The last few weeks have seemed a bit plodding, with flashes of light in between… there’s been trips to the library, coffee at the cafe, and my Babe had his birthday a few days ago ❤ I also had a look around the Art Gallery here. Haven’t been in a while, but I thought I’d have a look at the heritage quilts on display (they’re there until the end of the month). I’ve never really done any quilting, but I can appreciate the hard work that went in to them. There are the fancier quilts, whether for display or use –
…and the “crazy quilt” type designs, which look like they would have been fun to do.
Then there are the everyday, useful quilts, such as one for a cradle
…or necessities for warmth, made from scrap material from worn out clothes, or samples of dress or suiting material. These appear to be called “waggas“, which were improvised using whatever was available, and generally made by men.
I love the thought of making utilitarian things out of scraps and leftovers – a reminder that even the everyday can be beautiful!
We’re just over 24 hours into another sudden lockdown. It’s been quite nice to have everyone home during the week, although they’ve been to a series of online lectures in bedrooms instead of in person lectures, so I probably haven’t seen the family much more than in a normal day… One thing I’ve been trying to do lately is to take some time to go on an artist’sdate. Often that’s shopping for random beautiful things at the charity shops around the town, or having a coffee while writing or sketching. Or sometimes just thinking, and enjoying good coffee. This week that won’t be possible, but next week is not too far away! Last time I went to have a look at the gallery. I haven’t been there in a long while, but I always enjoy it. There’s often beauty, or works to make you think. Taking the time to really look at what’s displayed is an opportunity to look through someone else’s eyes, and catch a glimpse of their world. It’s good to be able to expand what can increasingly feel like a restricted life. This time around I had a look at a couple of solo exhibitions, and also a selection of contemporary works from the gallery’s collection – it’s on until the 18th April, so there’s still time to go and see for yourself! Here’s some of what I saw 🙂
Magic Muffin Mountain, by Hany Armanious Yes, it is as big as it looks!
Ceramics, by Dai Li There were five figures altogether – these are called “Eating Noodle” and “Slyboots” This one is “Bad Bird 2”
I’ve had days that feel like that…
I can’t remember the name of the splat on the wall, or the artist, but the marble in front is “Messiah Complex”, by Alex Seton Look at the anatomical detail in the interior and base of the skull!
This last one was from a separate, solo, exhibition upstairs – I nearly didn’t bother to go up there, but I’m glad I did. These were a series of depictions of fine, unravelling fabrics, painted with gouache on paper.
…the evening, at the moment. Also the event we went to today, near the Art Gallery. We went last year, where it was part of The Big Draw – not sure this was official, but the same concept.
We did some drawing – there were old-fashioned flip books for animation, so I did one of those. Sweet Bean was reluctant at first, but soon got into it. Biscuits (and a cup of coffee for me) certainly helped! It was good to give him the opportunity to try something different, and I can also add it to his school work for the year. Here’s his “Persian rug”, made with cut out paper “mosaic pieces” 🙂 .
Despite the rain, we were glad we went. Looking forward to next year’s!
a bit of creativity, a bit of eco consciousness, a bit of inspiration.... hopefully not a lot of pompousness and blathering :D
i'm not entirely sure what's going on here... let's travel along and see...
1000 Fields of Roses 