beef stock 2 tsp chopped fresh thyme 1 tbs brown sugar 3 sheets (25 x 25 cm) frozen puff pastry - thawed 1 egg, lightly beaten

Season beef with a little salt and pepper. Brown in small batches over medium to high heat in olive oil. Transfer to a bowl. Reduce heat of oil and add bacon and onion, cook until onion is soft. Reduce heat and add tomato paste and flour, cook for about 5 mins, stirring. Gradually add Guinness, stirring all the time, until mixture thickens. Add beef, stock, thyme, and sugar, bring to a simmer. Then reduce to very low. Cook, stir occasionally for 3 hours.

Set aside to cool completely.

Line baking trays with baking paper. Cut 12 discs from pastry approx. 11cm. Place 1/3 cup of the filling on each of 6 rounds and top with another round. Press edges together. Brush with a little beaten egg.

Bake in a preheated oven (220C) for about 20mins or until golden.

My tips?

*Go with the recipe on size of diced pieces, don't stress, they look big but will cook down.

*If it's in the window, have a look. Make sure it looks lean. A few white lines are ok (more on this another time), but not big areas of fat.

*Not in the window?... SMILE and just ask. Tell him (or HER) what you are using it for, it really helps us. - You want lean diced chuck steak in a 2.5cm dice to make pasties please. :) and do that again :) because we hate grumpy customers.

*Stew the meat the day BEFORE you are baking the pasties. It will really infuse that flavour through the meat.

*Go on off you go...

Get the best out of your meat... ask you butcher for help, that's what we are there for AND HAVE FUN!

Why my hair is gone...

OK OK here's the goss...

I HAVE kept it a little secret to most...

The reason my hair is gone is because I was invited to be the December makeover gal

for Notebook Magazine.

Now I'm SURE I'm not allowed to scan and upload all the pages in my "fashion spread" as the magazine just came out... BUT here's my fav look. They came up with this one for "Exhibition Openings." I said that at my recent exhibition opening night I was at a loss at what to wear. Everything I tried was either TOO dressy or too casual. I love the dress, it's a Wayne Cooper. Bit pricy... I'll have to sell a few more assemblages or be 'discovered'! Or MAYBE Mr Cooper could be my ummm dress patron?

Anyway the whole experience was AWESOME.

The staff at Notebook magazine where amazing. It was so much fun as well. I learnt loads and laughed a lot.

OK the hair... well now it;s over I LOVE my hair. I don;t straighten it... OMG that took HOURS!! It's back to the old scrunchy curls, which I DO prefer but I adore the new length. My hair was down to my bum and now it;s shoulder length! First time in my life too. It feels light, fun and brezzy oh and it doesn't fall into my glues and paints anymore :)

Fabulous Eggs - Sydney

I've been wanting to combine my little assemblages into my collage canvas work and here's result number one.

The canvas is 8 x 10 inches

Here's a quick version of what I've done...

assemblage egg: paper cast egg, adhesives, acrylic mediums, paint, butterfly brooch, angel earring, filigree earring, teaspoon.

canvas: 10 x 8 inches... first I cut a hole in canvas and fitted a small box to underside. Covered front of canvas and the hole with gesso and scribbled words into it while wet. Once dried I painted with a pale yellow, let dry, then blue. I wiped across canvas with a cloth to revel writing. I stencilled a bird on with a dark blue then painted and distressed work with copper metallic paint and dry brush titanium white.

Have a peaceful day... :)

My Own Little Space!

I'm SO excited about this!

The new local organic & fair trade coffee shop (BAREVO) has asked me to be their resident artist! My own little gallery. :)

It's SO exciting as they are happy for me to hang whatever I like and change things as I please. The coffee is AWESOME as well so what a bonus!!

At the moment I've hung a selection of my available assemblage works and will change these over to include different assemblages and a few paintings next month.

Love those red walls too. Works perfectly I think with my style.

Fabulous Eggs... "Paris"

I've been working on this series for a while now...

NOW I've perfected the method I'm happy with, here is number one.

"Paris” - mixed media assemblage: cast paper, found objects & paints

Take me away, let me see her lights, dance her nights and become, Paris.

They are being featured in our gorgeous new organic coffee house... "Bavero". I was thrilled yesterday to be asked to provide the artwork for this beautiful new business, so am busy framing today. :)

More Sculpture by the Sea love!

"nexus" Alex Kosmas

I could of sat there all day looking at this magnificent piece. The misty rain of the day added to it's appeal I think!

"ordinary extraordinary" Ivan Lovatt... galvanised wire (it was chicken wire!) and 44 gallon drum.

Ivans' statement: "Andy Warhol's art made the ordinary extraordinary. This is a portrait of an extraordinary artist created in an ordinary medium." Love it!

Sculpture By The Sea

Another year over... my number one arty 'thing' is Sculpture By The Sea. Never miss it... ok I DID when I was living in the USA, but only then! The walk from Bondi to Tamarama, the sun, sand, sea and Sculpture, what else could you ask for? All my fav things together.

Paul, Maddison and Gypsy on Tamarama Beach

and Paul and me below... we thought they looked like diving helmets

phenotype - Tim Wetherell

but as always VERY inspiring... in fact I have gotten my project underway TODAY... came home with site photos an idea AND loads of sketches... Sculpture By the Sea 2009 here we come!!!!!!!!

BUT here are some favs from this year...

mongrel country-nil tenure - Amanda Stuart

Love this one, the textures that she achieved and the movement of the chase where amazing.

revelation II-strata - Kath Podger

beautiful peaceful work... these where scattered along the cliff faces. I really liked the way they worked with the light.

waiting - Andy Townsend & Suzie Bleach

What can I say? assemblage animals! yeah awesome!!!!!!

The Entry

Well it's in.

Out there.

Submitted.

All I can do is sit back and wait.

Yesterday I polished my submission for the Willoughby Sculpture Prize and took it in. The announcement of finalists is the 5th December. Yes long wait! :) Oh well they get a lot of entries and it would be a pretty long process to sort.

I was so excited as this years' theme is "Reuse, Recycle, Reduce and Rethink" so it really felt tailor made to me. My entry will be the largest piece I've ever made, an interactive, site specific series of three large assemblages. I'm SO excited about them and will make them even if I don't make the cut for this years' prize.

I also submitted a proposal for a Childrens' Workshop. They are offering those and although didn't ask for submissions, decided to take the initiative and just go for it. Who knows? I really do miss teaching. It's so exhilarating watching the excitement grow in your students for something you love doing. Anyway I wrote a workshop that will recreate my style in a simplified way and give the kids something to springboard off while re-enforcing the theme of the Prize.

If I get in... I will blog my progress. I am set up to do video too now SO I'm going to make this a little adventure. I've already started an art journal of the process and will start sharing too.

May You Always Have Home in Your Heart

Completed commission... I really loved putting this piece together. "May You Always have Home in your Heart"... assemblage pendant: Kyanite crystal, silver wire, key charm, fresh water pearls, seashell (from Manly Beach), silver feathers (old earrings), silk ribbon (changeable) To give you an idea of my commission process, my client provided me with just the crystal... I found the rest of the pieces. I know she loves wings and have a fair idea of what appeals to her in my other work. She is travelling overseas for three months and wanted something 'different'. This piece symbolizes the adventure she is about to undertake (the wings) and the comfort of home (the key) and family (the tiny nest). The shell I found on Manly Beach, which is in her home area.

Capture Me

I have been pretty busy with a few jewellery commissions lately, which is always fun. I'm amazed at some of the beautiful things people have found and entrusted to me. As I create one piece, I often have another on the go, along side. Things that I am thinking of providing for the commission that don't 'fit' often find each other to make an entirely new piece. Here is one I'm about to list for sale on etsy. Well MAYBE... I like it too much! mmm check back on this post, I'll sleep on it. "Capture Me"... assemblage pendant of found objects - teaspoon, cameo, button, butterfly hair clip, moonstone, fan-style casting.

Mosman Hike fav photos

Oh last weeks hike! Here are two of my fav photos... yes yes I KNOW tress and paths, can't get enough!! BUt I am working on a series in my assemblage work that will feature one of these. More news shortly. This was the Taronga to Balmoral walk. Love this one. Ofcourse every hike for the next few weeks is Sculpture by the Sea... where else? :) photos soon.

Art Journals - Hike Balmoral to Taronga 1

My art journals are usually pretty simple and I guess somehow resemble scrapbooks as I love photography. I keep a series on my hikes. Every weekend... just about... I do a fairly long hike somewhere in Sydney. I take a million photos and keep journals of them along with sketches and stories about the places and people I discover along the way. The page above features a map of the walk. The pages above depict the old Army buildings at Mosman that are now used in an Artist-in-residency program. Now THAT'S what I call a studio! The views are of Sydney Harbour. A map and information about this walk, Taronga Zoo to Balmoral, is here. If you visit Sydney it is an absolute MUST do walk. The very best views of the city... bushwalking... harbour beaches... secluded bays.

Who Does She Think She Is?

Have to see this!

I stumbled across this new film and supporting community.

http://www.whodoesshethinksheis.net/

Even the trailer rang bells loud and clear in my heart.

As a Mum I constantly bear the pressure of feeling selfish when I have to feed my soul with creativity. Isn't it enough to be just a Mum? I retrained recently in a trade... isn't that enough?

My husband always said that ever since the day he met me I seem always to be searching for something. My search ends in my studio (well my corner of the garage!) Ah how I'd love the luxury of a dedicated studio but I'm a Mum, a Wife, a Butcher,... studios are for 'real' artists. The ones with degrees, without the responsibilities of home and children. But I'm at peace, I'm not searching when I'm creating... but yes I feel guilty. Shouldn't I feel like this all time? When I'm cooking dinner and running kids to school?

And why when I submit a proposal to a gallery my first fear is that I'll be 'found out'? They will know I'm not a full time artist... they will look at me... brand me a Mum and so my art will instantly become craft in their eyes. Invalid, nothing to say, not serious enough.

By far the major problem with my work is that I have no desire to solve the worlds' problems with my art. I don't want people to spend 20 minutes 'reading' the deep and meaningful essay I have brought to life. I appreciate and admire greatly those artists that pursue this path. It is their vision and what fills the searching need in their hearts, but it is not mine. Unfortunately I find unless I have something very serious to say as a woman, then my art seems to loose a little in it's validity.

Maybe being a mother has made me delight in the everyday... rejoice in lighthearted moments... have a joke with myself... laugh. My assemblages are all about having fun with found objects... OK sometimes I do like to explore a little of the darker or serious side of life, but on the whole I create pieces that make me happy and others smile.

One thing is certain... if I do not create I can not cope with life. My darkest darkest days are those when the desire is surging strongly, my mind crammed with ideas, my hands crawling with frustration and I am unable make something. Commitment or guilt being the main reasons. I silence myself and I get on with life. But I am sad... dark... not myself at all.

I paint and my mind calms, I assemble and the magic happens and makes everything around me bright and OK, I sketch and I'm at peace.

I thought it was just me... but today I saw the trailer for "Who Does She Think She Is?" and at least for now I feel a bit of warmth in connection and strength in the fact that I'm not crazy with my unquenchable desire to create!

Facebook School Reunion

A few months ago I created a Facebook listing, encouraged by my artgroup friends. It was 'just another Internet thingy that I really don't have the time for' and to tell you the truth I was a little slap dash about the whole thing. (I STILL haven't set the time aside to really master it). Anyway the amazing thing about Facebook is the way people can connect, and connect they have! I received a message from one of my old schoolmates (Helen) from Fort Street and then connected with a whole lot more.

On Saturday we had a wonderful afternoon at a BBQ at her home. It was so much fun seeing everyone, remembering school days and old friends who weren't there.

The everything you are photo

My Punki... absolutely my fav photo this month!

New Book...New Book!

I'm so in love with this one...

Brilliant journal prompts... interesting, well explained techniques along with a nice flowing overview of the art form. I already journal but feel, at times, a little jaded on where to take my subjects and feel repetitive. As I'm more comfortable presenting my ideas and narrative visually I have found this book leading me to journal with more meaning not only in my text, but in my selection of subject matter. It's not all deep and naval gazing either! I love the concept of 100 Versions... taking a simple object and recording it 100 times. The goal is not reaching 100 but examining the object in as many different ways, settings and media as possible. You really get loads of fun in exploration with that one. Along with my everyday journaling, I have been working on journaling my urban hikes around Sydney at present and have been really fueled with ideas from True Vision. I will start sharing these pages this weekend.

Faces class week one

I'm learning how to draw and paint portraits at the moment.

After class one... these are my very first attempts at drawing a portrait...

The Fun in the Run! Goal Met!!!!!!

Before.. I've wanted to get into road running now I've dropped the weight and here I am! Today I did a 5km Fun Run. My gym organized it, the course was in my local area with a 10am start. My goal was to JUST FINISH and RUN not walk at any time the WHOLE way. It was a little hilly at times and SO HOT. I'm not into exercise at 10am, it's done by 8am or it's not done is my motto. Pleased to report I RAN EVERY SINGLE step AND did it in exactly 29 minutes!!!!!!!!!! THAT part amazed the hell out of me. After... bit red faced there... :) Oh the ipod? I CAN NOT run without my music. My playlist? AC/DC, Iron Maiden, Guns n Roses, Rose Tattoo, Scorpions, The Angels.

The Strength of Women Exhibition

REALLY looking forward to this one...

Met a wonderfully talented and interesting artist, Jessica Birk and am excited to see the exhibition in a few weeks.

Her work is beautiful, vibrant and full of facinating connections. Looking forward to seeing it 'live' as I've only been able to see digital images so far.

New Home & New Birds

OK I have LOADS to do until it's comfy and I don't think those glossy studio magazines are knocking down my door just yet...BUT.... here's the new studio! Great start. Lots of room, great light, a view. :) Also installed a drill press for my Dremel. Very happy with that addition. And the new finches... Sonny & Cher! They are the smallest finches I've ever seen. Make the Gouldians look like eagles. Very very sweet. They cuddle up to each other all the time in fact sometimes they have their heads in each others feathers. Not shy at all, in fact they have HUGE personalities. I'm inspired to do some arty stuff featuring our birds now!

Timmy

I have a new bloke in my life.

He fits in my handbag... Looks better than a miniature dog. He is light as a feather and does EVERYTHING I need him to.

It's... Timmy! I name everything... sorry...

Without a doubt the best gizmo I've EVER had. Big praise from me indeed as I'm a complete techno freak.

An Acer Aspire One Netbook. What a treat! Beautiful screen. The picture quality is unbelievable. As I said it does everything I need it to without lugging around a heavy notebook. Oh and I'm a very quick one handed typer so it's a dream come true for me. (I use all my fingers and just one hand). Yes I already know I'm weird.

I can take photos on the run, upload, edit, publish without any fuss. The possibilities really are endless. I'm seeing more every day. The cons on it are a pretty short battery life (three hours) but that's ok with me and a weird tracking pad that takes a bit of getting used to. VERY VERY minor compared to all the pros on this beauty.

My family gave it to me as a thankyou for running everything on my own while Paul was away this year in the Middle East. It's my... "Being a Good Mum" prezzy. cute.

Art Prize

Ok I SAID I wasn't going to enter any BUT this looks like a lot of fun PLUS I am sure the brief was written just for me! Reuse Rethink Recycle. :)

If you are in Sydney, give it a go. The great thing about this one is that they have an indoor place to show work on site as well.

So it's head down... tail up.

When the clouds come over...

I went on one of my fav Sydney walks today. Coogee to Maroubra. What's not to love? Ok not as awesome as Coogee to Bondi... but up there and a good start to my usual summer... love this beach... swimming here is magic... Maroubra Beach

Ahh but the company was not at all what I hoped for and the clouds came in.

Feeling sad... looking down... I saw...

... emerging from the shade of a fence a sweet friendly soul to say hello. Found/public art at it's best... THANKYOU!

I picked up my pace... looked ahead, smiled and thought... "hey I'm the one that lives a fun, full and interesting life and with so much yet ahead. Hello world... time to embrace you again!"

Little Gems

For opening night at my recent exhibition, I decided to create an 'assemblage' pendant...

it was VERY popular, so much so that I recieved a few commisions!

You can check out my first few on my website www.cheralyndarcey.com/jewellery

AND... this is my new favourite...

So send your broken and sad bits along, I'll happily create something special for you!

Available Works & Commissions

I have set up shop. :) After being asked about purchasing available pieces I have decided on setting up an online store with etsy. You can use paypal or your credit card or purchase in person if you are in Sydney. As always I am happy to undertake commissions. And what can you commission? Anything really, BUT to give you a little bit of an idea... I am currently working on creating a piece out of an old china teapot for a client. It was a favourite and smahed beyond repair. She has given me a few other treasures to add and an outline of colour, size and overall feeling she wishes for this piece. And then again, you don't have to provide me with any materials at all. Let's share ideas and I will happily create something special for you.

Here she is... AT LAST!

10 hours old in this photo After MUCH running around I finally found someone talented enough to do the job~ Anthony at Dee Why Tattoos... I am THRILLED!!

What does it all mean? Lot's of things actually... but not playing cards. Apart from Snap & Patience I really don't know how to play anything!

BUT it does mean...

I have a serious Alice In Wonderland addiction and have always loved playing cards. I collect them, especially the Queen of Hearts (thanks Ebay!) This one is my favourite.

I am the biggest softie on the planet... and everyone close always cautions me re this. She's going to be a little protection and reminder to look after my heart a little better from now on. She's tucked into my arm, at the ready when needed.

She's a little worn and tattered... yes well.

AND... I love her. Anthony is the best! The detail is amazing and the experience was without a doubt the best I have had. HE LISTENS (big plus), he explains everything, you are left without any doubts as to what to expect and he is extremely professional and very friendly. The rest of the staff are just as nice. The studio is ultra clean and comfortable and I for one will not be returning to the 'famous name' places of the past. Dee Why Tattoo deserve to be right up or even above there believe me.

I'll post a new photo once she settles down and heals.

What a NIGHt!

It was in one word AWESOME!

Thankyou so much to everyone who came and I am SO thankful to my group. An amazing bunch of artists and now friends that I'm so proud to be amoungst.

Rachel, Matt, Vanessa, Sam, Sanchez, Elise, Liz, Peta, Bevan... you are all amazing.

The after party!... Yeah um STILL getting over it!

And I could not of done it without the help of Mark.

Patience of a saint, helped me keep it together this week and spent a whole day up a ladder hanging everything... oh and I taught him how to read an IKEA instruction book!! :)

More photos soon ... I'm going to bed!!

Almost THERE!

OK OK OK...

I'm sorry I can answer the phone, texts and emails.

YES I'm snowed in with Exhibition work.

PLUS life goes on and a full time job plus looking after family must somehow be squezzed in there.

It's a crazy time but i just wanted to say...

THANKYOU!

Thankyou for the emails, the support, everything.

If you can't join me for a glass of champagne on Tuesday night,

I'll be at gallery on the weekends from midday.

more details...

www.maryplacegallery.com.au

Assemblage Necklace

Well here it is... my very first Assemblage-to-wear piece! YES it's for Opening night. Military type people will know they are Parachute wings :)... (it's a bit of jump for me this exhibition), there's my Mexican inspiration in the Aztec Calendar, then a tear drop (oh there's been more than a few of those!), a drill bit (I used a lot of those in my artwork this collection AND I've been power tool crazy getting my assemblages together), Good Luck? Well not only the obvious, I found that when I was with someone who really believes in me and that's gold.

Sneek Peeks

An Exhibition sneeky peek...And another couple...

Auction Piece

Here she is!

                                               

It's titled "I'll Take The Wheel"
30cm x 40cm assemblage of found objects
metal film reel, pressed glass lantern panels, candle holder, metal face plate, bottling tin lid, mirror tiles, metal fish, paint.

SERIES:'Uncommon Clocks... And That's When I Knew'
This series of larger, wall mounted works
echo the patterns and lines of clocks.
Each is based on a personal ephinany.

This is the piece that I have donated for auction at the upcoming exhibition.

It's a silent auction running for the duration of the Exhibition.

So leave your bids at the gallery or contact them.

www.maryplacegallery.com.au

all procceds to Antar

Paddington Art Walk

FUN IN THE SUN!
Ok it was a gamble yesterday with the World Youth Day Pilgrimage happening.
BUT I took the risk and went over to Paddington.
It paid off... obviously everyone decided to stay at home as it was a breeze to get into the city, park and return! Weather was just beautiful too.
Lots to see at Paddington markets.
Bangles are everywhere... seems to be the trend. And everything is black and white or teal and brown.

Then on to the Paddington Art Walk.
I think I went to about 12 galleries... will update this post later with a list.
Another angle, I was keen to look at other assemblage artists to get a better price idea, I was still left a little unsure.
Apart from that, I saw a lot to inspire me in other mediums.
Oh and a lot of pieces I would dearly love to purchase!!

Most fun? Blender Gallery has the Philip Morris exhibition AC/DC Exposed on the moment.
Go check out the website and get a sneek peek at these classic shots.
Amazing collection and have a look up top for a few Led Zepplin photos from their Australian tour.

Here's a great link to a map that features the Gallery Walk. You can pick up a hard copy from any of the galleries on the way too. http://www.urbanwalkabout.com/paddington/explore/

Lippy Wish List 1#

Found another CAN'T LIVE WITHOUT Lip Service Classic.Gangsta Pranksta Line.

Why don't more stores carry this label!!!

Seriously the workmanship and materials alone put anything here to shame let alone the designs.

OK they are bit left field but you don't have to go all the way to the Latex and Rubber lines.

Ahhhhh now THIS is why I love my day job money.

Site News

ARt Tree Group

It's UP!

I'm so happy with the outcome. Ness, Matt and I worked on it this week and our art group now has a home in cyber space... YEAH!

http://www.thearttreegroup.com/

I was inspired the very next day to do a bit of housekeeping with my website as well

http://www.cheralyndarcey.com/

Well the big countdown is on to THE exhibition with my group. Everything is looking great and the tension is mounting (I will not eat chocolate, I WILL NOT eat chocolate!!!!!!!)

I can't believe I was ever in an artistic rut last year as things seem to be overflowing right now. I think it's right that once you get started on things that the ideas and inspirations fire like a chain reaction. Honestly if you get stuck, get out there and as they say, JUST DO IT!" This year has been a great lesson learnt.

I have sketch books with ideas, new works for new exhibitions and collections begun and I've even FINALLY signed up for that drawing class I've been procrastinating about for years. I really want to sharpen up my basic skills a bit.


Last week I went along to the opening of Guy Troughtons' Exhibition at Mary Place, Paddington.
AMAZING work. If you admire birds, landscape, dramatic oils and technically brilliant watercolours then this is must. I'm still 'seeing' some of his images in my thoughts, very captivating. Just go, it's beautiful!

Best Garage Sale Weekend EVER!

Too beautiful to alter... I walked over this box a dozen times before answering the niggling to open it...

SO yes... WOW what a Saturday!!

Never made it over to my fav shops as I REALLY cleaned up at the garage sales.

A typewriter, a souvenir spoon cabinet FILLED with really old beauties, a 1950s Library edition Websters Dictionary (with beautiful illustrations), 5 box brownies, the tin watercolour field box, two butter churn whisks, a gorgeous ceramic clock face, 13 silver plated coasters, ahhhh the list goes on! It REALLY does go on... :) AND yes I've been so busy creating for the exhibition... 22 pieces completed as of tonight...

Sneek peek...

It's part of a new series that will be going into the next exhibition.
"A Game of Cards"

Lock, Stock & Smokin' Hot!!

Some people ring their friends to tell them of the awesome designer shoes that they have spotted...But mine know EXACTLY what I will drop everything for...AMAZING OLD STUFF!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thankyou so much Rachael... WHAT A FIND and a new contact to boot.

There goes the budget this month but I couldn't leave them... I am STILL kicking myself over leaving that box of film reels and only buying two!

Just amazing.

Back!

Ok now I am seriously going to get into this blogging thing.

Had no idea I was actually missed!

It's been a very busy month and things are only going to get hotter but I'm determined to get a blog habit I promise.

Exhibition is on, contracts on the way.

Starts 18th August, runs for two weeks and if you are interested and in Sydney, drop me a line and I'll shoot off an invitation. cheralyn@hotmail.com

I feel like I am going home as it's in Paddington!

Mary Place Gallery (Loving THAT SIGN looks like my kinda place!)

I'm part of a wonderful group exhibition and am VERY excited at the progress I'm making on my work. The theme of the exhibition is Humanity and my theme is "Found Evidence of Humanity". AND let me say I'm in with some VERY talented and amazing artists in all mediums so it will be a fantastic exhibition.

Today I started tracking down plinths (pedestals) for my work. The Admiral is home and wanted to jump on his white horse and make them but I stopped him. I mean honestly he needs to RELAX!! Plus I can do it if necessary. I'm looking at Displays to Go at the moment. $45 each for 2 weeks is looking not too bad. I need at least 6... I think. mmmmm who knows I'm on a roll at present! lol

Right off to 40 Baskets I need more sea glass!!

Builders & Wreakers

Starting on a POSITIVE note...
I had NO IDEA how I was going to ever get enough mint tins for the HUGE project I'm undertaking at present for my upcoming exhibition...
A HUGE THANKYOU THANKYOU THANKYOU to everyone helping me out!!
Nice to know you all have minty fresh kissable breath too...
Oh I forgot to mention...
My new project involves $100 notes... just... send... them... along TAH :)

WOW what a month.

April was my lowest month since just about forever so now I declare May my 'get back into it' month!

Lots of down times... things not going my way... people letting me down.

It's hard to be happy and to snap out of the low times when people seem selfish or do things which hurt you.

I have a terrible tendancy to withdraw from EVERYTHING when I can't cope too.

BUT the amazing thing about humanity is that there are 'Wreakers' (those that seem intent on wreaking friendships and situations) and 'Builders' (those which build you up.)

It's not my idea but that of one my 'Builders'. In one of our emails I let her know how I was feeling this month and she shone a light on things wonderfully for me by explaining it and YES I will forget the Wreakers and rejoice in the Builders and TRY to be one myself!

*******BIG HUG CORAL********

AND after all the dramas... it's true that art came to a stand still for two weeks... but LOOK I'm back in the saddle...

The sun is shining... there IS a light at the end of the tunnel... and you know what?

ART REALLY DOES CURE EVERYTHING!

Stay tuned for the finished pieces!

Exhibition?

YES!! Exhibition is ON!
Well now more than one by the looks of things. :)
Stay tuned... thanks for all the interest.
All details posted as confirmed.
Send me an email cheralyn@hotmail.com
if you would like to jump on the mailing list for an invite to the opening night/s.
I'm working on three different themed body of works for the various shows and my co-exhibitors are producing some really wonderful works - sculpture, photography, painting in all medias and more.
Oh and that's my new business card! All set now.

Sorry, Not Really a Fan

Closer closer... I am loving getting this collection together. This piece goes into my "Human Condition" series. I'm a HUGE Tarantino fan yet SO many people I meet tell me they don't like his work. I don't like violence at all so its very hard to build a case in his favour for them. To me, the dialogue is always brilliant but the images he creates are beautiful and so compelling. They are like inspirational paintings to me. I must be the only Mum who was given an Anniversary boxed copy of Pulp Fiction for Mothers Day last year.

So... after watching "Death Proof" I created this last night.................
'Sorry, I'm Not Really a Fan'

35cm x 40cm

assemblage - acrylic paint, adhesives and found objects - wood frames, automotive fan, mesh fly screen, drawer pull, belt, bag loop, wire.

Oh I've been asked for a breakdown... I HAVE given one out re another piece and I'm happy that someone else wants to know so here goes I'll share A LITTLE...

The orange jewel... Tarantino uses a 70s orange wash over sections of this film that I LOVED

The belt.... SHIPS MAST! The girls use belts attached to door frames to do this stunt.

Automotive fan... well it's a 'gear-head' film.

OK there is more... I'll leave it to your imaginations.

I'm REALLY not too sure I can part with this guy!!

If It Makes You Happy... TRAVEL

WELL thanks for all the emails re my new works... I have updated my pics because... those that do assemblage seem to get these straight away, those that don't have all said they can't understand them/are the part of something else?/are they close ups? etc
Anyway they are tiny assemblages that are made on the base of a mint tin. The series is called "Whatever Makes You Happy" because, who doesn't smile at the offer of a mint?
Each assemblage is based on the one word answers I recieved when asking people what simple thing made THEM happy.

If It Makes You Happy... "Travel"... 11cm x 6cm

AM VERY excited that I found a place for that tiny tiny compass... YES it REALLY works too!

If It Makes You Happy ... WORDS

WELL thanks for all the emails re my new works... I have updated my pics because... those that do assemblage seem to get these straight away, those that don't have all said they can't understand them/are the part of something else?/are they close ups? etc

Anyway they are tiny assemblages that are made on the base of a mint tin. The series is called "Whatever Makes You Happy" because, who doesn't smile at the offer of a mint?

Each assemblage is based on the one word answers I recieved when asking people what simple thing made THEM happy.

Can You Just Be Centred

Well just got through the OTHER busy week of the year for us at work.

I HAVE been creating things though... just seem to have a few in various stages of development.

This one was finished this morning. I found the oval tin at my favourite place. I saw it from across the room and just about bowled over displays to get to it. Have NO IDEA what it was... but just love that shape and the colours in the tin.

Can You Just Be Centred
assemblage.....26cm x 15cm..... acrylics, adhesives and found objects... tin form, spoon, picture hook base, planter feet, wire, haberdashery trim.

To Be Industrious

I'm loving that this one still looks like a can! It fits with it's theme. Plus I think it points to the origins of the rest of the seires.
*Seano... PLEASE DO NOT 'read' my artwork thankyou... lol :)... I am STILL laughing Sean... STILL laughing!

Things Might Get Ugly

I am slowly moving out of my comfort zone and I'm having SO MUCH FUN!

Things Might get Ugly while You are Playing Your Game' - assemblage - acrylic paint, adhesives and found objects - brass lamp, bird bones, bingo number, dice, feathers, haberdashery trim, wire, bark.It's 75 x 75cm and is an examination of how things can creep up on you when you are focused on playing games with people.

The Great Do-Over...

Just as well I listen and learn.........

all better now :)

"To Seek Happiness"

Crusade - Michelle Ward

I was introduced to Michelle Ward and her Art Crusades by my room mate at the recent Michael DeMeng Workshop in Sydney... TAH CORAL! I'm a bit late posting BUT I DID get this Crusade done and it did WONDERS for me. Love having all my gear in one spot. I used an old makeup travel case. It's awesome I CAN take it with me and it fits loads. I'll edit this post later today with the list of my goodies.

I'll Take the Wheel

Yes I'm in charge now... if I'm taking the wheel... at least I'll make mine altered, rusty, warm and a bit of fun... smile I don't want to see tears in those mirrors.

WHAT!!?! No PK?

I SHOULD be doing a million other things... but instead I'm making tiny mixed media 'things' to contain photos to send 'over there'. I asked what he needed and like I've read on every service persons family blog... PHOTOS.

They have all the modern technology in the world... I've emailed photos but what they want is to hold photos... old fashioned but it's nice don;t you think?

So YES I've been doing the 'mint tin' ones... but I also created this piece...

it's a hexi stove that they use in the field... YES it's been used by him... this is one BEFORE I attacked it...

I painted metal!! (thanks again to Michael DeMeng... I got so much out of that workshop!!)... This photo was taken last year on the deck of the Kitty Hawk...The butterfly... things changed that day he told me something and I guess I understood a bit more as to why he had to do this. So I guess I gave him the flight to do it and not be a weight around his neck over it.

The wind chime... it's the green discs on left side... Well it's something that we all have a huge laugh over. I have this obsession with wind chimes and things that should be outside... inside. I'm forever getting him to help me hang things from these vaulted ceilings and his jokes are very funny when he is doing it.

WHAT!!!!???! NO PK Chewing Gum over there?... lol it's on it's way.

Maddisons' Turn

How awesome is this??! My daughter, Maddison is almost 15, and LOVES Art just as much as her Mum. She always makes gifts for her friends, rather than buying them. I used to help her but in the last year she's developed her own style and I'm not even allowed to LOOK at her creations until they are finished. Well we do share out "studio" space but I can't pass the demarkation line or pass comment on any unfinished project... I'm Somerset Studio, she's Cloth, Paper Scissors! :) Although we do both share a passion for Alice in Wonderland, collage, Joseph Cornell, birds and paper ephemera (ESPECIALLY old encyclopedias)- her favourite 'thing' is altered books, mine assemblage. BUT we do dabble in both! The best thing is having a buddy to go to foraging & shopping with. Mind u, I have to find her a job to pay for her things soon! :)
Do we 'fight' over any supplies? YES!! Playing cards and game pieces... Which do we pass over to other without fuss? I'm happy to give up any button... she lets me have metal 'things' ofcourse!
Ok, this piece she's created is for a friend who turned 16 on the weekend. The girlfriend is into fashion and wants to be a designer, so what a thoughtful gift! The manikin is collaged in tiny vintage (copied) French paperdoll clothes and the screen is covered in real vintage dress pattern pieces.
It's a wonderful thing watching your child enjoy something that is your passion. I am so thrilled and excited when I see her creations and so warmed inside when I watch her deep in thought while putting something together. People say she gets it from me, but I feel that children grow in a garden rich with the elements in which to flourish. I've never 'pushed' my daughter in anything but I've surrounded her with the opportunity, she's always been allowed to use my supplies and I've never 'barred' her from being with me while I've been doing my art.
When my children where tiny, I used to paint in the lounge room or at the end of the kitchen table, or in the garden while we played. Art in our home is part of life... our studio is a part of the living room now and our shelves and walls are filled with art. I guess what I'm saying is, I really believe that if you make Art easily available to kids, make it a natural part of life, not some 'special' thing that requires intense lessons or allotted times and rules... you can then stand back, and it will grow. And the best part? They will have no fear or self doubts and it will grow into what is in their heart, not what is in yours or anybody elses.
Oh yes and they learn the greatess loss skill of all... the simple art of entertaining themselves without the aid of an electronic gadget or a parent providing a three ring circus :)

Moments not Minutes

Number one 'Big One' in my new series... mmm to paint or not to paint... that is the question that I shall ponder for a few days before I actually attach this assemblage all together. I'm loving it as is, so could be a done deal already.
"Moments not Minutes" features some of my favourite junk that I've been 'saving' for the right piece. The petrol tank cap is a real beauty and the flower is from an old necklace of mine from the 80s. The glass diamond shapes are from a beautiful hurricane lamb of mine that Bondi, my cat, sent flying. This is a clock that reflects the tiny moments and does not count down the minutes.

Little Sculptures

Thought I would try and give this a go. (Thanks to Michaels' inspiration). I am doing a series on Humanity for something I am hoping to do in a few months. This is the start in my series of 12 planned. ( I have driven myself crazy, madly sketching them all for two days!!)

"To Have Spirit"

The Diver

DONE!
I love things from and about the Sea... LOVE the effect of micaseous iron oxide wash over the inside... it's hard to appreciate the effect in pics. The text is from "The Diver". It has been my favourite passage for years. I was going to use something from Moby Dick BUT on completion this seemed more appropriate, given how I felt about things on creating this work. It concerns the way things change, the layers that make something up, even bad things and how, it culminates in something beautiful, the way a pearl is created. I always refer to this passage when I have regrets in life or am going through a bad patch... it all will be a layer of me but not tarnish me, just help in the creation, build me up and I WILL glow with luster. It also makes me remember that there is good or the potential for good in everything, sometimes it's just got a layer of gunk over it just now.

Michael taught how to build layers in work and to use all these old, unloved things and layering them, like a pearl, to end up with a beautiful jewel. The pearl in which we may recognize our deeper secrets...
For many things happen to those who dive to the bottom of the sea. Pearls in themselves are things of mystery and adventure-if you follow the career of a single pearl it will give you material for a hundred tales. And pearls are like poets' tales: disease turned into loveliness, at the same time transparent and opaque, secrets of the depths brought to light to please young women, who will recognize in them the deeper secrets of their own bosoms.

THIS is where my saying "Many things happen to those who dive to the bottom of the sea" comes from. It has nothing at all to do with Paul. :)

Michael DeMeng Narrabeen, Sydney Workshop

Joy, Phyllis, Amanda, Louisa, Michael, Ruth, Denise, Megan and Varelle
Janine, Donna
Ursula, Coral and Cheri(ME)

WHAT AN AWESOME EXPERIENCE...

I'm going to get straight into what I did... wrap up at end of this post...

I LOVE this cover... nothing inside as yet. I really learnt a lot about a creating an aged metallic look on this and working with washes to deepen the texture.

My mini blook... I have a thing about tiny art so HAD to do this one... plus side was I think it's just about done... might add a closure... learnt how to apply paint to metal, got into some nice earthy colours and ofcourse there is my Alice!

This one has a long way to go... it's one page of the inside of my Diver blook. I found it relaxing to do... and it was really interesting playing with different patinas. On the whole I learnt the most about colour washes doing this piece. I went through so many layers of blues and greens and it was so informative watching all the different effects that I managed to achieve... Oh and learnt how to make those transparencies come alive too! :)
The one has a VERY long way to go... but it's a start. As I love tattoos so much and have been using my own tattoo designs in a few recent paintings for an upcoming arty thing I'm doing, so I thought I would give them a go in this class. I actually am most excited about the ideas I have for this piece and can't wait to get into it...
Michael holding my mini blook during the Good The Bad and the Ugly Critic. YES YES YES... it WAS the best part of the workshop! And like I have read on the internet re other people... I TOO was dreading it but I LOVED it. I learnt so much listening to Michael explain what works with everyones' pieces.

THE wrap up...

What an AMAZING weekend!!! I had such high expectations and they where actually exceded. Michael is fantastic. Such a warm, witty and talented artist and teacher. I was impressed at how he took so much time to get to know everyone in the class and to understand what they wanted from the Workshop. Oh yes... I am also the very first Butcher he has ever had in his workshops!

I went, as I admire his work so much and I was interested in learning his techniques and hope to apply them in my work. I find it very hard to express my thoughts and feelings verbally now so my art work is very important to me. This type of work and the techniques just feel so right to me. The reuse of objects and the layering of things appeals, as does the subtle story or message that can be woven through these layers.

I planned to create 2 Blooks, but started 4 works as I had a hard time drying out some Modeling paste I used on my first two. Except for my mini blook, none where completed. This, however, worked brilliantly as I was able to experiment on the spot with different techniques and colour ways. Infact I personally would now work this way in future classes. I feel for me, there is always time to complete works some other time, but only one chance to experiment with all techniques.
It was well organized and everyone was a lot of fun. I really admire the amount of work that Janine put in to getting it all together and keeping things going smoothly. My room mate Coral was awesome, really great fun and so interesting. I wished she lived closer!!

It's been such a struggle getting back on my feet so it was really good to get out of my comfort zone and get out there again. This workshop really marked a turning point for me. I feel so on top of things now. At times I felt overwhelmed but I did ok.

Michael is coming again to Sydney in JUNE!!! Yeah, can't wait am saving madly now.
Will post updates as I complete these pieces. :)

Dreams from the Sea - Motel

I am working on a series of smaller pieces that I call "Dreams from the Sea". It's my first attempt at bringing a theme that is meaningful to me to life through my assemblage work. I have always been strongly connected with the sea; from my holidays as a child, my trekking about the coast as a young girl to marrying a Clearance Diver in the RAN and living near it for all of my adult life. I have always had a facination with kitchy souviers and with beachcombing. Here in this series I am bringing together my memories of the sea and travel with these interests. This piece depicts a wonderful night spent in what my children refer to as the "Bates Motel". I love the charm of these old seaside motels with their shell art and shambling bulidings. My children on the other hand had to shower with the curtain open and Mum sitting outside the door.

Junque-It and the Spanish Chairs

OK when my Hubby wakes up he is going to KILL me. lol I'm up to 16! Anyone know someone who wants to buy a Junque-It? I couldn't sleep last night and I had all these old canvases and..... oh well. mmm just looked at that photo I realized I've gotten paint on one of my beloved old Spanish chairs. OH the story of THE CHAIRS...
Years ago, in a past life, when going out was a way of life not a 'special treat', one place I LOVED to eat at was The Spanish Club in the city. There and Captain Torros across the road. I must of gone there a least once a month for years. Along with the GREAT food, the decor was awesome. YEARS later, when I was married and had two tiny kids, we where living in Avalon in Sydney and one morning I went to garage sale (yard sale). There in the garden sat 8 old wooden chairs that looked REALLY familiar. On asking about them the nice couple told me they had purchased them from an old restaurant a few years back that was refurbishing... it was THE SPANISH CLUB! They brought them on a whim but didn't really know what to do with them. They had planned on sanding them back and recovering them! THANK GOD I came along when I did! Anyway I have had them now for 11 years and LOVE them. I often wonder if I ever actually sat on one of them when they where listening to Spanish music surrounded by the aromas of Tappas on a warm Sydney night in the 80s.

Altered Diva Class - Just Junque-It

I LOVE the work of Karyn Gartel. I stumbled across her blog while I was looking for a class to do on assemblage/mixed media here in Australia. Well what I found, as well as her stunning art work, was her new online classes and I took her first one at the end of last year. (A Colourful Past). I was so busy at the time but it really pulled me out of my creative rut. She is such an amazingly talented person in her own right as well as being a fantastic teacher. To be able to do these classes with her online is awesome. Her set-up is very professional and it's a lot of fun. Well I am a couple of weeks into her second class "Just Junque-It" and she's again managed to put together a first class workshop. Here are a couple of my projects midway from this workshop. We are not lucky enough to have ANY mixed media workshops here but even if we did I would STILL do Karyn's' classes as they are brilliant!

All my new things!

OK not finished YET but here's what I've been playing with today... Did I say I LOVE Liquid Pencil!

ANOTHER DISCOVERY - Liquid Pencil!

I SERIOUSLY need to win the LOTTO and give up work! This week off has been so fantastic as far as being able to HAVE THE TIME to find things, try things and do things at a 'non-frantic' pace. So being able to smell the roses I found THIS at my Art Store today. AND I'M IN LOVE. How AWESOME is this stuff??????? I'm using it on EVERYTHING today. The colour and sheen is entrancing... For that final aging layer on painted surfaces or even on metal, or for mark making of any kind it's really really interesting. Easy clean up too! :) Oh yes I forgot... it's pretty cheap and now I need more colours!!

The ULTIMATE find!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

First up today was the Bay Run, hey you have to EARN a Gelatti babe! Then we went to the markets and a bit of shopping. I found these...

AHHHHHHHHHHH now how many have I watched get thrown out???????? Apart from half of my childhood spent in the country, my first love 'real' love was Shearer... ANYWAY, I thought (daydreamed) about them ages ago for a bit of assemblage as I remember the shape is really interesting, but the price is OUTRAGEOUS now so left it. (Usually around $30 EACH)... BUT TODAY...There they where on the end of a table, I asked the stall holder how much... he said $5... I started sorting out which two I would take... he said... "NO NO $5 for THE LOT"... OMG!!!!!!! YES I asked him if he was sure and I was happy to pay a bit more... he told me he was happy to let them go to someone who knew what they where and seemed so thrilled to find them... OK I did then buy a few other things from him to make up for my ultimate bargain. This cute Singer tin (which is rather cool as on the Bay Run, we bumped into a meeting of the Singer Car Club on Dobroyd Point and met a VERY interesting guy who told us all about Singer Cars, VERY GROOVY cars!

And this nice old tin and some interesting old spoons etc that have me thinking... OK I have read the new Somerset Studio and I LOVE the altered cutlery! :)

My Harbour again

"Walking on Sunday Early On" or "I'm sick of looking at my unfinished ATCs" - found items, watercolour, acrylic, tissue, wire on canvas.

Jan 2008
Busy busy busy! Just finished another of my mixed-media-collage-whatever paintings... of Sydney Harbour AGAIN! :) And NO I am NOT going to sell any art! lol Oh I CAN'T sell it anyway, my other half has just proclaimed it a masterpiece (he's so full of it at times) but in his language that means it's a keeper. I really DO need to get all my Sydney Harbour inspired art work together in one place. I have photos, paintings sculptures, altered art, you name it, all featuring my beloved harbour. I walk over that bridge at LEST three times a month and as so many know I walked over it CONSTANTLY while I was getting better last year. I guess now it's become a symbol of sorts but I actually just feel at ease and at peace when I'm there. I was born in North Sydney so maybe that has something to do with it. I remember coming home from living in the USA a few years ago and totally losing it on the plane when I saw that arch and sails lying below me. So maybe it just means home to me. Pic soon... no batteries in camera... my Pookie must of 'borrowed' them for hers before she left. :)
It's weird not having the kids around this week and not having work, but I have really gotten stuck into a bit of art... OH today we are spring cleaning the house :( Oh well I'm starting early to get it over by LUNCH!

Holidays!

FINALLY!!!!!!!!!!!! We are down at my parents' home in Eden on the far south coast. ALWAYS love it here. Picked up some awesome books for my Michael DeMeng workshop next month at the local second hand bookshop. Mum can't believe what I'm about to do with them! :) It's so sunny and relaxed here I feel like a new person. Well it's made me reevaluate life and I have to seriously cut down on work and soon. Apart from more family time I need more art time! An hour or two a week is so frustrating. I've loved sketching and writing down ideas, taking photos and just dreaming up ideas here. Most silly but still it's so wonderful to just HAVE THE TIME to do it all.

Jenolan Caves Weekend

We took the kids away to the Caves last month... awesome weekend. Caving, horseriding and a beautiful cottage... And we told the kids the news re Paul's posting... all taken as expected... Jared thinks it's great... Maddison was very angry and upset. Me? Well I'm still coming to terms with it all... I know I'll be fine it's just that I find it stressful to add single Mum into the equation of my life for the better part of a year. AND all the rest that I can't write about on a blog. Someone said yesterday that I need to really get stuck into my art to get through it... maybe a good idea. I asked for a reduction in hours at work (46 is way too much as it is!) So as well as more time to cope with the family I'll have more ME time as well. OK time to enter Wonderland I guess.

In trouble!

Daughter hasn't had a pic on blog!

Here's my Princess with her brother...

This is two weeks ago while he was on his way to his School formal

Birds in the Crazy season

OH how I find Christmas week... well TRYING...........
Ok who on earth has a harder week than Butchers this week? Barstaff probably! AND I've done that years gone by...

Tis the season to be jolly... breath in breath out...

And so while preparing my 100th turkey order... on to birds...

One down, one to go!

Here's my big boy receiving his School Certificate this week!

Band 5s! YEAH TEAM!

Get stuff coming into the HSC!! Jared wants to do a Bachelor of Science majoring in Physics at the Australian Defence Force Academy while following in Dad's footsteps by becoming a Navy Clearance Diver. I'm so proud of him it's been a great year... Best & Fairest in his Football Club, Defence Cadet Instructor of the Year and now an awesome result in the School Certificate.

OK OK hands over my eyes re the sneaking off to THAT party etc... lol... all in all he is great kid and I'm a very proud Mum! :)

Beautiful Window

Another new collage... this one is my biggest yet 20 x 16 inches. Someone I know really likes this and I think it will end up in her home after my 'next best thing' is produced sometime this week. I am VERY happy that I have added a tiny bit of 'rusty' in this one. I created the rusty foliage out of chipboard and am pretty pleased with the outcome.

As to the whole feeling behind this work... I have a thing about passages... windows, doorways, paths, stairs. I love creating work which leads to another place, idea, view, siituation, etc. In this I tried to create a dreamlike room with a realistic world beyond. Sort of a twisting of the usual dream-state beyond concept.

I played a bit with a few Golden mediums on this and really loved the textural effects that the Heavy Gel created, very waxy.

My dream workshop

I'm booked in!

I can't believe that Michael de Meng is actuallly teaching here in Sydney.

Well I'll be busy now collecting suitable treasures for the next month or so.

Altered Diva!

Have been LOVING my first online class with Karyn Gartel I took it as I ADORE her backgrounds. She is an awesome teacher and the class has been VERY informative. Karyn is a fantastic teacher and mmy classmates have been very inspiring too!

Here are my first two pieces...
I did mine on canvas first is 12x12 inches, second is 10x8 inches

I used Golden mediums on these too and LOVE LOVE LOVE the wax effect they create.

Manly

Most weekend I like to take long walks... here's a few picsfrom last weekend... Queenscliff to North Head (Manly Beach). Love Manly... usually walk it most night nights in Summer as well... bring on daylight saving!!

New Books

AND WHEN I HAVE TOMORROW OFF... I am going to get stuck into my new books! Mixed Media Mosaics... looks so awesome, I have been looking at adding tiles to work and there looks to be some amazing techniques in this book... all that Mica powder! & Pretty Little Things... I hope this improves my soldering!

More Time

Ok it's official I'm so tired I've hit the wall! Boss has been away on a surfing trip so I have been doing extra hours & days... add the Rock Eisteddfod in the middle of it all and it's lead to me only having between 3 and 6 hours sleep a night. I NEED A HOLIDAY! Well at least a day at home where I can create some art I think back to the days when I worked casually or not at all and wonder what on earth I did with all that time. Anyway I havetwo days off coming up after todays' shift YEAH! Daughter still a bit sad over not placing in the Rock Eisteddfod BUT we found out today they actually came 7th out of 14 and the margins where very tiny... overall she is, as always, thrilled re the whole experience. I had a great night too, bit lonely as DH was on duty, but I find the night so amazingly uplifting. Fav piece (other than Maddisons' school)... a school did a tribute to Frida Khalo, how cool! Complete with the most breath taking sets... loved it!

Curl Curl Sunday-first 'rusty'

This started out as a black gloss cheapie frame.

It's my first 'rusty'... I am working towards combining my photography with assemblage that has an aged look. OK this is a small step... it's still pretty much a simple frame but I'm happy with it and as far as experimentation goes, I learnt a lot doing the colour washes and dremeling that frame to rough it up... fun! :) Oh I printed my photo onto a transparency then mounted it on an underpainting. I took my daughter to the Craft fair today... she loves beading... now so do I! I found that 'sun' button while she was shopping.

Joy

I have a bit of an orange thing going on right now. Think it has something to do with the weather and feeling flat over not having a holiday... keep hearing everyone else's stories of bright sunny places... so I guessI'mmaking my own for now :)

My place...

My very first love, since I was 10, is photography and I use it in alot of my artwork. This piece features my number one fav place in the world. I walk from McMahons Point to Darling Harbour and return most Sundays. Through the Rocks markets, around the Opera House, the Botanical Gardens, the Gallery, Hyde Park, Chinatown & then back. Sometimes my dog, Gypsy comes along (she can't go through the Gardens). Anyway it's right here, sitting on the sand looking at the harbour that I feel 'at home'.

Science on a Monday

My son LOVES science. It's his 16th Birthday next week so I wanted to create something special for him. I've used paints, brass findings, ribbons, papers, an old compass from a bike, a thermometor from an old keyring, and I used clipart I found on the net of old PopularScience covers. The pics in the frames are transparencies I created from clipart, as is the back door. Inside is one of my transparent butterflies. This clock was a junk shop find. I actually found two, this one was working, the other isn't so I think will probably become a shrine!