Monday 12 November 2012

What a long, empty stretch it has been!

I have had the best intentions of sharing all things botanical, sculptural and domestic over the past few months but it seems I was too busy doing them to blog about them!

I have truly immersed myself (and the boys) in outdoor sculpture this year, as a direct and concerted effort to "get" the aesthetics and the practicalities of curating and delivering a successful exhibition of outdoor sculptures. I have one scheduled in my gallery program for next year. It turns out to be a great way to engage the boys in art (they are not overly keen to be bothered visiting galleries, or making their own creations) and we have been able to ponder, problem solve, critique and enjoy many, many works positioned artfully in the great outdoors.

Since Sculpture in the Gaol, we have visited the world-renowned Sculpture by the Sea in Sydney and last weekend I also popped up to the Hunter Valley to see Sculpture in the Vineyards.

Here's some pics from Sculpture by the Sea, installed along the iconic coastal walking track from Bondi to Bronte beaches.


Toshio Iuzumi, m.120901

 
 Karin van der Molen, Surprise.

 
 Sandy Bliim, Clytie.

 Alex Ritchie, Kaleidoscope cube.


 above and below - Pierre Cavalan, We are more similar than we are different.


 Warwick, Ben and Sam Orme, Where do the children play?

 Elyssa Sykes-Smith, Weight pulls me down, strength pulls me up.

 Paul Trefry, Knot Standing 

 Jennifer Cochrane, Cubes.

 Rachel Couper & Ivana Kuzmanovska, Mirador.

 Patricia Prociv, Love.

 Dion Horsstmans, Moonfire.

 Dave Mercer, View tm.

 Rico Eastman, crosshatch (murmation)

 Tom de Munk-Kerkmeer, luchtkasteel

Staccato, Poom.

And from Sculpture in the Vineyards, in various locations within the quaint Wollombi Valley.

 
 Kazuko Chalker, Who Are We? (In Between-ness)

 Ro Murray, Moonflower

 above and below - Madeleine Hayes, Donut Collection


 Belinda Clarke, Minutea

 Nardja Williams, Custodians

 Al Phemister, Dandelions

 Jenny Green, Beautopia

 Leah Bullock, Imagine

 Ro Murray, Chrysalid

 Will Coles, Sushi Fish

 Jesse Graham, Kelly's Wardrobe

Anthony Sawrey, Hopscotch

With two great travelling companions, and a beautiful heritage house to stay in, the Hunter Valley weekend was such a treat. We called Maitland home for the two nights and it was a real surprise - over the top ornate public buildings, shopfronts and residences and a real creative, vibe going on.  We did a spot of shopping (!) and visited the Maitland Regional Gallery which turned about to be another surprise. At least three great exhibitions on show, a fabulous gift shop and a delightful and delicious cafe.

 



 this was a great little shop in the high street, with a wonderful selection of cards and lots of nice green and branchy ideas for christmas!
 












On a work trip during what is usually my worst (ie. busiest, craziest, out of control) month of the year, it was fantastic to be able to also fit in visits with two special people - a cousin I rarely see (and her family) and a very new friend made on Instagram. It was so great to catch up with someone who has known me forever, and someone who I have only just met!

Just to keep the balance, I did a little bit of sculpture of my own. 
I have been dreaming up these hanging botanical sculptures for a while, and had the opportunity to exhibit them as part of the Art not Apart festival in New Acton a few weekends ago. I was really pleased with them, and certainly got some appreciative comments from passers by while I was up the ladder to hang and then remove them!

 



 



 

     

I think there may be some more sculpture on the agenda this weekend - the Sculpture on High exhibition in the Southern Highlands...

Ciao
XNarelle