two new collages
July 31, 2009
Really felt inspired to get into the studio this afternoon. Aiming to get a stack of these done, so I can think about selling them someplace.
They are 10 x 15 cm ( 4 x 6″ ).
love street
July 31, 2009
Filled with pre-show buzz for the Flaming Lips show, I walked through sunny backstreets. I wasn’t looking for this, but was pleased to find it…
The show? Brilliant! The happiest band on earth got me moving, singing along, and yes, brought tears to my eyes. Think confetti cannons, dancing lizards, Wayne Coyne in a giant crowd-surfing bubble – all the best psychedelic pop can offer. A fun and positive night – which, considering the dodgy venue, is no mean feat. Looking forward to the new (double) album in September!
will coles: sculptor
July 30, 2009
Will Coles makes cast concrete art. Televisions, mobile phones, remote controls, suitcases, half-eaten doughnuts…Great stuff. I heard he has glued some pieces onto the streets and walls round here, so set out to take a look. Here’s what I found…
Isolation – Lt Smith Street
Stop – near Lt George Street
H8 – Brunswick Street
powerpole face mystery solved!
July 29, 2009
Thanks to Fitzroyalty (aka friendly custodian of local knowledge), I know the mysterious faces are made by mal function. Here’s some more I met yesterday.
Outside the Worker’s Club, corner Brunswick and Gertrude Streets
Friends of the Earth, Smith Street
Look up next time you saunter along Gertrude Street – there’s one enjoying a smoke near the Housing Commission.
miff 09: moon
July 28, 2009
After leaving the cinema, I used the word “awesome” a lot. Moon pays homage to the best of classic sci-fi, but is in no way derivative. Moving from edgy isolation pic, to buddy flick, to escape story, in a completely convincing manner. The focus is on inner space as much as outer – what keeps us going? who are we? what do we fear, and what happens when we confront it? what is our future?
The overall feel is quiet/reflective, but with an undertone of paranoia/claustrophobia. The future is not all lollipops and rainbows – especially for helium 3 miners on the moon…Duncan Jones‘ (aka son of Bowie) direction and storyline are top class. Fabulous that Bowie’s interest in solo astronauts has been passed on to his son – if this is his debut, I’ll be lining up to see what he directs next! Sets are space-tech sterile, but the grime of complex human activity has crept in. Special effects are amazing – more so because they are deliberately understated. The lunar landscape is NASA classic, 60’s black and white, with a harsh/intense feel. The light and dust are utterly believable. Sam Rockwell is brilliant as Sam Bell, in a unique and challenging role. Kevin Spacey gives voice and depth to GERTY, the been-around-awhile service robot.
Moon feels like an 80’s flick – but in a good way. The Clint Mansell (anyone remember Pop Will Eat Itself?) soundtrack is melodic, moody, and electronic/classic, the ending more indie than happy Hollywood. This is real science fiction – not just a film set in space. I avoided all trailers and spoilers before viewing this wondrousness, and it was worth it. Did I applaud? You bet!
Listen to Welcome To Lunar Industries here! Mansell’s soundtrack is out on Black Records.
Hopefully, Jones’ next release will be a futuristic Berlin-city pic called Mute, in the same time-line as Moon. Said to be “a love letter to Blade Runner” (his favourite film), things could get very interesting…
red cliffs
July 27, 2009
Always good to see what uberdirector John Woo is up to. Unfortunately Chow Yun-Fat withdrew from the film,after being involved with the project for some time. Red Cliffs is your epic historical picture, third century Chinese style. If you’re looking for colourful characters, brimstone, and Kurosawa-esque battle scenes, check this one out. A beautiful, technically impressive spectacular with, I am told, fairly authentic martial arts action. The focus is on military strategy, rather than wire-work, so Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon it is NOT. Which is a good thing. The love scenes are rather 80’s, which may amuse. More disturbing is the fact that this is the cut-down, “international” version. Originally a 5 hour PAIR of films, which I will have to see on import DVD or somesuch. Why did we not get to see the asian release? This means we miss a lot of the plot and character development ( not to mention some characters ), leaving a good-looking, but not so engaging 2 1/2 hour cinema experience. Woo apparently has been wanting to make Red Cliffs ( inspired by the 14th century novel Romance of the Three Kingdoms) for 20+ years, and the result is said to be mind-blowing. A shame we only got to see part of it…Damn distributors – they told Woo from the start that foreign audiences wouldn’t watch 5 hours of subtitles!
record time
July 26, 2009
Tasty laser etched LP clock art at Gorker Gallery – how does the concept of time inspire 24 artists, typographers and designers? Swing by and take a look…Closes 9 August.
hard times made easy
July 26, 2009
The unstoppable Team Wildschwein have reinvented themselves! They promise everyday, fuss-free recipes which won’t break the bank. Swing by for how-to’s on bread baking and home brewing as well. Where? Hard times made easy, right here on wordpress… Or swing by my blogroll.
three is a magic number
July 25, 2009
Today was a special day for our pal Harvey. He had balloons, cake, and lots of visitors. We made him green cupcakes, with green icing and sprinkles.
Here’s a classic from Schoolhouse Rock – learning in sweet 70’s style! Enjoy…
Happy Birthday Harvey!
take it easy
July 24, 2009
…sometimes, you just gotta slow down.
