Hong Kong

Took my first overseas trip just last week. Can't say that I enjoy sitting on a plane for ten plus hours but I did enjoy the change of culture and atmosphere! I loved spending the time with my Mum and our close family friend. The shopping, natural landscape and culture was amazing.

After Afghanistan

Art Month Sydney 2013 is coming to a close, it has been a really amazing experience for me this year going to some of the art talks and exhibitions around Sydney, to see what is generating more interest and popularity in our artist sphere. The most pivotal for me was an art talk at National Art School that addressed the topic of Australian War Artists and their experiences and resulting works. Two of which were present and involved in the discussion, Wendy Sharpe and Ben Quilty.  Ben Quilty is one of my favourite artists, both nationally and internationally, I think he is incredible at expressing through visual means as well as verbal. The talk really helped me get back onto the path of discovering what it is that I actually want to create myself, and ultimately what sort of person I would like to continue developing into. The talk was a really fantastic way to bring into light global and local current affairs, with the question of the role of an artist in contemporary society and what we as a general public can put into such debates.

Quilty currrently has his exhibition 'After Afghanistan' on at National Art School in Darlinghurst, sadly it's last day is tomorrow. Unfortunately when I went to go and see the works the gallery was just closing for the night. However it is doing a tour around Australia over the next two years with the first stop being Queensland's Cairns.  

'Ben Quilty: After Afghanistan'

Art Day

Considering every day is an art day for me, the title is a tad off. But it was a big day!
Last Saturday one of my best friends, Freya, and I had a little run around town catching up on some art shows in Sydney. First off the list we went and saw the new Anish Kapoor exhibition at the Museum of Contemporary Art. It was incredible. His use of scale left me in awe.

Next up we went to ChalkHorse Gallery in Surry Hills to see one of our lecturer's shows, which was also excellent. Then an art debate in Kings Cross questioning whether 'Contemporary Art is a Joke'. And later dinner in The Rocks. Was a rather tiring day, but well worth it.

Back to school, back to school

And so the new university year begins. Admittedly I am a little behind with my updates as it's actually the third week of uni. But I have been unbelievably busy in my defence!

So rather than going intimately one event too deep I'll just do a quick overview of the past few weeks in photo form.

Conscious Consumerism

As I'm maturing with age, I'm feeling liberated at developing a sense of product and customer awareness. Putting in the extra research into finding what ingredients in hair care products, make up and skin care best cater to my lifestyle and my body. This has ultimately spawned from an interest in knowing what foods I'm putting into my body and how it's produced (lending to a growing conclusion that I may become a vegetarian). Knowledge really is power. Power enough to help me feel like I've begun to put myself more so back into the drivers seat of my life. With well informed knowledge and a better understanding of my own self, I have this real feeling of growth.

Bringing the outside, in

Like the resurgence of the popular 80's Terrarium, the trend of bringing lush greenery into the confines of our four walls has attained new life. Home is the same as a mirrors reflection. Contemporary living has not only loosened the restrictions of traditional interior planning and decorating, but also embraced a feeling of individuality. Of bringing one's hobbies from the outside world, into their home to be showcased as a natural part of their personality. One such hobby is that of gardening. Another reason for it's revival is the way in which many people now live, in smaller city apartments or townhouses, where often the option of a garden to tinker in is no longer a reality. Personally I love this trend no matter where you live. With the growing interest in environmental care and horticulture, this trend is apart of the Zeitgeist of our age.

Rachel Bilson: Effortless Street chique

When I was younger, I was an avid fan of The O.C (admittedly I still am). While I was never particularly fond of Summer's wardrobe, in reality, actress Rachel Bilson was the epitome of the style I wanted to emulate.



She brings together structured and free-form materials to create this layered, multi-dimensional look which I adore. It's tough and made for the streets, but at the same time just looks so comfortable with her staple big scarves and cardigans. She's also taught me to never be afraid of the formality that wearing heels down the street can bring. There's always a way to make it more casual and relaxed.