Farewell Hero

Last Sunday, while I was still on holiday in Queensland, my little cat Hero said her last goodbye to the world. My little old lady cat was 16 years old and lived a full and happy life so it was not entirely unexpected – although it was a terrible and painful shock when it finally happened. My biggest regret is that I was unable to be there to say my own farewell and cuddle her one last time. She rests now in her own corner of my sister’s garden, and she will not be forgotten.

Hero on a Berber rug :: John S // BlacKeys B+W // No flash

April Showers

‘Paris’, 1946, Columbia MasterworksIt’s April! And whether you’re in the Southern Hemisphere like me farewelling summertime, or in the Northern, looking forward to spring, you might be subjected to sudden bursts of April showers. That’s what this album in chilly blue makes me think of. But April is not all bad: this year we have Easter too – isn’t that rabbit illustration just perfect?

The art of both these albums is great; so quintessential of its times. The war had ended, and these illustrations are lighthearted and full of joie de vivre. Unfortunately, the credits don’t make it clear whether Alex Steinweiss drew the illustrations in addition to designing the covers.

‘Music of Cole Porter’, 1948, Columbia MasterworksAnd when those inconvenient rains come, just remember this Al Johnson song, April Showers: it’ll make you smile and maybe even give you a little hope.

Life is not a highway strewn with flowers,
Still it holds a goodly share of bliss,
When the sun gives way to April showers,
Here is the point you should never miss.

Though April showers may come your way,
They bring the flowers that bloom in May.
So if it's raining, have no regrets,
Because it isn't raining rain, you know, (It's raining violets,)
And where you see clouds upon the hills,
You soon will see crowds of daffodils,
So keep on looking for a blue bird, And list'ning for his song,
Whenever April showers come along.

And where you see clouds upon the hills,
You soon will see crowds of daffodils,
So keep on looking for a blue bird, And list'ning for his song,
Whenever April showers come along.

Autopsy of a Book

Old World, Brian Dettmer“Why don’t you go cut up some old books?” is not something you often hear your parents or teachers say, is it? But maybe they should if this is the result. And they say there is nothing new under the sun. How incredible are these sculptures literally cut from old books by artist Brian Dettmer? The intricacy of every delicate incision and the patience required for every slice defies my imagination. How does Dettmer do it? I would go mad!

Modern Painters, Brian Dettmer

In his own words:

In this work I begin with an existing book and seal its edges, creating an enclosed vessel full of unearthed potential. I cut into the surface of the book and dissect through it from the front. I work with knives, tweezers and surgical tools to carve one page at a time, exposing each layer while cutting around ideas and images of interest. Nothing inside the books is relocated or implanted, only removed. Images and ideas are revealed to expose alternate histories and memories. My work is a collaboration with the existing material and its past creators and the completed pieces expose new relationships of the book’s internal elements exactly where they have been since their original conception.

Read Dettmer’s full statement here. 

Thoughts On Hugs

Saturday, 11th February 2012These first two fancies caught me within a day of each other. The third came a week later, and flukishly segues from the second.

Hugs are nice. Hugs are nicer from some people than from others. Sometimes it as good to give as to receive. But no hug is as good as a holiday, is it? That being said, I’m off to the beach. Byeee!

Sunday, 12th February 2012

Monday, 20th February 2012

Seeing Red

Rothko :: Ben Watts // Big Up // No flashLast night I walked the red carpet and went to the opening of Red at MTC, a play about Mark Rothko and the Seagram Murals. A fortnight ago, just after we had finished producing the marketing collateral for the play, I took a little trip to Sydney. I was amused to find a print of one of Rothko’s paintings on the wall in my hotel room! That day I photographed some red shoes on a different wall, and walked past a souvenir shop in Chinatown bursting with the hue. Then the next evening I took my red dress out on the town, and photographed the bright lights of Chinatown. ‘I see red, I see red, I see red!’ 

These Hipstaprints are all taken with the Bondi HipstaPak inspired by photographer Ben Watts, of late my colour set of choice.

And, btw, I really enjoyed the performance. I’ve always loved his work, and this play was a great insight into Rothko’s personality (making me curious to read more about him). Good acting, lots of energy and passion – I particularly loved the painting scene – and a great set with evocative lighting and sound.   

The Red Curtains :: Ben Watts // Big Up // No flashThe Red Shoes :: Ben Watts // Big Up // No flashLady in Red :: Ben Watts // Big Up // No flashRaise the Red Lantern :: Ben Watts // Big Up // No flashBright Lights, Little Chinatown :: Ben Watts // Big Up // No flash