RESHAPING ARTS in the UK

A wealth of information is available via the Arts Council England around how arts organisations are reshaping with a focus on:

• money
• social purpose
• reshaping organisations

'2011/12 is a year of change for the arts sector. Many organisations are taking a fresh look at ways of developing their income streams. They are thinking about their assets and capabilities in order to strengthen their offer and enable the organisation to become more efficient, flexible and responsive'.  (Pg 1)
'A shift from seeing money as a grant based subsidy, to money as an investment that attracts more resources, strengthens sustainable practice and could afford greater freedom. Our conventional business model is quite static in the arts. We tend towards aiming to break even or have a small surplus or deficit...Being more enterprising and innovative, viewing money as investment and reshaping arts venues and organisations along new models used by community based, third sector organisations is challenging but potentially liberating. It's a big change in how we approach funding. But it can be done!' (Pg 7)
From Reshaping: New Horizons: seeking new opportunities and growth commissioned by Arts Council England.

2012

Work with Tasmanian Regional Arts will be continuing in 2012, as a 3 day a week Regional Arts Development Officer, focusing on enterprise development and social enterprise.
Other work I will be focusing on is around the marketing of artists, arts organisations and projects. After more than 15 years working in this area I am convinced that so much can be achieved of sharing artist stories and promoting the arts through a variety of means.
So if this is an area that you need assistance with please drop me a line.

Branching Out

It's been a fantastic opportunity to work on the Branching Out social enterprise project. It's identified the needs of regional artists and arts organisations, while researching the opportunities that social enterprise can present. With a fantastic team, we have managed to stretch the project well into 2011 with some excellent outcomes for Tasmanian Regional Arts and the pilots involved in the project.

While the project is wrapping up in the next couple of weeks, I will be continuing to work with Tasmanian Regional Arts in an entrepreneurial role, working with individuals, groups and organisations to look for opportunities to build capacity. This links beautifully with the work I have been doing with individual artists.
It's so often about accessing the resources to progress an idea. We are currently finalising a report that outlines the activities and outcomes from the project. It will also come with some recommendations for how social enterprise can fit with the arts. It's certainly not an easy path, however, it does bring an opportunity to reflect on practices and look for new and innovative approaches. I feel very privileged to be working with such creative individuals and organisations.

Have your say!

Have your say on the National Cultural Policy. You have until Friday 21 October.

Spring update...

It's been a pretty hectic few months and in between all the responsibilities of being a mostly responsible member of a family I continue to meet dynamic individuals doing incredible things. I have been working with graphic/web designer on a new website for my business, which is looking great and continue to search for new opportunities and approaches to accommodate the many varied creative individuals I work with. Other news...

• Last week I caught up with Jane Longhurst, an accomplished actor, who has recently taken on the role of Project Manager for the Theatre Council of Tasmania. What an exciting and challenging time for both amateur and professional theatre in the state. There appear to be a good group of people round the table, so let's hope there is the vision and capacity to look at some interesting models to support the support and growth of this sector.
• Jaspa Wood has been working with me in the Tasmanian Regional Arts office, managing the Open Your Eyes project, which was held at the end of September across Southern Tasmania. One of my favourite elements of this was the inclusion of the Roving Artists, a fantastic mechanism that provided information and art to regional communities. Lovely idea that I would like to factor into every future project I manage. Check out Tristan Soward
• Tasman Village was the venue for the recent Tas Regional Arts gathering and it was great. So check it out if you get the chance.
• Bonorong and Tarkine Trail last week launched a new Tas Devil research project in partnership with the Book End Trust and the Tas Land Conservancy. Very exciting and another entrepreneurial project with social outcomes. An example of business doing GOOD.
• and just on that, check out this piece from Zizek...

Where are the great philosophers?

Hundreds of years ago the thinkers of the world were often supported by the monarchy. Their wisdom was sought and often guided the decisions of the court. I have been wondering about our modern day philosophers? I guess we can thank the Universities for housing many of them, providing a wage, while they challenge the minds of upcoming philosophers. We hope.
Slavoj Zizek, firebrand philosopher was recently on ABC's Q&A. What an amazing thinker he is, but he wasn't alone. The robust debate between the whole panel, Kate Adie, BBC Foreign Correspondent; Jon Ronson, writer and psychopath expert; Mona Eltahawy, Egyptian born democracy activist; and Greg Sheridan, The Australian's foreign editor, reminded me of the lack of such debate and philosophizing. It also reminded me of how we are now in a society which tends to reward a position, an annual income or some external achievement, rather than radical or 'dangerous' thinking. There is little space for pointless, actually rarely pointless, philosophizing. Room to record, reflect and respond. This methodology used in many contemporary research projects; often utilised when we are in unknown territory, could this be the modern day version of philosophy? 
Either way, I say bring it on-be brave. Let's have more discussions and access to the minds of great thinkers. And let's hope we can then find the time in our complicated lives to digest and ruminate on their words.

'The Store' Manifesto

I am for an art that is political-erotical-mystical, that does something other than sit on its ass in a museum.
I am for an art that grows up not knowing it is art at all...
I am for an art that embroils itself with the everyday crap and still comes out on top...
I am for an art that takes its form from the lines of life itself, that twists and extends and accumulates and spits and drips, and is heavy and course and blunt and sweet and stupid as life itself.
I am for an art that a kid licks, after peeling away the wrapper...
I am for an art that is smoked, like a cigarette, smells, like a pair of shoes.
I am for an art that flaps like a flag, or helps blow noses, like a handkerchief.
I am for an art that is put on and taken off, like pants, which develops holes, like socks, which is eaten , like a piece of pie, or abandoned with great contempt, like a piece of shit.

written by Claes Oldenburg as the manifesto for the opening of The Store in New York.

TASARTSLIVE

Get online and support Jonny Scholes who has set up a central hub for creative websites in Tasmania. He has just received funding through the Regional Art Fund to build the site even better, so please go to Tasartlive, give him some feedback and submit your listing.

AbaF Awards in Hobart

I shared a fantastic evening on Thursday with Naomi Howard, painter extraordinaire and designer, Fiona Tabart at the Henry Jones Art Hotel.

Being nominated for the Woodside Better Business Partnership Award was a great privilege, thanks so much Naomi. I was happy to go into the mix if it helps the conversation about how individual artists are supported. Congratulations to the winners and to Jane Haley, Magdalena and Essie for a lovely evening.

I was stoked to see an email on Friday acknowledging my work as 'best practice', which to me is almost more important than winning the big one. The passion continues and I look forward to another exciting year with interesting, insightful and incredibly creative individuals. x

Just Ask

I remember a few years ago listening to an Australian film producer talking about the process for reviewing new scripts. While thousands were posted to his office and sat piled up on his desk, it was very rare for him to receive any calls from writers. He was obviously astonished by this.


Today I cheekily requested Reg Mombasa as my friend on Facebook. What the heck I thought. I love his paintings, he's a fascinating individual-what do I have to lose? Nothing-because within a few minutes he had responded. (mind you, I think he befriends everyone who requests-so give it a go) 


After two years writing alongside other volunteer Tasmanian writers on the writeresponse reviewing blog we have developed a track record of reviewing a number of festivals, performances and events and are now confident to approach others. Following an exciting discussion about the possibility of having a team at the Sydney Biennale 2011, we wrote a basic but friendly email directed to the right person and within a few hours we had confirmation...'yes, they would love to have us there'. Brilliant! Now we just have to find some money to cover the trip, but brilliant. 


Obviously what we were offering was worth something. It reinforced the need for us all to value the work that we do in the arts and to step out there and ask for what we want or need. We may not always get it, but it's worth the risk don't you think?


Opportunity to ask...anyone who wishes to support us in getting to Sydney next year please make contact and we can list you as a sponsor. Cheers

JUMP MENTORSHIPS

Mentorships are offered for artists aged 18 - 30 and within the first 5 years of their professional practice.
Find out about upcoming grant workshop dates and more information at:
ArtStart  and JUMP

2012 Artist Residency @ UTAS Cradle Coast campus – Apply Now!

Open to artists working in visual arts, design, craft and literature and community cultural development …

The Cradle Coast Campus is offering a residency opportunity in 2012. Artists interested in exploring new perspectives on North West Tasmania’s

• cultural and industrial heritage

• relationship with the landscape

• emerging industries are invited to apply.

Up to $5000 will be provided to support artist fee, travel, accommodation, living expenses and the production of work. Artists may choose to work from the Cradle Coast campus (Burnie) or at a self-initiated location in the North-west region. Preference will be given to proposals that engage in some way with the campus and the regional community.

The residency is open to local, interstate and international artists. Applications close: Friday 28 October 2011.  Artists will be notified in November 2011.

Download the Guidelines and Application forms 
Interested? To discuss your ideas or for more information, please contact:
Nicki Fletcher    Email: Nicki.Fletcher@utas.edu.au Telephone: (03) 6430 4924

“To write it took three months; to conceive it, three minutes; to collect all the data in it, all my life”,
F. Scott Fitzgerald

"Art is like a staple, like bread or wine or a warm coat in winter. Man's spirit grows hungry for art in the same way his stomach for food."
— Irving Stone, writer

LEARNING TO BE IN THE MOMENT

It can be difficult when so much is going on in our lives to take time to savour what is now. I find it a constant challenge, but such an important journey to continue. To be able to focus, especially as a writer, it is crucial to find stillness within a chaotic life. This morning I took time to breath, meditating before starting my day. Before you start thinking I am some kind of genius, this is something very new for me. After breakfast I sat on the  verandah in the sunshine (a bit of a novelty considering how much rain we have had) and read through some writing from when I was 19 years old. I was amazed at how observant and in the moment the writing was. It may have been a little naive and basic, but there is real insight.

Finding the stillness and quite of mind to enable reflection and creation is vital for anyone who is making or creating, especially when you have other commitments and distractions.

It's not always easy and probably an ongoing challenge for most of us, but the impact on our work can be extraordinary. Goodluck!

‘Drink your tea slowly and reverently, as if it is the axis on which the world earth revolves – slowly, evenly, without rushing toward the future. Live the actual moment. Only this moment is life.’ ~Thich Nhat Hanh

THE FUNDING ROUND-A-BOUT

Yes, here comes another selection of enticing grants to try and squeeze your project into. Between the various projects I am involved in, along with my own private creative endeavours, it is a bit of a mine field raking through the grants to see which one really suits what you are wanting to do.
It is so important to check and double check that criteria and I find nothing beats a frank conversation with  the funding body itself, after all that's what they are there for-to answer your questions. I have been known to call several times a day to check in with various funders, tweaking and modifying to see if it can fit within the guidelines.
Regardless of this the key element is for the project or idea to have some meat on the bones, to be real. The worst thing you can do, but so many do, is to think 'oh goody, there's $20 000 up for grabs, let's work out a project'. I find one of the best approaches is to look at what you are already doing but only just managing to pull off using your own resources-usually volunteered labour and in-kind support. Giving yourself time to explore some of these small ideas can help create something that is multi-layered, that has depth and resonance.
But for me it is back to the funding applications. I have noticed myself frowning and must stop that, otherwise I will need to find funding to do some facial modifications.

Balls in the Air

Life is never dull when you are working in the arts. With announcements of funding cuts from everyone from the State Government to ABC Television, there is a rumbling going on amongst arts organisations and artists.
I am hearing conversations about sharing resources, looking for new funding avenues and other ventures that can build income. While it's a challenging time, it's also an exciting opportunity for us all to lift our heads and start talking to each other. Rather than scrambling for the same bits of money, perhaps there are other answers.
For me, there is a lovely relationship between all my roles at the moment. My work as a private consultant led me to TRA and the role of managing Branching Out, the social enterprise project. This then led to working with the Institute for Regional Development as Research Associate on the Tasmanian Social Enterprise Study. TRA's CEO is on the advisory group for this project and has shown a strong commitment to social enterprise in Tasmania.
This is particularly evident through the partnership with Tasmanian Council of Social Services (TasCOSS) where we sought funds to bring Dr Ernesto Sirolli to Tasmania. His approach was supporting the work of Branching Out and we felt it worthwhile learning more from Ernesto, who already had a strong relationship with the state.
Since then we held the first Trinity of Management training in the state with involvement from a broad range of organisations and we hope to fund at least 2 social enterprise facilitators for Tasmania to work across sectors, including the arts.
On top of this I continue to support and promote individual artists including Gay Hawkes, Naomi Howard and other creative makers and thinkers.
The thread that runs through all of this for me is striving to search for alternative and complimentary models that can better support individual artists, makers and the broader arts community. The journey continues and it is a fascinating one...

The Benefit of Sharing

An excerpt from research into the benefits of shared spaces by community, arts and others...

TROY, Mich. – When the Michigan Nonprofit Association, Michigan Association of United Ways and the Food Bank Council of Michigan move into new quarters in the state capital this fall (2011), they will be part of a growing trend: nonprofits co-locating under one roof. The nonprofits’ headquarters in Lansing, Mich., will be among more than 250 such centers in the United States and Canada.

Co-location centers come in all shapes and sizes. Some provide support such as bookkeeping, information technology and print and mail services in addition to office space. Brotsky cites a few examples:

• Arts Court in Ontario is a historic landmark building owned by the local municipality. A hub for Ottawa artists and audiences, Arts Court is home to a consortium of 26 arts and cultural organizations that save thousands of dollars a month in rent by sharing office and rehearsal space.
   
• The Alliance Center in Denver is home to 27 nonprofits. Half of those tenants work in the environmental field. The center and its tenants have helped pass more than 100 pieces of sustainability-related state legislation in just two years.
   
• Children & Family Services Center in Charlotte, N.C., is a nonprofit center with 11 organizations co-located to better serve the children and families. In addition to coordinating services, the center has expanded into shared back-office services including information technology, human resources and finance staff.

Zen Habits

For the past couple of years I have subscribed to Zen Habits, a blog written by Leo Babauta and some of his mates. It's like all blogs, some days are more relevant than others. But today's is worth sharing I think...

Investing in Tasmanias creative community

Check out Another Tasmanian Art Fan - it's a mechanism for supporting our artists, writers, musicians and creative communities. A series of products are being developed that promote the broader Tasmanian Art Culture, but also help to provide support to individual artists and performers who may not have the finances to access the most basic of services. As such, money raised from the sale of the upcoming products will go directly to subsidising work in promotion, marketing, coaching and development.

If you have an idea for a product, would like to contribute a design or would like to invest in this social enterprise program please drop us a line.

Falls Festival-call for volunteers

Falls Music & Arts Festival in need of hard working folks to volunteer. Must be 18+ and available from Dec 28-Jan 1. To apply go to www.fallsfestival.com or email fallstas@ashlorien.com Applications close August 26

A room of one's own

Inspired by reading Virginia Woolf's inspiring essay, A Room of One's Own, I have been thinking a great deal about the artists' need for space, time and money. Many of the artists I work with are not aiming to make millions but want to be able to keep producing, improve their practice and get their work out of the studio.
So what does it take to do this? I remember when I was an art student. Single, living in tiny bedsits and share houses with my easel sharing space with my bed. My tea often tasted like oil paints and my clothes were inadvertently decorated with traces of magenta, cobalt blue and mostly zinc white. At my most prolific times I was studying full time at art school while juggling part time work. Often this was two jobs- waitressing was the usual and I remember a particular busy time when I was also cleaning houses.

Brunswick Street Gallery $10 000 Art Prize

All themes, all sizes and all mediums. Framed or unframed - 50 finalists selected. Show runs 12-25 August 2011
index

Being an artist

Whether you write, paint, draw, dance or play, the life of an artist is fantastic but not easy. As a writer and painter I know. The constant struggle between finding space to allow that tiny gem of an idea to grow and blossom and the demands of life, family, earning money and all the rest, can hamper the best creative idea.
I am privileged to be working with some amazing artists and creative thinkers and what breaks my heart is the turmoil and torture they feel in the process of producing new work. It's not the issue of the work, but rather the current structures and models that support the thought that if you make it you should be able to sell it and manage it. I don't agree with this and there are plenty of examples of artists throughout history that had teams around them, patronage and other support.

Lucy Hardie works beautifully!

Check out these works by Lucy Hardie-absolutely gorgeous, beautiful and luscious. There is a dark manevolence in some and such joy in others.http://www.artistamundo.com/ZonaMenuPersonal/ArtistaMundo1_5/Front/SitioPersonal/MyGallery/_vvSbxFu-4o7h9YVRixgSpuHbc4jApVsLpAwVskXHBZu1IQE4vx5alw

Another beautiful painting from Thailand

Rattana Salee

Sculptural drawings - gorgeously haunting.

Thai Artist Krit Ngamsom

Inspired by the Thai tradition of gift giving, emerging artist Krit Ngamsom uses resin, light and colour to create a magical exhibition, SPARKLE at 3D@Thavibo

BEAUTIFUL

Last night I saw the latest Mudlark Theatre & Tasmanian Theatre Company co-production, Beautiful. It was fantastic and I will be posting a review on the WriteResponse blog today. On at the Backspace until the 16th July... DON'T MISS THIS ONE!

Clever people

Jon Williamson just keeps getting better. He can design clothing, jewellery and just about anything you can name. There is a great array of his work at Inkpot Studio on Murray Street, Hobart.

I just picked up a gorgeous acrylic typo badge and I love it.

Thanks Jon

Sirolli and Enterprise Week

Next week is going to be a big one. Speaking on Tuesday at the Social Enterprise Workshop in Burnie alongside some amazing operators. Always tricky to know which hat to wear as I seem to have a few different ones at the moment, but thankfully there are linkages with all of them.


Wednesday is the first of 3 workshop days with Ernesto Sirolli who has been developing the Enterprise Facilitation model for the past 25 years. It's about better assistance to those with great ideas-igniting them and really making things happen. This links beautifully with all my roles I currently have and I hope will provide greater tools to respond to the needs of individuals and organisations.


WriteResponse, the arts reviewing blog has been going for more than 2 years and we have a dynamic and skilled group of Tasmanian writers. We are hoping to review work included in Junction this year in Launceston and are even looking further afield for other opportunities to head off as a team and write, reflect and post.

The future of charity

Dan Pallotta is an enigmatic speaker and entrepreneur from the US who has been committed for many years to finding better ways to support not for profits. I was lucky enough to hear him speak in San Francisco last year and he really challenged the current situation for many community based organisations.
His book Charitable describes the inequity between profit making and charitable organisations and he suggests that there needs to be a complete shift in our thinking about giving and management.
So check out his website and the new venture he has began which combines ethics, non profits and marketing.

3 FREE WEBSITES

Graphic and web designer, Chi ling is offering free websites.

So, don't hesitate. If you have been thinking of greater presence on the web then drop her a line at chilingdesigner@gmail.com to find out more.

Are you an artist who needs support?

Everyone is different; different skills, challenges and opportunities. As such, the work we undertake with artists or anyone with an idea varies depending on the needs of the individual.
Sometimes is a bit of tweaking, a comprehensive plan or connecting you to the right people.
No matter what the need, we can help.
Email keastley@optusnet.com.au to have the first conversation

Ernesto Sirolli training

PASSION, ENTREPRENEURSHIP & INVIGORATING LOCAL ECONOMIES
3 Day Trinity of Management® Training
by Dr Ernesto Sirolli of the Sirolli Institute
Presented by Tasmanian Council of Social Service Inc and Tasmanian Regional Arts Inc.
June 15-17, 2011 (inclusive)
Venue to be confirmed (location-Launceston)
Numbers are limited, so please book your place ASAP

Who should participate? People who have a passion for helping their region and clients grow and prosper, whose work brings them into contact with people with ideas, opportunities and passions, and would like additional tools to help those people move their ideas forward.
These include: Local government officers; Chamber of Commerce and local development organisation personnel; Community Relations/Sustainable Development Personnel in the corporate sector; rural advisors; community and social support organisations; arts organisations; migrant settlement services, etc.

Bouquet to Bonorong

Congratulations to Greg Irons, Director of Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary who tonight was the category winner for the Hydro Environment Award at the Tasmanian Young Achiever Awards. It was fantastic to see his hard work rewarded.
I was lucky enough to be part of the team that worked on the nomination and am thrilled to be able to offer my skills pro bono to an organisation that is looking at such creative and innovative approaches.

Another word for Coaching?

Can someone please find another word for coaching. My work with artists and individuals with an idea is proving to be extremely positive, with good outcomes and a huge sense of accomplishment and positivity. But I do find myself cringing at the terms consultant or coach, so if anyone has any other words that might suit, please send them through.
What a lucky girl I am to work with such people.

FREE WEBSITES

A very exciting opportunity for individuals and non profits who need a website. Chi Ling is a fantastic web and graphic designer who is offering free websites to 3 lucky, lucky people. More info coming soon...

Catching up

What an eventful week it has been. Juggling a few roles at the moment, but there is a lovely connection between them all that is very rewarding and inspiring.
The report from the Tasmanian Social Enterprise Study is being finalised and will include some fantastic profiles from those working in the sector. We are hoping to continue the work as it has created such immense interest.
My connection with Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary continues in various forms and I am very happy to be heading along to the Tasmanian Young Achievers Award with the team to see if Director, Greg Irons gets a guernsey.
I am continuing to work with artists and was so happy to assist Gay Hawkes in her Dunalley Calico Museum. What a privilege to see such beautiful work.
This week I catch up with Naomi Howard following the success of her solo exhibition and am meeting Chi Ling a young web and graphic designer who is starting her own business. She has a beautiful illustrative style with subtle Asian influences.
Last night was the first gathering of artists and arts reps interested in the discussion about a Tasmanian independent arts body to build support for the arts and ideally funding. With about 25 people, there was plenty of discussion and the next meeting is to be scheduled in the next 2 weeks.

Spacebar

I like new approaches, new ideas and even if they aren't actually new, I like it when these new approaches hit our town. Spacebar is a great concept, whereby artists and makers can rent a section of a shared gallery.
It's the brainchild of Kitty Taylor and company.
Positioned in part of the Salamanca Arts Centre this gallery and shop is looking fantastic.
It's an affordable and safe way to put your work out there, but with limited risk or financial overload.
So check it out.

Ten Days of WriteResponse

A team of dedicated (and voluntary) writers are out on the road again, both in the North and South of the State to cover the exhibitions, events and activities of Ten Days on the Island. While I can't be out on the road this time, I am working along with others to edit the reviews. So go online to our reviewing site at www.writeresponse.blogspot.com, check out what others think and share your comments.
The reviews are being published on Tas Times, Lowdown and WriteResponse.

Dunalley Calico Museum

A gorgeous autumn day heralded in the opening of the Dunalley Calico Museum, a fantastic exhibition of works by Gay Hawkes, one of Australia's most prolific and intriguing sculptors and furniture makers.
I have been lucky enough to work with Gay for almost a year and in that time have been privileged to experience the magic of her work that sits within her boathouse studio and throughout her home.

Alphabetrix

It's always good to see the forming of a new and interesting partnership and Alphabetrix seems to have the right mix. This is a group of artists whose artwork stands alone as high quality intense and edgy pieces.
But not satisfied to just produce their own work they started Alphabetrix. It's a Tasmanian urban arts collective. 


'Our lives are lived in the pathway of our artwork, and we are forming a collective to support one another as we continue to do so.'

a work by Aedan Howlett

It's great-check it out and support these guys

The Venice of the South

I can't wait for Ten Days on the Island to experience the work of one of our greatest sculptors, Gay Hawkes.
Ten years of work showcased at the Dunalley Hall-do not miss this one.

A designer with a difference

Relatively new on the scene is an exciting new designer Chi Ling Hsieh.

Chi Ling has some fantastic ideas for both web and graphic design and brings a global perspective to Tasmania.
chilingdesigner@gmail.com
0432 665 473

All One

Exhibition openings are fraut with danger; walking into a room full of people you don't know, getting stuck with a self confessed art expert who likes the sound of his/her own voice or worst still the VIP opening speech that drones on and on.
All One held none of these fears. Recreated in this humble gallery was the community of Sommers Bay; Naomi Howard's home. Every person who entered the space was warmly welcomed and left to peruse the 27 works that consisted of large paintings and ceramic sculptures. Naomi opened the exhibition with an impassioned and honest speech that paid homage to the many indigenous communities she has visited in central Australia.

While I must confess to having worked with Naomi, I would like to think that I remain relatively objective when it comes to her work. Curated by her friend, Justis, who lives in Sommers Bay, this is a lovely exhibition that evoke strong senses of the Tasmanian bush and coastal landscape. She uses intensely vivid colours that connect us immediately with the environment.

Naomi has been painting for more than 30 years and it is her humour, passion and integrity for her work that makes it such a joy to experience. Her latest exhibition, All One is on until late February at Sidespace Gallery, Salamanca Arts Centre, Hobart.

Tasmanian Social Enterprise Study

If you are a community gallery, artist run initiative or business that's addressing a need-you might just be a social enterprise. Check out the blog at http://www.socialenterprisetasmania.blogspot.com/ and complete the survey.

Best Pressies

It seems there was a bit of an art theme in our household.
I was lucky enough to be given Nymph by JH Lynch. I had wanted one for many years, ever since I strolled into an old pub on Victoria Street, Richmond (Melbourne) which had wall to wall Lynch's along with nicotine stained ceiling and 70's decore.
I wanted to support local Tasmanian artists and bought my husband, the rock star, a dragonfly digital print by Nell Tyson. It's a beautiful photograph which has a delightful paintily quality to it.
It's extremely rewarding to not only be given something you really want, but to be surrounded by art.

Post Christmas Blues

I don't know if it is the after effects of a steady stream of New Zealand Sav Blanc, the lazing around or the lack of schedule. Whatever it is. It's hampering my attempts to enter the real world of work. Luckily my work is always interesting and rarely mundane. Keep in touch so you can meet some of the interesting people abnd projects along the way.