urban donkey bicycle exhibition

If you’ve ever despaired that generic bike style (the lycra, the colours, the horror) is all pervasive, this is your ideal gallery show. The irrepressible Matt B has built a roomful of one-off bikes, each with it’s own style and personality. All his creations are made from found or donated parts, and would be ideal for your next festival appearance, photo shoot, film or display. I was lucky enough to meet him yesterday, and found his energy and enthusiasm most infectious.

Matt’s bikes are on display (alongside paintings by Johnny K) at Synergy Gallery, until November 29. Stroll by, and be inspired!

Look out for these bikes of awesomeness:

Mad Max – the grunginess of cobweb draped skeletal shapes is mesmerising
Lawnmower – think astroturf meets vintage mower, with a bike frame as the go-between
The Cloud – “if god existed and lived in Northcote, this is what I believe he would ride” – a bmx symphony of polystyrene, dacron, and shagpile
Steering Wheel – what it is
Flower Power – it began with a floral banana seat…
Gelati – multi-hued pastel delight, 1940s style

Find Synergy Gallery at 253 High Street, Northcote.

Matt B on the front cover of the Northcote Leader this week!

connect 7: nmit graduate show

This is your last chance to see a NMIT Greensborough Product Design/Jewellery Graduate show. Sadly, this Diploma course has been ‘retired’. Visual Arts at NMIT has already ceased offering sculpture and ceramics courses, and it looks like the economic rationalist monster is still on the prowl. On a much brighter note, the work on display is interesting, vibrant, diverse, and seriously lust-worthy.

Connect 7 can be found at Off The Kerb, 66B Johnston St, Collingwood, until November 27th. Extra points awarded for providing both a price list AND mini books about the artists (bio, images, contact info – why don’t more people do this?).

I was particularly impressed with the following:
Natasha Kockoski – Drug Rattle, To The Saddest Girl In The World Medal, Deathrocker, and Moo Moo Anatomy: quirky, blackened copper wondrousness!
Samantha Phillips – Peru: brightly coloured yarn wrapped/fringed rings, some with bead detailing, Elasto Necklace, Elasto Bracelet
Aaron Azzopardi – Needle and thread: neckpiece of knotted red threads, anchoring metal rings. Everyday magic!

As often happens, the majority of the works I love are not for sale. However, I am encouraged to know that these seven final graduates are out there, working on other equally memorable pieces.

Check out the Connect 7 blog here.

embolalia

Embolalia is both the use of conversational filler words (um, ok, you know…) and the name of a truly wonderful blog. Sarah’s typewritten poem + image pieces appeared on some Johnston St lamp posts recently,

and there are lots more on her wordpress. Do go and look!

souvenir of port macquarie, nsw

This beautiful postcard was one of a bundle gifted to me recently. I don’t recall ever visiting Port Macquarie, but imagine it looks very different now. On the flip side, I learn that this image is a

“real photograph produced in Australia by Murray Views, Gympie, Q”

Murray Views is one of Australia’s oldest souvenir production companies, beginning in 1908. If you buy a postcard today, there’s every chance it comes from these good people. Read more about Fred Murray and Murray Studios here.

know your product bonanza

Cath n Harv have done it again! Swing by their new location (until recently Armstrong’s Furniture), and pick up the vintage furniture dreams are made of. With Christmas round the corner, you can snap up all the “big things” their Timmins Street shop can’t hold – bedroom sets, dinettes, coffee tables, buffets…

Find Product at 118-122 High Street Northcote. Trading weekends and by appointment, this temporary store is a must-see.

Check out the Know Your Product website and blog for more

mint: nmit graduate jewellery exhibition

This show includes a variety of fine jewellery, silversmithing, and enamelwork (from 35 graduates), and the majority of the pieces are for sale. I sauntered through with a jewellery afficionado far more experienced than moi, and found many items most interesting.

Sadly I could not take a price list with me, and was more focussed on the works than on note-taking. Here’s my (incomplete) list of people/pieces to look out for:

Priscilla Daffen – stunning and thought provoking work, especially the tiara
Helen Mouratidis – beautifully textured rings
Josephine Gaetani
Deeana Michela – hauntingly delightful fob pendants
Tom Malchi – artifacts inspired by ancient civilisations
? – cameos
? – medal ribbon

I apologise profusely for the vagueness – will attempt to return this week and tidy this list up. Not being able to remember names and titles of works is most irritating…

Visit the exhibition blog, and watch the slideshow. Photography is by the immensely talented and perceptive Terrence Bogue

Check out the Northcote Leader’s article (11/11/09) – but ignore the opening date. Mint opened to the public on November 13, and closes on November 21. Find it at the rear of Northcote Town Hall, in Studio 1.

Take 2 – Returned Monday 16/11 with arty gal pal and my notebook. Here is my list of utterly amazing makers and pieces to look out for:

Priscilla Daffen: talismanic pieces to delight! Bunnyfish Belt, Scythe, and Tiara
Helen Mouratidis: Nest #1 – oxidised ring with garnets and granulated silver, also her Stamp silver cast series
Tom Malchi: artifacts with great energy and resonance! Port Ring with epidote, Port Ring with smithsonite
Gregory Matheson: bold and unforgettable! Onyx and silver cameos, It’s Not You, It’s Me ring (includes a Australian silver florin), and the amazing Medal for Misguided Triumphs In Self Reflection
Deeana Michela: Fables fob pendants, containing whole forests of haunting silhoutte trees
Adrian Sebastini: Stuck On You scotch cellulose tape brooch
Josephine Gaetani: Spray brooch

atomic artifacts

This emporium is one of my favourite new places – especially as it is attached to The Soda Tree, the most beautiful 1950s Australian cafe fitout EVER. Find them both at 966-70 Mount Dandenong Tourist Road, Montrose. Swing by for a milkshake/ lime spider, and a delightful shopping experience.

My new sunglasses and bar stool

unexpected vinyl

At Kelly’s Bar & Kitchen. Pals, $5 pints, burgers, good times. Then I sauntered off to the Ladies, and found these…

Tijuanas tell you this is the Ladies Room – didn’t see the Gents door LP, I’m guessing Englebert Humperdinck, James Last, or some mariachi/latin superstud

Wood veneer hallway – with more vinyl. The rest of the venue is, well, homestead/Olinda style, so this wall o’ kitsch made me feel right at home…

milk bar memories

Working in airconditioned comfort today, but somehow my mind drifted to the local milk bar. On days like this, a much younger me would wonder if I should buy the lemonade icy pole AND the 25 cent bag of mixed lollies, or keep some pocket money for “next time”. The tinkling bell on the door, the hum of the fridges, and the bright orange stack of soft drink crates are as unforgettable as the loveable Greek proprietors.

This William Street milk bar was snapped by Mark Strizic in the early-mid 60s. I’ve no idea if it’s still there…

Photo featured in Graeme Kennedy’s Melbourne.

sunny day shopper

This fabulous pic was taken by Brian McArdle, and features in Graeme Kennedy’s Melbourne (published 1967). I DO remember SSW supermarkets with two-tone lino floors, but it’s been a long time since I went shopping in my bathing costume…