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stories to tell

Druantia and Ava by Nadia Turner (Wayward Harper)

"Druantia and Ava" by Nadia Turner (Wayward Harper)

Illustrators are, by their very nature, storytellers, and a trio of Melbourne-based artists (whose paintings I love) currently have their work on show at the GASWORKS Arts Park.

Creature detail by Nadia Turner (Wayward Harper)

"Creature" detail by Nadia Turner (Wayward Harper)

Titled "Stories To Tell", the exhibition showcases the work of Nadia Turner, Rhiannon Mowat and Alisha Ball. Each artist has their own unique painting style, but all of their images offer a window to an imaginary world. The works draw inspiration from many sources: from classic fairytales and folklore; to Shakespeare; to the darker myths and legends that form part of our cultural consciousness.

Mixed works by Nadia Turner (Wayward Harper)

Mixed works by Nadia Turner (Wayward Harper)

Nadia Turner's work is incredible. Intricate detail, and the very way she paints each stroke contributes to each character possessing a real presence. They step into our space and silently suggest that they were here first.

Combining fine detail with decorative elements, Nadia's paintings evoke a sense of otherworldliness.

Nadia draws inspiration from many sources, including the art of the Surrealists, the Pre-Raphaelites, traditional folk art, various children's books, and music - more specifically the music of the Celtic Harp and all the mythology and folklore associated with it. For "Stories To Tell", you can expect lots of beautiful fairytale and myth inspired work! Nadia says she's discovered "a definite gypsy theme" running throughout her work.

Tea and Sympathy by Rhiannon Mowat

"Tea and Sympathy" by Rhiannon Mowat

The three artists met when they studied illustration together at Northern Melbourne Institute of TAFE, graduating in 2005. They had a lot of fun and have remained friends since. Rhiannon and Nadia have exhibited together before, but this is the first time all three girls have shown their work together.

The paintings revolve around what they love best, which of course is illustrating. In particular they tend to be drawn towards themes of fairytales or myth and folklore.

For this exhibition, Rhiannon draws her inspiration from the plays of Shakespeare, using his words and themes throughout her work.

What White Rabbit? by Rhiannon Mowat

"What White Rabbit?" by Rhiannon Mowat

Rhiannon Mowat's paintings are full of drama & whimsy. Her characters are wide-eyed & quirky, drawn from dark worlds and spooky tales.

I especially love Rhiannon's works pictured above, "Tea and Sympathy" and "What White Rabbit?". The clever composition (in the latter) teases us with the mystery of what lies further down the rabbit hole.

Painting by Alisha Ball

Painting by Alisha Ball

Alisha Ball has been traveling for the past few years and a lot of her work is directly influenced by her travels and the cultures of the countries she passed through.

I love the colours in Alisha's painting (above). The rich, pinks & golds in the woman's scarf and skintones against the cool pastel tones in the background. The palette itself gives this beautiful image a spiritual feel.

Stories To Tell flyer
Stories To Tell officially opens this Thursday night at the Angela Robarts-Bird Gallery in the GASWORKS Arts Park, but you can visit the exhibition any time from yesterday! The show continues until 14th June 2009.

Date: 25 May to 14 June 2009
Venue: Angela Robarts-Bird Gallery
Time: Opening Thursday 28 May, 6pm to 8pm
Gallery Opening Hours: 9am to 5pm, daily
Enquiries: 03 8606 4200

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Sunday, May 24, 2009.

design now! 2009

Untitled from The Decay of Life Series by Amanda McKenzie from the Design Now! 2009 exhibition at Object

Amanda McKenzie, Untitled, detail from The Decay Of Life series, 2008.

The incredible work pictured above is The Decay of Life - glass castings of fruit in various stages of the decaying process. Designer Amanda McKenzie describes her inspiration as "traditional Baroque still life oil paintings (especially Caravaggio) and the different interpretations of its symbology. Symbology and meaning in the still life has changed over the centuries and have been phased out in contemporary art. The introduction of a new model of the still life in a modern and relevant style which can be interpreted in a society of materialistic values."

The work is currently on show at Object as part of Design Now! 2009, Australia's only touring exhibition of student design. Now in its ninth year, Design Now! is a launching pad for young designers, and the exhibition showcases innovative work from 18 graduates of 2008. These finalists were chosen from over 200 nominations by Heads of Departments and lecturers from university art & design schools across Australia.

Gaawaa Miyay collection by Lucy Simpson from the Design Now! 2009 exhibition at Object

Lucy Simpson, Gaawaa Miyay collection, 2008. Photo courtesy the artist.

This year, Design Now! was divided into 6 categories: Design for the Built Environment; Design for the Body; Design for Communication; Design for Studio Production; Design for the Home; and Design for Industry.

We've chosen some of our favourite pieces to share with you, such as Lucy Simpson's Gaawaa Miyay, pictured above. The work is a collection of textiles featuring four prints: Gaawaa, Dhinawan, Walgett and Barigan. Each pattern holds a memory and tells the stories of family and country on cloth. The stories are told in a contemporary context, through the use of Yuwaalaraay language (an Aboriginal nation in Northwest NSW - her country) The incorporation of Indigenous language into the project is a reflection of the language revival currently happening across the country. The designer aims to contribute to this revival, bringing Yuwaalaraay and the stories of her family and country to new lips and ears.

The Object Award for Creative Innovation was jointly awarded to RMIT graduate Anthony Hamilton Smith and UTS graduate Michael Anderson whose winning works are pictured below.

Slow Kitchen by Anthony Hamilton Smith from the Design Now! 2009 exhibition at Object

Anthony Hamilton Smith, Slow Kitchen, 2008. Image courtesy the artist.

Anthony Hamilton Smith has used locally & sustainably produced ply wood, traditional wood crafting methods, and the principles of Slow design to create his Slow Kitchen, a vehicle (in both a metaphorical and physical sense) to advocate the ideas and philosophy of the Slow Movement. This modular, bicycle-led trailer "transforms into a working kitchen interior, within or adjacent to the primary production site of a chosen slow food ingredient(s)". (Anthony Hamilton Smith)

The Arborist's Blocking Crane by Michael Anderson from the Design Now! 2009 exhibition at Object

Michael Anderson, The Arborist's Blocking Crane, 2008. Image courtesy the artist.

The Arborist's Blocking Crane by Michael Anderson is a fantastic example of design being a mechanism to create clever, pragmatic solutions to specific problems - in this case, the precarious and dangerous process of lowering sections of tree trunks being removed by an arborist.

Untitled 14 (set of 4) by Kali Norman from the Design Now! 2009 exhibition at Object

Kali Norman, Untitled 14 (set of 4), 2008. Work courtesy of Curtin University of Technology Art Collection. Photo: Christiane Keller.

I adore these hand-cut metal tree sculptures by Kali Norman. Each of the four pieces have been blackened with patina, so that the viewer's focus is on the shapes & shadows rather than the metal surface. The branches and leaves are bent and curved to reflect the organic nature of the subject and retain a sense of movement.

"My body of work is a study of shadow play and light through the seasons. The idea of light and shadow appeals to me, as it so influential on our mood and state of mind, in particular the effects of dappled light." (Kali Norman)

Three Greedy Pigs by Kim Wong from the Design Now! 2009 exhibition at Object

Kim Wong, Three Greedy Pigs from the Bedtime Stories collection, 2008. Photo: Kim Wong

Isn't Three Greedy Pigs cute?! The ring is from the Bedtime Stories collection comprising of jewellery made from semi-precious stone and "something fun" - plastic animals from a toy store of course!

Breeze Way by Krista Lindegger and Scenarios of a Sustainable Future by Eric Ng from the Design Now! 2009 exhibition at Object

Krista Lindegger, Breeze Way, 2008, image courtesy the artist, and Eric Ng, Scenarios of a Sustainable Future, 2008, image courtesy the artist.

The two designs above each take a very different approach to sustainable design. On the left is Breeze Way by Krista Lindegger - a revolutionary way of drying clothes naturally. On the right is Scenarios of a Sustainable Future - a series of 7 booklets that communicate everyday scenarios in a fictional but feasible near future. The project illustrates the potential well-being and unconsidered benefits of a future which is disassociated with materialism.

Design Now! 2009 will be showing at Object until 12th June 2009, then at the Melbourne Museum from 14th August - 22nd November 2009.

By the way, the new "Wood" issue of Object magazine came out last week!

Issue 58 of Object Magazine - Wood
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more indie:
Friday, May 22, 2009.

finders keepers

The Finders Keepers market flyer, Winter 2009, the CarriageWorks, Sydney.

Flyer for The Finders Keepers designer markets at the CarriageWorks in Sydney this weekend. This time, the gorgeous artwork is by Catherine Campbell!

OPENING TONIGHT: The bi-annual The Finders Keepers markets (formerly Hope Street Markets) have become an unmissable event on the Sydney calendar, and the much anticipated winter markets will welcome us all this weekend! With market stalls in high demand, the Finders Keepers showcases the very best in indie design from around Australia.

Shagpile - exhibiting at The Finders Keepers Markets, Winter 2009, the CarriageWorks, Sydney.

Shagpile - funky accessories handmade from vintage, reclaimed & unusual fabrics

Opening tonight at 6pm, The Finders Keepers will come alive with over 100 design stalls, including many new faces selling products you're yet to discover! Click here to check out profiles on each & every designer.

Ruby and Scarlett - exhibiting at The Finders Keepers Markets, Winter 2009, the CarriageWorks, Sydney.

Ruby & Scarlett - letter press studio, Balmain, Sydney.

I'm especially looking forward to browsing the wares of Ruby & Scarlett, a small letter press studio from Balmain and Shagpile who handmakes interesting & funky accessories from vintage, reclaimed & unusual fabrics. Curious am I!

Kevin Tran - artworks at The Finders Keepers Markets, Winter 2009, the CarriageWorks, Sydney.
Kevin Tran - artworks at The Finders Keepers Markets, Winter 2009, the CarriageWorks, Sydney.

Artworks by Kevin Tran - featured artist at The Finders Keepers.

One highlight of the The Finders Keepers Markets is the Artists' Wall - a showcase of works by local artists, illustrators & graphic designers. Featured this winter will be:

Beastman - artworks at The Finders Keepers Markets, Winter 2009, the CarriageWorks, Sydney.
Beastman - artworks at The Finders Keepers Markets, Winter 2009, the CarriageWorks, Sydney.

"Burden Best in Show" (top) and "Burden Python" by Beastman - featured artist at The Finders Keepers.

If the overload of art & design isn't already enough, The Finders Keepers will also be showcasing a line-up of local independent musicians & djs. You will be entertained throughout the event by live performances from Caitlin Park, Telafonica, Clairaudience, Nina Stamell and many more. Visit The Finders Keepers for the full music line up.

0049 Design, exhibiting at The Finders Keepers Markets, Winter 2009, the CarriageWorks, Sydney.

New felt goodness by The Finders Keepers fave 0049 Design. Rex Keyholder and Bird Laptop Case.

The Finders Keepers opens this evening at CarriageWorks in Sydney, 245 Wilson St, Eveleigh. Hours are as follows:
Friday 15th May: 6pm - 10pm
Saturday 16th May: 12pm - 10pm
See you there!

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Thursday, May 14, 2009.

foxy one-day sale

Hohloma Bird Chain in Ivory by Melbourne designer Natalie Cirillo of A Skulk of Foxes

Hohloma Bird Chain in Ivory, AUD $38.50 (was $55), by A Skulk Of Foxes

You'll need to move as quickly as a fox... or a rabbit... or a hummingbird to catch this one! Indie fave A Skulk Of Foxes is having a ONE DAY SALE where you'll save 30% on the entire range! (Friday 8th May 2009.)

Wolf Red Acrylic Brooch and Hummingbird Mirror Acrylic Brooch by Melbourne designer Natalie Cirillo of A Skulk of Foxes

Wolf red acrylic brooch and Hummingbird mirror acrylic brooch, each AUD $12.60 (were $18), by A Skulk Of Foxes

You know we love Melbourne label A Skulk Of Foxes! Launched by jewellery designer Natalie Cirillo in 2006, the label has gained a loyal following, and the silver & resin critters now inhabit shops & galleries across Australia, New Zealand and the UK. (You can also read more in our previous indie art & design posts Forest Dwellers, July 2007 and Skulking Around Melbourne, August 2008.)

Silver Squirrel studs by Melbourne designer Natalie Cirillo of A Skulk of Foxes

Squirrel Studs in Sterling Silver, AUD $62.30 (were $89), by A Skulk Of Foxes

For TODAY ONLY, ALL A Skulk Of Foxes products listed in the online store have been reduced by 30%.

Pagoda acrylic brooch by Melbourne designer Natalie Cirillo of A Skulk of Foxes

Pagoda Acrylic Brooches, each AUD $31.50 (were $45), by A Skulk Of Foxes

Time is short, so I chose a few of my favourites from A Skulk Of Foxes' new products at www.askulkoffoxes.com.au and got typing straight away! Let us know which pieces are your favourites too...

Silver Rabbit cufflinks by Melbourne designer Natalie Cirillo of A Skulk of Foxes

Rabbit Cufflinks in Sterling Silver, AUD $104.30 (were $149), by A Skulk Of Foxes

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Friday, May 08, 2009.

moon-age: other worlds

Kaleidoscope Siren by Sydney artist Alex Moon-Age

Starting with a colour or pattern, Moon-age loses herself in the creative process. This was the case with "Kaleidoscope Siren" - "a creature who flies through the air in a blur of colour, twigs and feathers."

Opening this week at Palmer Projects, Darlinghurst, is Alex Moon-age's first solo exhibition. We are thrilled to be supporting "OTHER WORLDS (they have not told you of)" and hope that many of our Sydney readers will be able to attend the opening night this Thursday or visit the exhibition during the following week. Alex's drawings & collages possess a rawness and energy that bring them to life. With their strong hand-drawn lines, vibrant colours and anamorphic figures, these works inhabit spaces between imagination and reality. Edgy & exciting, emerging artist Moon-age is one to watch!

Other Worlds exhibition by Sydney artist Alex Moon-Age

Exhibition flyer featuring "Other Worlds", a self portrait by Moon-age. She created the costume and head piece, took photos and added collage. The skirt (or floating cloud) is created from strange patterns and various organic matter.

Psychedelic princess Alex Moon-age graduated from COFA (College of Fine Arts) last year. At 21, she is already one of Sydney's most exciting emerging artists. Obsessed by the theatrical, and renowned for her outrageous wardrobe, Moon-age's creative process extends into fashion and music. In addition to drawings, photos, mixed media works & collages, Alex will be exhibiting flamboyant wearable fashion creations as part of a performance art piece. There will also be a short animation projection and sound installation.

Other Worlds exhibition by Sydney artist Alex Moon-Age

"Noodle Horse" by Moon-age.

Alex works impulsively, aiming to engage with the subconscious mind. She creates mythical histories for imagined worlds, then translates them into distorted, wildly colourful images. Visual patterns tend to emerge - references to nature, animal-human transfiguration and androgynous, imaginary creatures.

Other Worlds exhibition by Sydney artist Alex Moon-Age

"Angry Spirit" by Moon-age.

Influenced by the surreal nature of illustration in underground 1960s publications such as 'Oz' magazine, Alex's artworks appear simultaneously nostalgic and contemporary, beautiful and morbid. Her collages hark back to the Dada collages of Raol Hausmann, and contain pages of books, newspapers, sewing patterns and patterned paper which have been reinvigorated and reconstructed within the frame of her work.

Birds and the Bees by Sydney artist Alex Moon-Age

"The Birds and the Bees" by Moon-age. Collage, paint, pen, & old sewing pattern.

Moon-age embodies a Surrealist sensibility - drawing on the tools of psychoanalysis and meditation. With heightened tension between reality and illusion, her artworks show a deep understanding of the abstract reality of the subconscious.

Rainbow Ghost by Sydney artist Alex Moon-Age

"Rainbow Ghost" by Moon-age. Mixed media.

Alex feels inspired & unrestricted when working with mixed media, creating different textures from pen, pencil, paint, pastel & collage. She hopes that each viewer sees something a little different in the subject matter as various creatures and faces make up the larger image. She also loves to lose herself in a piece of music and see where it leads her image making - Frank Zappa is especially great for this!

Rainbow Monster by Sydney artist Alex Moon-Age

Rainbow Monster by Moon-age

"Rainbow Monster" (above) is one of my favourites from the artworks we've pictured. The areas of intricate detail contrasting with heavier, rough lines... and the colours!! The blue background works so well and there is a sense of constant movement & energy. Love it. We're so excited about Alex's exhibition & can't wait to get along to Palmer Projects. At first sight, her vivid, detailed works grabbed our attention... they really are something!

OTHER WORLDS (they have not told you of) by Moon-age opens at Palmer Projects Gallery Space on Thursday evening, May 7th 2009. If you're in Sydney, come along to the opening from 6.30 - 9.30pm. It continues until 14th May at 2/238 Palmer St, Darlinghurst, 2010. Gallery opening hours are:
Friday 12-5pm
Saturday 12-4pm
Tuesday 12-5pm
Wednesday 12-5pm

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Monday, May 04, 2009.