Hello Happy Thoughts

Sad Truth - Frustration IS a creative force

2012-02-14T22:48:00.001+10:30

In a manner of speaking I just want to say...

2012-02-13T00:19:00.000+10:30

That's what I call a song with an impact...

Simple pleasures... again

2012-02-07T16:22:00.001+10:30

Alan Fletcher's studio poster, from his Design Museum exhibition few years ago - still so inspiring...

Piece of 'Vienna' in our kitchen

Scented candle, at 'work'

My favourite postcards. Places I've never been to.

Thanks, I don't need to be reminded - I've been excited for weeks

2012-02-05T13:14:00.001+10:30

The Holstee Manifesto Lifecycle Video from Holstee on Vimeo.

2012-02-04T23:58:00.002+10:30

Amazing Australian Sealife

2012-01-31T23:17:00.000+10:30

Alone

2012-01-22T22:51:00.001+10:30

Surprising things happened on the beach

2012-01-20T22:46:00.002+10:30

Nevermind

2012-01-15T23:41:00.000+10:30

Roller blade dreamer

2012-01-10T11:16:00.001+10:30

I am not a person who would justify buying a 'thing' just for its brand name (what a dangerous thing to say if you are a marketing consultant haha), therefore this cheap helmet will do. Will go ok with my cheap robust cruise bike I bought some time ago. I needed a robust one so I wouldn't be tempted to ride it too fast. Anyway... So this bike was three time cheaper than my beloved roller blades (have them for over 7 years now?). Even my roller blades are not fancy. I spend more time dreaming about going roller blading than roller blading itself. But... it's been too long now, so nothing is going to stop me now... Well literally, as I still haven't learnt how to stop gracefully on roller blades too...

2012

2012-01-07T00:31:00.002+10:30

No big plans or resolutions. Just survive without dramas.

Waving 2011 Goodbye...

2011-12-31T00:47:00.001+10:30

More than this..

2011-12-27T02:00:00.001+10:30

It's been on my mind. (Beehives).

Alive

2011-12-27T00:43:00.001+10:30

Sometimes 'we feel short of something'. For me, it's usually time, patience, way how to manage certain situations... well that's what my week was like. But again, things evolved. One just have to believe, it's going to be ok. Ok?

I would love to get some real time off.... I need to focus on studying and catching up. Or.. imagine that indulgence - simply reading past issues of Computer Arts magazine.

PS. Collage time! This Elvis was born around 2000 - 2001? I can't even remember.

2011-12-22T12:44:00.002+10:30

HELP

2011-12-20T13:25:00.000+10:30

"Take care dear Jana, life has much to offer, all is not forsaken. You will see that there is so much more will open up for you - patience and perseverance is very necessary without conflict."

Love to you always, V xoxox

Vaclav Havel... Truth and love must prevail over lies and hatred

2011-12-19T23:33:00.002+10:30

18.12.2011
He was probably the only president who would feature a heart as a part of his signature. He was probably more human than a politician - my friend said and in a way, she was right. He was. What a sad day...

Friday Flavour

2011-12-18T00:51:00.002+10:30

When I get away with it, this is where I spend most Friday evenings. This Friday, I found a beautiful photo book featuring Matthias Braun's works, original historical novel by Alois Jirasek published in 1920 (!), and besides others, amazing book about science for kids with really clever illustrations (must get back to that).

Because it's winter in December!

2011-12-13T22:49:00.000+10:30

Glenelg

2011-12-12T23:55:00.000+10:30

Deep in the night I am waiting, sent from above, power of love

2011-12-12T23:46:00.001+10:30

Pecha Kucha - Adelaide

2011-12-06T23:22:00.001+10:30

On my way to Pecha Kucha Adelaide - Vol. 1

It's been few months now and I forgot to mention this... I was really excited and even more curious. Pecha Kucha finally in ADELAIDE. Make sure you don't miss Vol. 2.!

I don't really want to write about Pecha Kucha concept etc. There's one thought I need to share though. Pecha in Adelaide wouldn't exist without Anna Scott. And omg she is amazing. She is a pure creative force, clever design and marketing brain.... She is somebody I secretly look up to... And she is a lovely person too. Thanks Anna for being my inspiration!

Full Spectrum - Gregory Ackland / Joe Felber / Will Nolan

2011-12-06T22:52:00.001+10:30

This exhibition had it all - interesting photographs, fabulous catalogue, nice 'take-away cards'. And a very good website that made all that online research hassle-free. Well done, guys.

Photo credit - http://fullspectrum2011.blogspot.com/

I am a big fan of Will Nolan, his 'Everything Is Melting' or 'Bottle Tops' are some of my favourite object investigations EVER. And his recent addition 'You're Not Worth a Thing' (read: black-rubbish-bin-bag-space-odyssey) is a very good one too. I love the stillness of these images, contrast of black on black (what an oxymoron, you say). It's beautiful.

That's all for now about exhibitions (certainly for this year), I am taking a break... I need to figure out few things in my life.

I am not prepared to stop. I will keep my happy thoughts...

2011-12-06T00:58:00.001+10:30

Kate Gagliardi - Hello Universe

2011-12-03T21:55:00.001+10:30

I like artists who go their own way. Who stay true to their values. I missed Kate's first Magazine-exhibition (sorry, I'd just been to Mars and back).. but 'Hello Universe' was on my 'to-go' list. The special quality about some ladies - artists is that they say stories even by naming their artwork. I can't stand untitleds. Just saying..

For You Are, I Decided. A Long Time Ago. I'd Dare Not Say, By The Way I Am Sure. Salt, It Only Takes, Now There's Thunder. Pepper, To Match, I Am Here (1,2,3,4). I Tried To Find The Answer And It Lead Me Here (1,2,3,4,5,6). I Am Here (5,6,7,8), Geometric Galaxy (1,1,1,1,1,1). I'm Counting The Days, Let's Just Say. Where Are You Going With This? Neither Here Nor There. I Know It To Be True, The Girl With The Golden Lungs. I Remember It Fondly.

But with or without these, I couldn't wait to meet her new female characters especially. They are like secret and updated Cinderella's sisters. I recognized some of their expressions. Haunting. Desperate. Reflecting. Misunderstood. Cruel-some. Plated with gold. Real insight into female form. Thank you.

Please, excuse my photos taken through the window when waiting for the gallery door to be opened.

For enquiries and wows, go to ok-gag.blogspot.com

Paper Plains - Stuart Gluth and Stuart McLachlan (Kerry Packer Civic Gallery UniSA)

2011-12-03T21:53:00.001+10:30

What do you feel when holding a piece of paper? I could probably write a book about this subject. In the best design / art schools, the students (and teachers) need to paper-play a lot! From this basic and minimal media the most amazing objects and pieces of art can be created. Starting with Rock-Scissors-Paper game when you are maybe four or five years old, the lesson about battle of these elements begins. And if you are creative and talented (and lucky), in few years, your play can evolve in some of the objects one could see in this exhibitions (very good picture coverage in this article, thanks). Happy Paper Thoughts x

Bill Henson - Early Work from the MGA collection, with selected recent landscapes

2011-12-03T21:52:00.003+10:30

Not well played by one of my favourite galleries in Adelaide! You enter the main space and find You Move: Australian artists play chess... which is actually quite entertaining and refreshing (let's play chess with empty beer bottles!).

Then, on the first floor, you get some images of naked kids, their faces looking empty, no emotions. I didn't want to spoil my day so I almost just walked past them. On the 'art side' most of exhibited photos were pretty average. Some of the photos were supposed to capture 'hard life in Eastern Germany'. Oh, so average!

This guy (Bill Henson, everyone!), born in 1955 trying to picture teenagers? I think it's obvious. I googled his name and had to laugh about his 'attempt to recruit models in St. Kilda school'. Well, sort of laughed - can you imagine one of your kids in such a situation?

Luckily, he tried to reflect all his actions by capturing some moody landscapes. And, these are very good.

Anne & Gordon Samstag Museum of Art link:
Bill Henson: early work from the MGA collection, with selected recent landscapes

Still Life Still - Akira Akira, Wendy Fairclough & Nicholas Folland

2011-12-03T21:52:00.001+10:30

This installation 'Cache' by Wendy Fairclough was the reason I wanted to see 'Still Life Still'. It had that 'Tara Donovan' factor and I was just nothing but curious about 'exploration of human experiences / anxiety for the potential failure in everyday activities'.

It wasn't bad (but could have been better). Nicolas Folland's plastic pigeons as well as his engraved found trophies were rather genius. If nothing, it made me think about my own daily innocent anxieties... odd socks? missing shoes? mirrors? annoying streaks on windows?... don't laugh :) But maybe I tried too hard to find the meaning of it all, because when I saw a huge roll of bubble wrap, I thought oh what a clever installation, realizing a second later it wasn't part of the exhibition.

Peter Drew - Adelaide's Forgotten Outlaws

2011-12-03T21:49:00.001+10:30

Adelaide must be the only city in the world to be proud of its criminals. It's not a point of how petit their crimes were. People in London warned me 'oh yes, Adelaide is the city of murderers'... joke'n'choke darlings, because I am probably the only person who is not blown away by this amazing street art.

Peter Drew is actually a really nice guy, so believe me, there's no personal context in writing this. I am just trying to challenge my common sense and the right vs. wrong in relation to street art and a project of such a big scale. And no matter how much I am trying to be positive and relaxed, I think that this is the last thing this city needed.

Don't get me wrong, finding more about 'forgotten outlaws' is fascinating. But finding 42 huge paste-ups is more like street fart spamming to me. It doesn't matter if it's been self-funded.

It gets even better...

Eventually I was contacted by the Adelaide City Council and I admitted the posters were mine. The council agreed to stop removing the posters if I would take steps to legitimised the whole project through their ‘pilot project’ scheme. So I filled in an application, promising to track down every property owner and request permission to do what I’d already done (still in progress). I was also told I would have to remove the criminals surnames so not to connect surviving relatives to their criminal past. I’ve since been contacted by several relatives who actually enjoyed connecting the dots and were very encouraging towards the project as a whole.
Read full 'story' by Peter

What can you do with spare 10 minutes?

2011-11-29T16:05:00.001+10:30

Remind myself how ironical I can be (in old collages)

Desperate Measures

2011-11-29T14:21:00.002+10:30

Hearing a local estate agent from Adelaide saying (in a rather personal conversation):

"We don't believe in websites"

Ouch. When will I wake up from this strange dream? When will I see clearly? Overcoming uncertainty, finding lost direction. Being 'strong' is sometimes exhausting. Death by ignorance. Maybe it's my fault.

Another addition to 'my love for Adelaide', shaping slowly this website (on blogger platform, plus YouTube channel).

No matter what, I can still be The Star Rover, rediscovering my archived photos... just like this one.

Mystery solved here and especially here.

Inspiring Places

2011-11-27T00:01:00.003+10:30

Energy flows where attention goes

2011-11-20T22:48:00.006+10:30

It all started as an innocent conversation on Skype. With my mum. She is very special, you know. Caring, giving, supportive... and loves making us all happy. So, there was the ultimate question: "Jana, don't pull faces, be serious and tell me - what would you like for Christmas?" I could feel her love traveling through our wireless connection... It's the thought that counts. She couldn't send me a hug, she knew it had to be something 'I can hug'.

The truth is, there are wishes you can't buy, you just have to make them happen... But she wouldn't let go and I knew straight away. I would love a book. A very special book I didn't make enough effort to get the last time I visited my home country. Let me explain...

Everyone knows Franz Kafka. But not many know Milena Jesenska (you need to click on this link, she is just so amazing). Basically, these two were in love (despite her being married, and apparently they met only twice) and exchanged many love letters. Well, a book has been published with these letters (many years ago, actually) and as you may have guessed, that is the ONE I want for Christmas.

There is another interesting aspect to Milena that I can relate to. She managed to master two languages. Master and translate authors such as Kafka. And that's my second happy thought of this update. I still remember the day when my sweet Czech language teacher wanted to talk to me in confidence, trying to convince me to go study journalism. I was too shy to do that at that point. Few years later, tackling my English grammar, I realized I lost most of my signature writing style in Czech yet I will be never able to equal it in English. Well, now I have a happy thought xxx

Cut & compose

2011-11-20T00:47:00.002+10:30

It was a Saturday night after all, so I decided to treat myself 'for a night off'. No work or projects, luckily no immediate deadlines, so I could just let go and be in peace with myself for few hours...

Keep the light on

2011-11-15T22:47:00.004+10:30

Certainly grateful...

2011-11-15T22:30:00.002+10:30

Last week, I had an opportunity to spend some time (on different days) with three amazing women, all very inspiring and close to my heart. I also realized that on such occasions, I love having a chat on one-to-one basis, without any disturbing elements.

Tuesdays, usually - with a bit of luck, are my favorite part of the week in terms of creativity and personal space. Just like today, spending almost two hours going through incredible and precious photos as well as newspaper clippings - all as a part of a little project of mine. Life of interesting people (a very special lady in this case) - so uplifting and inspiring...

and before that... some 'sweet musing'... since working for Mintel GNPD, I developed a serious passion for FMCG... anyway, this is just a little note to myself, a happy thought to keep.

The night I wished I were somewhere else...

2011-11-12T23:57:00.006+10:30

but I couldn't be

November (Remembrance) Poppy Rain

2011-11-11T23:57:00.007+10:30

Everywhere I look I see you

2011-11-08T23:10:00.004+10:30

Moment of inner freedom

2011-11-08T22:50:00.003+10:30

...when the mind is opened and the infinite universe revealed... and the soul is left to wander...

Untitled random thoughts

2011-11-04T23:37:00.005+10:30

Currently craving (besides other things) a bit of visual satisfaction...

Adelaide College of Arts

2011-11-03T23:31:00.007+10:30

Coming to support my friend, being curious about her creations (A selection of works by the Certificate IV in jewellery 2011), I couldn't help myself but take few pics of relatively empty surroundings with my phone... how typical of me...

People are strange when you are a stranger

2011-11-03T21:27:00.005+10:30

In a park, after saying 'aaah what a cute dog', the lady looked at me and asked: "Do you plan to stay pernamently in Australia?". Oh dear, actually, sometimes not sure.

Shapeshifter

2011-10-30T23:00:00.006+10:30

Old photos...

2011-10-22T23:28:00.000+10:30

Cloud fortune

2011-10-18T22:55:00.005+10:30

Why do we all love clouds? Do we look for a sign? Hope? Resolution? Blessing? Purpose of being? Come, sit beside me and tell me all about it.

All images resized and cropped only.

Adelaide Festival Centre

2011-10-18T12:41:00.006+10:30

Adelaide Festival Centre - don't laugh when I say that it reminds me the National Theatre in London. It's that awkwardness of used materials and layout (I'd regularly get lost and wouldn't know which staircase/lift to take to a certain level - in NT). Although I strongly disapprove AFC's logo (looks like Tourist Information Mountain Board sign and I don't understand the need to use of 'rainbow' elements (too 90's and distracting), I have a soft spot for this place, sneaking through corridors, contemplating stories...

SA Aquatic & Leisure Centre

2011-10-18T12:24:00.003+10:30

SA Aquatic & Leisure Centre - very photogenic facilities

Their Facebook Fan Page features some of the first examples of negative publicity I've seen around. It makes you realise that a) obviously, if you deal with public, you need to be prepare to face these b) therefore do not underestimate social media and include a dedicated PR/social media position in your marketing budget.

Also, in terms of google-relationship, make sure you get indexed for basic phrases, such as swimming centre Marion / Adelaide in this case. And how about sensible and easy-to-remember domain names? The end of marketing mourning.

Swimming Adelaide, Marion Aquatic Centre, Swimming Centre Marion

Bye September...

2011-10-07T00:56:00.004+10:30

Can't wait for long summer evenings...

2011-09-20T23:55:00.003+09:30

‎"Is it possible to produce a visible manifestation of loss? What is the appearence of what is not entirely there? There must be a singular way of inscribing beings or things in the present so that they represent simulataneously what they used to be and are not anymore, and represent their disappearance in progress."

(Anri Sala)

Is your plane half full or half empty?

2011-09-17T23:32:00.008+09:30

Before you slip into unconsciousness

2011-09-13T23:25:00.002+09:30

Forces of nature

2011-09-13T23:05:00.002+09:30

Can you feel lonely when surrounded by people?

2011-09-13T00:24:00.003+09:30

Once upon a time (it's that time of the year, again)

2011-09-11T23:42:00.004+09:30

Royal Adelaide Show 'musing'

Questionable encounters

2011-09-11T23:29:00.003+09:30

Knocking on doors

2011-09-06T23:38:00.002+09:30

Happy Thought for today

2011-09-04T23:54:00.001+09:30

My lovely parents, before they got married. Now you know where I got my good looks :) Happy Wedding Anniversary.

Mean Moon Moment II.

2011-08-30T22:25:00.001+09:30

Happy Days

2011-08-30T22:20:00.003+09:30

Sunday Colour Scheme

2011-08-22T23:35:00.004+09:30

Abracadabra

2011-08-20T23:36:00.001+09:30

Mixed media emotions

2011-08-20T23:34:00.001+09:30

Forms of photography

2011-08-16T16:17:00.004+09:30

There's no doubt one can have hours of fun with some iPhone photo apps. I've got probably more than ten of them, my favourite at this moment is RetroCamera and the daguerreotype filter.

Apple - original image plus two Retrocamera filters

see the light?

One more thing... this is such an awesome idea! Love the tiny book, just super cute.

The sun warms my face. The rain quenches my thirst. The wind blows generosity my way. The snow brightens my outlook.

2011-08-13T21:23:00.006+09:30

August is a funny month of the year. I feel... sort of confused. A year ago, I had beautiful European summer, with all the things familiar to my heart and soul. These days, it's hard to get my head around (not only weather-wise). I suppose I tend to live in tiny retrospectives, challenging certain periods of my life, hoping to see progress or at least direction.

A year ago, I missed not being in Adelaide, besides those I love who live here, SALA looked so promising. This year, I didn't even get past stage 1 - preparing a list of exhibitions I want to see. The website is just so user unfriendly. All I want to do is to tick which exhibitions interest me on a particular day and click on 'go' button to get a list with thumbmails of works, venue names, addresses and opening hours (and sort it by postcodes afterwards). I can't spend a whole day clicking on 'find out more' and copying it to word to create a list and then format it after adding address info. Grr. Just print out the maps, I hear you say. The problem is, different councils created different maps and the whole thing looks very messy. I don't see much effort from the organizers. They say 'Use our mobile phone application to find exhibitions near you'. When I objected that it's not actually an app but just a mobile phone version of their full website, which I doubt will work offline, they simply deleted my comment. Just to make sure. Happy days.

Notes and neurons

2011-08-09T12:27:00.003+09:30

Studio Lingo & littlest VINTAGE... LOVE

2011-07-31T22:52:00.010+09:30

Studio Lingo is a new Renew Adelaide baby. It has an amazing mixture of genes of some SA artists while being blessed by vintage love.

Studio Lingo and littlest VINTAGE received the keys to an empty building in Prospect (98 Prospect Road). In just a week, they’ve started to transform the former rubber boot factory into an exciting, creative hub. Like it!

You make it easy to watch the world with love

2011-07-31T21:41:00.015+09:30

When the music is over...

2011-07-31T21:41:00.014+09:30

On Saturday, just before midnight, I finished a piece of a very interesting market research. Deadline met. Files sent. I am sure you know that feeling of relief and contentment.

I thought I might share some of my favorite collages. It's a set of five pieces and not many people actually have seen it. I very rarely show my most treasured collages/photos. With few exceptions, as those, who follow my happy thoughts, probably know.

Time capsule vs. time loop

2011-07-31T21:40:00.011+09:30

I like this photo but I don't like the person I used to be. Abbey summarized it perfectly.... I don't really recognize that version of myself anymore and am relieved that my life has taken a different direction.

Lessons learnt from different experiences. I am still rather naive and sometimes inappropriately positive. Just like today after 3.20pm. I turned around and you were gone. Again. Let's break that spell.

Public Art Poetry - Morphett Street Bridge / North Terrace

2011-07-26T22:06:00.007+09:30

Design, cooking, universe

2011-07-25T23:24:00.009+09:30

I've noticed I write a lot about women. So for a change, these are three men I find inspiring. What may seem to be a strange combination probably just reflects my general interests.

Maxim Velcovsky is a Czech designer. If you don't know him, just do your bit of research.

Jamie Oliver, well everyone knows him... I've always enjoyed watching his TV series, men cooking are cute and I admire his passion for what he does.

Brian Cox actually triggered the happy thought and idea for this post. He is a scientist and if you live in Australia, don't forget to watch his program Wonders of Universe on ABC 1 (Tue 27th July, 8.30pm). As you can see, no Harry Potter for me.

Traces of night (and light)

2011-07-22T22:50:00.008+09:30

Two hours in a library (almost alone), drive back home through the A-city. Hot bath, hot tea with honey and lemon, warm socks. Lightness of being. To-do list. Priorities. It will be ok.

Observations III. - Choices we make

2011-07-18T22:12:00.006+09:30

or this...

Alice Blanch - Photography

2011-07-17T23:30:00.007+09:30

Reflecting on Alice's photography, I asked myself what I expect when taking photos myself. It's pretty straight forward... I feel this strange urge to take a photo. Brain cells connect in my head and it's like an addiction. If I haven't got a camera with me, I suffer. A bit over the top? Yes, I know... One thing is for sure though, digital wins over analogue for me personally (and that's why I love Alice Blanche's photos). I'm just overwhelmed when inspired, I search for the right angle but I want to be sure about my result. I need digital files and I prefer having no effects on it while having a choice to explore my options later. Yes, I've tried my adorable CMYK Diana, quirky Supersampler and occasionally I still have a bit of fun with different iPhone apps. But still, I usually rely on my DSLR. I can't bear the thought 'what will the photo look like when developed / scanned'.

For all these reasons, I am a big admirer of the freedom Alice gives herself to be free and boundless. She manifests that life is still full of surprises, fluffy clouds and textured trees. I am so surprised to find somebody so young to be so content. And when you add that amazing effort when using different techniques you read about in text books but never actually see, you have to admit there's a big talent rising.

I remember attending her mini exhibition in the Reading Room, just so different and totally outstanding.

images from Alice Blanche's blog

I look forward to see the progress on her new project - documenting the Capri Theatre and the volunteers that work there. You can follow it here too.

Sense of direction

2011-07-17T23:21:00.004+09:30

Recently, I've been asked to cover for the Executive Editor for a local community bulletin here in Adelaide. After actually holding those eight pages of what can be called very enjoyable work, I realised how much I like to see and 'feel' the result of my creative effort, generally speaking. Certainly a HAPPY THOUGHT.

The Vitals Book, Zine & Crafty Fair 2011

2011-07-17T00:32:00.012+09:30

Vitals Blog
Nice Teaser by Steph I liked: poster, location, space, atmosphere, layout, kids corner, coffee (!), books I bought
I disliked: art/design book section was almost empty when we arrived (but we shouldn't be late, fair enough)
Overall: once a year treat, hats off for this quirky fundraiser for Vitalstatistix Theatre Company, you can support them through Pozible too. ... and here are my 'new' books

with a lot of inspiration.... Esther Nun - Identity and packaging for Help Remedy Products (Women in design, p. 188)

Gail Anderson (Women of design, p. 89)

Allan Le Foll - Turnip (European Illustration 76/77)

Rural affair

2011-07-16T23:36:00.009+09:30

For a reason...

2011-07-06T23:07:00.005+09:30

Every time when things don't happen as quickly as expected, with not enough time, sources, appropriate response... I have to remind myself that it's not the big things that happen straight away. It's the underestimated little things that lead you to bigger things.

"If you counted only on immediate success, you'd never do anything. You have to stay on course and not to be concerned with whether your action will bear fruit tomorrow or the day after. What is important is the truth and the knowledge that your cause is worthy." V.H.

Design by nature, Ltd.

2011-07-05T00:59:00.005+09:30

As I mentioned before, sometimes I wonder if people see things the same way I do. There was some gardening involved last week and it was lovely, actually... I couldn't help myself but see amazing design patterns amongst all the unnecessary greeny bits that grow in our driveway.

I just have to save some of them... hello my little new mini-garden...

Amusing Journalism

2011-07-04T23:46:00.010+09:30

One of the things I miss about not living in the UK is The Sunday Times. But even Sunday Mail here in Adelaide provides sometimes rather entertaining reading...

The bold and the beautiful (Ritzy Monaco, Escape p. 8, 3/7/2011), Brian Crisp, you have a point!

That's certainly a quote to remember. I wonder what happened to these guys, when they were in their 20s and 30s?

..."Most men my age (around 60) here don't look at women over 35. And why would you? You are spoilt for choice - beautiful women from all around the world come here looking for rich men. And they find them. We are wealthy, gregarious and suddenly attractive to the very same type of woman who ignored us when we were younger."

I found this opinion hilarious. And sad at the same time. From marketing point of view, there is always a target market (deluded women) for deluded men.

Anyway, let's move on...

It's Tomic Mark 2 - Local teen our next rising star (Sport p. 81, 3/7/2011), Jai Bednall knows the facts (not...)

apparently "Saville defeated Broady in straight sets at the World Junior Team's Final's in Czechoslovakia in 2008..."

That's highly amusing, mate :D There's no Czechoslovakia since 1993

and, in the same article, seeing "p a s t............... 26 ......... y e a r s." is one of the worst typo-ouches I've seen for a long time.

Happy Thought :)

2011-07-03T21:42:00.003+09:30

"Some human qualities shine through language barriers. Petra Kvitova's English may not yet quite be the equal of her tennis, but no matter - sweetness is her first language. The 21-year-old smiled and laughed her way through her post-victory news conference - shaking her head in shy disbelief at hearing herself introduced as the 2011 Wimbledon champion - and thoroughly charmed all present." Kate Battersby

Well, there you go. A Czech girl from a town of less than 6,000 inhabitats wins Wimbledon. To be precise, she is based in Prostejov (over 50,000inh.). One thing is for sure, Czech people never get worried about the size of the city they live in. It doesn't bother them... lesson to learn, Adelaideans?

Look, Petra looks little bit like my beloved grandma B. on this photo. She was a strong woman, oh how much I miss her...

Beyond Fräuleins, Female Form and Femme Fatale

2011-07-03T13:12:00.010+09:30

When thinking about women in art and women as an art object, I realized I've got these two books...

Although the first one - Women Artists - proved to be a bit boring (and just raises a question about women as artists, well who is your favourite female artist?), the second one Femme Fatale suggests that women are fascinating muses. But, as wikipedia also suggests a slight connection between femme fatales and personality disorder, maybe I should just go back to sweeping the floor. Well, it's a man's world, baby...

Images of evil and fascinating women - Patrick Bade, 1979 :))

This is one of my favourite paintings of all times - Circe Invidiosa. Guess what? You can see this painting at the Art Gallery of South Australia! Hello - not Sydney or London, but ADELAIDE!

Apparently, Circe was s sorceress who had the power to transform men into animals (handy, ha?). She poisoned the sea in order to get rid of the nymph Scylla who was a rival for the love of Glaucus (a bit silly I say, he's probably not worth the effort).

Recently, I rediscovered Czech artist Alphonse Mucha, mainly thanks to my dear friend Ema. Suddenly he makes a new sense to me, as a kid I found his art too complicated.

Fräuleins :: three times a lady

2011-07-03T00:55:00.011+09:30

01/06/11 The Gallery On Waymouth, Adelaide

Space - polished and modern, very atmospheric at night
Light - surprisingly good
Installation/layout - somebody gave it a thought, although I could not see all Joelie's art as two pieces were almost behind the drink bar. It also seemed that Georgia's porcelain flower pieces were constantly in a danger of being accidentally knocked over (as they were too close to the entrance).
PR - satisfying press coverage, although no press release or dedicated gallery show info found online.
To be or not to be - nice to see a good crowd (oh these ladies are popular!), although I always wonder if few free glasses of wine do the trick... I wish I came back after the opening but I didn't manage to...

Star of the show - Lisa King

Final verdict

"It's all about love, imagination, beauty and the truth of being a girl. It will enrich your soul. Or flirt with you. It'll be cute and coy and probably charm your socks off."

Yes, overall, I guess it was very much as expected. But... I would like to see more. Not just pretty/quirky illustrations of girls. I couldn't sense any major evolution/reaching new milestones since last year. I would like to see more honesty in frauleins art. It shouldn't be just about techniques and reaching certain standards. There is a big potential in leaving a big foot mark, to influence and inspire. Maybe next year, ladies?

:::::::::::::::::::

Lisa King - seductive and explicit rather than innocent. No, I don't find tattoos and fake-boobs-like-features innocent (or maybe I am just getting old). But, in a way, I understand the language and love the use of longboard pieces. I appreciate the craftsmanship and I take the bow, because I am left amazed and want to explore more... If you are in town, come to see her solo show, LEISURELY LOVE - Dragonfly Bar, Victoria Sq. Adelaide (till Aug 2011).

I dare to say... these three pieces would make a nice feature art in one's lounge (or even funky office), I can see a nice black leather sofa complementing the look...

Joelie Croser - Her Deer Heart; Morphing; Maternity (enjoyable and consistent)

Ruby Chew - Bird ($250); Ruby ($650) - the choice is yours...

Elisa Mazzone - Hold your light; She never looked back; Hello lover; She let the sun shine; Baby don't cry; She dreams a lot - again, enjoyable and nicely executed, I'd call it 90-60-90 Pride Model art.

Bec Winnel - I don't feel any emotions seeing this, sorry... I can imagine this being commercially very successful (ad campaigns etc.) but it's just a bit too mainstream for me personally.

Kate Gagliardi - do you remember this? I fell in love with that mural and was keen to see Kate's art too. Mission accomplished.

HIJACKED 2: Australia/Germany (Anne & Gordon Samstag M., Adelaide, 13 May – 1 July 2011)

2011-07-03T00:49:00.007+09:30

This exhibition is certainly worth mentioning. I really enjoyed it, read a nice review here, and if you are in Perth after 22nd July, come and see it at John Curtin Gallery.

There were some exceptionally good images that simply stayed in my head even after leaving the exhibition. One of the artists to keep an eye on is Josef Schulz. His series of photographs of abandoned European border crossings is an atmospheric and genius observation of form and content. Again, as a 'iron curtain kid', I can strongly relate to this.

images from Josef Schultz web site

Untitled Random Thought

2011-07-01T23:57:00.003+09:30

Just a thought

2011-06-26T23:33:00.002+09:30

I miss you, but I can't tell anyone...

Collage, Tonight.

2011-06-23T23:34:00.004+09:30

I love collages... they help me not to take myself too seriously. It's like a visual search-word/play, triggered by random images, endless possibilities.

1) Universal Universe
2) Autumn Moods (His guitar gently weeps...)

This way or another...

2011-06-22T23:05:00.005+09:30

Zig-Zag Cityscapes - Adelaide

2011-06-22T23:02:00.002+09:30

You & Me

2011-06-20T22:57:00.001+09:30

no editing...

For my own pleasure

2011-06-18T23:51:00.004+09:30

All apples are sold out. We look forward to seeing you in September.

Observations II. - Keyhole

2011-06-18T23:43:00.003+09:30

Two different photos from the same spot... it just reminds me how relative our perception of things is...

Happy Birthday

2011-06-16T21:04:00.008+09:30

oh gosh I was so looking forward to this... time to celebrate. Enjoyment not measured by amount of drinks or by hours spent partying... life gets better every year, believe me. It's how much you are able to absorb, experience, learn, appreciate, reflect... in that sense, I had a great year and I am very grateful to have what I have and have met people who are inspiring and special. Happy Birthday to me xxx

Frozen fingers

2011-06-11T22:19:00.002+09:30

Planets alligning

2011-06-06T23:40:00.000+09:30

Art Gallery / South Australian Museum

2011-06-06T23:30:00.002+09:30

Subtle Sky Swimming

2011-06-01T23:15:00.004+09:30

Hello Happy Birthday

2011-06-01T22:27:00.003+09:30

You know, all the 'first' things are quite special... marking first year of my creative happy thought being, watching it grow, insignificantly for one, significantly for me. This whole year has been a great adventure of mine, learning about myself, about my unconsciousness, about my place here, in Adelaide, the place everyone wishes to be somewhere else or someone else, here in Australia, where people could be called close to being friendly racist (which is a compliment in a way, believe me). Maybe that's why I am still up and about, seeing the beauty of randomness in this city, hoping one day its people will wake up happy that they live here... All that while remembering who I am and where I came from, I wouldn't trade this slight contradiction for anything.

It's complicated

2011-05-27T23:43:00.000+09:30