'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