09 February 2013

sa turner


TURNER FROM THE TATE: THE MAKING OF A MASTER (Art Gallery of South Australia)
8 February - 19 May 2013

detail: J.M.W. Turner, Britain, 1775-1851, Peace – Burial at sea, 1842, oil on canvas; Turner Bequest, Tate Gallery, London

Turner from the Tate offers a once in a life time opportunity to experience the iconic paintings of J.M.W. Turner (1775 – 1851), one of Britain's greatest artists.
Surveying Turner's life work the exhibition is a journey through his ambitions, critical triumphs and controversies, revealing why he is one of the most renowned landscape painters of all time.
Drawn from the finest and most comprehensive collection of his work, the Turner Bequest, held at Tate Britain in London, the exhibition features over 100 works of art including oil paintings and watercolours, some of which have never been previously exhibited.
There is arguably no greater insight into the working techniques of a great artist than the unique collection that is the Turner Bequest, the contents of the studio of J.M.W. Turner, bequeathed to the nation after his death in 1851.
The exhibition provides an intimate overview of Turner’s career as an artist, drawing on the uniquely rich and personal range of material in the bequest. It includes ‘finished’ paintings that Turner exhibited in his lifetime, many of which proved controversial with their first audiences, as well as the revelatory canvases that only came to light after his death, such as Stormy Sea with Dolphins (c.1835–40), or the haunting painting called A Disaster at Sea (c.1835), which records the shipwreck of a convict boat bound for Australia.
Only through this comprehensive collection can audiences travel back in time and join Turner as he drew and painted his way through life, observing his development from a precocious thirteen year old boy to one of the greatest painters of nature’s light, colour and atmosphere.
Turner's poetic interpretation of nature was revolutionary. His ability to capture the atmospheric impression of light instilled his paintings with a sensory command that has transcended time and place.
Turner from the Tate: The Making of a Master is the first major Australian exhibition of Turner’s work in almost twenty years.


Adelaide Arts Festival, 1 - 17 March


Flight Prices, Melbourne to Adelaide


View Adelaide in a larger map

Places to Stay, 


Quest on Sturt 14 Sturt St

2 bedroom apartment, $240 on Wotif (review on TripAdvisor)









Mantra Hindmarsh Square Adelaide  55-67 Hindmarsh Square

Parkview Suite $234 on Wotif (2 bedrooms)

Getting around





















Signs of Life in Adelaide (who knew?)

Signs of Life is a public artwork using Council street signs. Poets were invited to submit short works for the project. Some of the poems chosen are more generally philosophical, some are site-specific, relating directly to Bowen Street environment with its connection to the bus station, community housing, backpacker hostels and the adjacent Adelaide Central Market.
The poems and ideograms have been graphically designed by artist Cathy Brooks, using visual elements from the area and the iconography of street signs.

Signs of Life - Cathy BrooksSigns of Life - Cathy BrooksSigns of Life - Cathy Brooks




What Five Thousands says




Museum of Economic Botany

Adelaide Botanic Garden, North Tce, City

Plant samples, papier mache fruit models and examples of Indigenous crafts aside, the one thing you simply cannot miss is Fiona Hall's specially-commissioned Cabinet of Curiosities. All I can say is look inside the peep holes and just try not to be completely, utterly filled with wonder. Just you try.


Himeji Garden  South Terrace, between Charlotte St and Louisa St, City

Built to celebrate Adelaide and the Japanese city of Himeji becoming sisters in 1982, the garden employs traditional Japanese design features to create a Zen oasis amongst the grind of city life. As you step through the slatted bamboo gates, the noise from South Terrace and Glen Osmond Road recedes into the background. Walk through the meandering paths, stop and sit by the sand garden, and watch the turtles swim slowly through the pond. 





17 January 2013

breaking away

a little road-trip?
p&me loved driving around tassie, stopping in coastal towns for a few days and roaming
why not roadtrip victoria in the lovely skoda?

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Skipton Street Bakery - 1/522 Skipton St Delacombe  VIC  3356
Bakery in Dellacombe just outside Ballarat, Skipton Street Bakery scoops in pie awards (Ballarat Courier, 9 Sept 2011)
This is a golden year for the Skipton Street Bakery.The bakery and boutique pie shop recently won a gold medal and three silvers at the Great Aussie Meat Pie competition.It was third time lucky for the bakery, having won two bronzes in 2009 and one bronze and two silvers in last year’s competition.But this year it was the prized curry apricot chicken pie that had the judges’ mouths watering, taking out gold.Owners Andrew and Louise Juggins said it came as a massive shock when they found out the news.“We though we were in with a shot for silver or a bronze but definitely not gold,” said Mr Juggins, who has been a baker for 25 years. “Anything more than what we had won in the previous two years was just a bonus.”The pair have owned the bakery for three years and believe they have almost mastered the art of the pie. After all, they make about 1000 of them each week.“It’s good to put Ballarat on the map and we think we are doing Ballarat proud,” Mrs Juggins said. “But it’s not just us two, there are about 10 dedicated staff and we couldn’t do it without them.”The bakery also won silvers for its satay chicken, plain meat and chunky meat pies.



Discovery Bay Coastal Park, Lower Glenelg National Park (brochure Parks Victoria)

some ideas...
Cape Bridgewater walks


near Cape Bridgewater - Shelly Beach Retreat





SHELLY BEACH RETREATQueen bedroom
LoungeShelly Beach
Shelly Beach Retreat itself is undisputedly in a "stand out" location making it a very special place to be. Secreted within a Coastal Reserve with stunning unspoilt panoramic coastal views across Bridgewater Bay to the Bridgewater and Nelson Capes, no other house is visible from the Retreat ensuring absolute privacy. Regardless of the weather the endlessly changing ocean view (and the occasional whale) can be enjoyed from one of 2 decks or from beside the cosy wood fire through the large windows. 

The isolation means it is unusual to see other people, or even footprints, whist walking along the pristine beaches. The 250 km-long Great South West Walk meanders past the property. Sections of this walk can be enjoyed along beaches, rugged cliff tops and through nearby tall eucalypt forests. A large breeding colony of Fur Seals can be viewed from the cliff-tops, and native fauna are often sited close to the house. 
February - $185 per night
1 Feb 13
28 Mar 13
Tariff 1
$185
$390
$1400
2 nights
$38
$20


GPS Address: 1363 Bridgewater road, Cape Bridgewater

Follow the double highway into Portland

Turn right into Otway Street at the William Dutton Motel. Otway st becomes the Cape Bridgewater Rd.

Drive aprox 18 kms to the Brown highway sign indicating Cape Bridgewater straight ahead and the Bridgewater Lakes to the right.

THIS SIGN IS CRITICAL! The sign stands right on the entrance to Shelly Beach Retreat. If you reach the actual intersection you have gone too far. The track turns back towards Portland parallel to the road, then turns towards the sea to the house.

KEY. The key to the house will be left in the frige in the garage. Please lock the house prior to departure and replace the key.

TELEPHONE. There is no mobile reception at the house, but mobiles can be operated from higher ground on the cape beyond the cafe. You are welcome to use the house phones for local calls and for incoming calls. The number is (03) 55 267255.



Apollo Bay - CUTHBERTSON (link via Stayz)



CUTHBERTSONCUTHBERTSON
LINEN NOT PROVIDED.
Small and neat 2 bedroom cottage. Great for two couples or a family searching for a peaceful getaway without all the glitz and glamour.
(POA for February - minimum 2 nights - approximately $100 per night)
28 Jan 1308 Mar 13Holiday$683.552

Sandpiper Motel Apollo Bay


$130 per night - book online
Secreted away these rooms stand alone in the resident orchard. Ground floor with easy access through the lavendar passage these compact beauties feel a world away offering Ocean sounds & morning birdsong 80cm LCD Austar TV & Ipod docking. FREE WI-FI


3 Murray St, Apollo Bay
Simple, stylish and contemporary accommodation at reasonable rates close to the beach and all the attractions of Apollo Bay.



Port Campbell - Southern Comfort (link via Stayz)



Enjoy the privacy of a fully self-contained cottage, set on one acre. Surrounded by the coastal scrub of Port Campbell National Park, the closest neighbours are a kilometre away in the little village of Princetown. 

The sea side town of Port Campbell is just 10 minutes away, offering a safe swimming beach, cafes and gift shops
Minimum 2 nights - February, $145 per night
29 Jan 1328 Mar 13Tariff 1$145$290$10152 nights$0$0


Port Campbell - Port O'Call Motel book online


comfortable queen size bedsDine on the deck at Port O'Call Motel in Port Campbell

The Port O'Call Motel has 7 comfortable rooms situated in private native gardens. The property facilities include a barbecue area. Whether you are a family, a group, or a couple looking for a spectatcular getaway, Port O'Call Motel will not disappoint.
Double $132 per night / Queen $136 per night
book online, ph (03) 5598 6206


Port Campbell - Loch Ard Motor Inn  book online



Located just 20 metres from Port Campbell Beach, Loch Ard Motor Inn offers beachfront accommodation with free parking on site and free Wi-Fi access. All rooms feature a private balcony with views of the sea.
Air-conditioned guest rooms have a kitchenette with a fridge, a microwave and kitchenware. Amenities include a work desk, a DVD player and a flat-screen TV. The en suite bathroom comes with toiletries and a hairdryer.
The motel offers barbecue facilities and there are dining options only 2 minutes’ walk away. Guests can borrow movies free of charge from the DVD library. Luggage storage is provided.



Port Campbell - Eastern Reef Cottages

 website
Designed, built and owner managed by The Loving Family.
We take great pride in offering you quality, affordable accommodation in five self contained cottages each with individual, creative and eco friendly designs.
Crafted by the owners from Earth and reclaimed timbers.

Bay Reef Cottage
book online $100 deal
This is a one bedroom self contained cottage we built from radial sawn reclaimed timber with polished floor boards inside. One double bed and one sofa bed if required. Hand made bed and polished slab bench tops.

One-Bedroom CottageOne-Bedroom Cottage
Prices are per bungalow
Included in room price: 10 % VAT.
• Special conditions
AUD 140 AUD 100

10 January 2013

Graeme aka "station cat"

I am one of the lucky locals to know Graeme
A chance conversation today revealed Graeme's true identity (I just called him "station cat"), enormous popularity and some of his charming habits.

(from his Facebook page)


Here's an article all about him,

Graeme the cat gains rock-star status on the Hurstbridge line



  • From:Herald Sun, 17 September 2011


  • GRAEME the trainspotting cat has attained rock star status among commuters at his station.
    Every morning the laid-back feline leaves home and saunters down to the platform on the Hurstbridge line to mix with travellers heading off to work.

    Graeme and commuter

    A COMMUTER GIVES GRAEME A PAT

    The pampered cat cannot get enough of attention, with scores of regulars calling him by name as they stop for a chat and give him a pat on the head.
    Safety conscious, the sociable moggie is meticulous about using the subway to cross to the city-bound platform, rather than take a dangerous short cut across the tracks.
    When the evening peak comes around, Graeme puts on an encore performance, arriving at the opposite platform in time to greet owner Nicole Weinrich as she returns home from work.
    "He always seems to know which train carriage I am on and will be sitting there behind the yellow line when the doors open, because he is all about safety," Ms Weinrich said.

    "He is an amazing cat."
    Many of the locals at the station, which the Herald Sun has chosen not to name at the request of Graeme's owners, agree.
    "He's gorgeous. He just lights up our mornings and evenings," Julia Scott said.
    Fellow traveller Damien Dempsey said Graeme lived for his adoring public.
    "He's very regal. He's kind of aloof but in a nice way," he said.
    "It's his platform and he welcomes people."
    But sometimes Graeme can take his desire to be close to his fans a bit too far - he has been known to jump on the train and get off a station or two later.
    Amelia and Graeme

    LITTLE AMELIA GREETS GRAEME



  • "He doesn't do it often, but we do worry about that," Ms Weinrich said.
    She said Graeme, believed to be about 12, had roughed it on the street before being saved from the RSPCA's "death row" six years ago, so his love of people is tempered by his survival instincts.
    "He is very friendly and loves to go to the station to watch people go, but he's weirdly stand-offish," Ms Weinrich said.

    "He's very cool about it.
    "I've heard people get off the train and say, 'Look, it's Graeme'. Some just call him 'rock star'."
    Graeme even has his own Facebook page.
    "He has about 60 friends," Ms Weinrich said.
    "Half of them we don't even know."

    as well as being a lovely story, there were some lovely comments

    Sparkey MelbournePosted at 4:49 AM September 17, 2011
    In the early 70s we lived in Orange Grove Balaclava and our cat used to follow me all the way down to Carlisle St every morning as I went to catch the train at Balaclava Station and there she would wait at the last house until I got off the train at night. She seemed to know which train I would be on because she would run to meet me then do a couple of roll overs on the footpath then run ahead of me all the way home. I've always said "If only animals could talk"
    Jacqui of GlenhuntlyPosted at 11:47 AM September 17, 2011We had a cat that did he same. He used to go for walks with us. He even followed us onto the tram. Cats are very devoted to their owners. Our cat used to come and greet us when the children were small. They would get out of their pusher and the cat would get in.

    JamesPosted at 7:42 PM September 17, 2011Ive seen this little charmer a couple of times, they were around midday though, haven't seen him around all the people in the morning and evening. I originaly thought it was just a stray and thought it was a bit odd for a stray cat to spend its day sunbaking at a station but now it all makes sense :)

    francescaPosted at 6:44 PM September 18, 2011I rescued Graeme a few years ago when he was lost in the back lanes of west brunswick. I traced his owners through his microchip and returned him to them. I'm absolutely chuffed to read about him and know he is still going strong!

    I am thinking of getting a  Graeme t-shirt,Graeme Riley, Ace of Cats by GraemeRiley
  • 31 December 2012

    treasure map

    years ago, on new years eve, a friend and i would make treasure maps for our future year


    treasure map
    it wouldn't actually look like a treasure map.
    we would get images from magazines and glue them onto a piece of paper, and hope for the best.  i suppose it was just a guide on how to get there.

    a few things i'd like to do this year

    run
    i have the couch to 5 km app
    and i know someone who's used it and worked it.

    swim
    just plain, ordinary up and down laps to get some strength, fitness and happiness
    in some future i'd like to be able to do ocean swimming (i'll have to learn to breathe on each side).  doesn't have to be this year
    a lovely "swimming pool" photo from swim sally swim blog


    getting even

    even-ing out my temper and responses
    even-ing out my blood sugars
    i think both of these depend on getting my diet right (get rid of the processed junk) and bringing in daily exercise

    Daydreams & Nightschemes
    learning "management"
    26 Beautiful Free Retro Fonts | DeMilked
    opening up to love
    more & more

    25 November 2012

    remember 3 weels


    sage advice, but unfortunately the skoda octavia 1z wagon doesn't come in gold or yellow or orange ... (it's got an extra wheel, too)
    but we can always paint it gold ...
    or perhaps something more exciting,

    from here

     Alexander Calder 1975 BMW 3.0 CSL, something even better above
    source

      


    car paint - 2010 BMW Z4 Plays With Paint In Massive Art Piece

    2010 BMW Z4 Plays With Paint In Massive Art Piece 
    Not wanting to take the usual art car route by decorating the car itself, artist Robin Rhode installed a set of paint squirters on a on a2010 BMW Z4 and set it in motion upon canvas.