Art Felt

May I Brag?

 
My Daughter is sitting her final exams at the moment - the Higher School Certificate. The results she gains will be her entry into further study,  or university, or just new journeys.

She had to complete a Major Work for one of her subjects which is submitted and marked by the board of studies. The students have to create their own design brief and answer the brief by way of a practical piece and folio. It is a massive undertaking and not for the faint hearted. 

The brief was to design a cover piece for the relaunch of the Vanity Fair Green Issue. "I want to create a dress out of paper" my daughter told me. "Yikes" thinks I. 

Well, so she did. The result and amazing creation made entirely from pages of Thackerys book "Vanity Fair"

Congrats to her - It is indeed an artwork. It speaks for itself.

 

 

And So She's Back

 

Every once in a while for whatever reasons,

 A girls gotta do what a girls gotta do.

Heres to a return and to new artwork. Stay tuned!

 

Fleeting

Do you ever have those moments, the ones that remind you of the fragility of the moment, I guess of life?
I am not sure if it is the appearance of spring, the pace of life, the fact my children grow more self sufficient each day, or what. Last night my daughter asked both my husband and I (no offence intended!), if we ever thought about the fact that we were growing old (offence taken!).  Whilst I was thinking about the best response, her father answered "Everyday sweetie, everyday!" I guess it got me thinking, that same old lesson that keeps presenting itself. This moment is all there is, this moment is where we should be. I don't want to live each day wishing for the next, only to wish that one away. This morning when I turned the page of Buddhist Offerings 365 Days, todays offering was "Most of us have spent our lives caught up in plans, expectations, ambitions for the future, in regrets, guilt or shame about the past. To come to the present is to stop the war." Jack Kornfield  So, whats the secret of that life lived to the fullest without regrets? I guess, I am still learning that lesson - I do remember some very sound advice from my great Aunt who lived to the ripe old age of 105 spanning across three centuries, she was born at the end of the 1800's, lived throughout the 1900's and died in the 2000's. She had seen some changes for sure and was on the Ocean bound for Australia when the Titanic went down. About growing old she used to say "Darling, it's no fun getting old, but the alternative isn't great!"  I do know that you should do what you love and love what you do though, look for the good in situations and see the best in others. Ain't life a huge lesson?

Resolve

Today I resolve to......... ?
Today I resolve to..........appreciate my family more. After no contact with my soul mate whilst he was trecking the Kokoda Track, I had time to realize how amazing he is, and how much I perhaps take him for granted. Well Done on your incredible journey. Many of us know not much of the incredible story of

Kokoda , which is such a significant part of the history of Australia. I must confess I was guilty of this. Through my husbands preparation for his trip to walk the track I have learnt a little more of a bloody battle fought and won against all odds that saw 6000 Australian casualties and out of a force of 20000 Japanese, 13000 lost their lives. The tack is walked by many today as the history of what took place there is remembered and honored. The track for the most part is in jungle and vertical. which only reinforces the determination of those that fought there, and of the amazing fuzzy wuzzy angels .

Sunshine of My Life

On a cold Winters day 15 years ago a ray of sunshine came into our lives. I don't think either my husband or me knew just what that meant and how wonderful our already blessed lives were to become.
Everyday our daughter gives us such joy, love, laughter, happiness and gratitude by simply being herself. She makes such a difference to so many and manages to light up even the dullest day. We are truly blessed you chose us. Keep on shining  and making a difference. xoxox we love you , Happy Birthday!

I'm Glad You Were Born

                                                                           
When I was 16, I had met my soul mate! I didn't know it at the time, I actually didn't know it for another 10 years. The universe had some plans for both of us in life lessons before  destiny was to bring us together.

Today  I celebrate the birth of that soul mate, without whom I cannot imagine my life. He is loving, strong, understanding, caring, romantic, compassionate, humble, talented, magical, gifted, passionate, tolerant driven, dependable generous and a dream maker. He is a wonderful, father, husband, and friend  totally unconditional in his love for his family. He is our rock and of that we are always certain amidst life's uncertainties.

We celebrate his life and dreams and look forward to all that having you in our lives brings. Happy Birthday Babe, xoxoM

Back Asap!

Given the infrequency of my posts  over the holidays  this  is neither here nor there, but, for  those that  check in from  time to time, I will be back  - have had some surgery on my hand which has left me with the use of just my left hand (At least I am a Leftie!) but it is all too hard and frustrating doing the basics - so hang in there and i will be back when all is healed, and comfortable again! It certainly reminds one of those things to be thankful for that we so often take for granted. Until later - roll on 2008!

New Years Eve  Sydney harbour

A Few Of My Fav Things

One of the highlights of the children's school year finishing up, is the art work that comes home!

I have posted before of how much I love the art of children  in those years before the dreaded eye of self criticism kicks in. I have been inundated with wondrous works from my son - I absolutely adore his explanation and description of the process and what he was trying to do.

I love this precarious tea light tower - he very proudly demonstrated how it worked, albeit  daytime. He told me how he made the slabs  and joined them, how he attached the decoration. This piece is so priceless to me in so many ways.

The painting was another favorite of mine - I am amazed at the depth he has created and the detail (he is not a patient child) on the dragon. They used rock salt which gave the wonderful texture. Nice to see one of the family creating some art!

A Little Help From A Friend

You know the Lyrics to this song ? Well, they come to mind in particular this week and in regards to this friend , who this week spent a huge day sorting out all the stuff that goes with being an artist ( I use the term very loosley in my case!) AND, in one rainy day, set me up in my new space, known to some as "the garage" as my old studio, in our old house, will be no more. I feel very lucky to have had more than a little help from my friend. She knew how much it was stressing me out and that it was ever so overwhelming. How nice is it when someone just "gets you", (to quote this lady ). Thankyou  Ursula - you are a treasure.

Happy Anniversary

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY - To 18 wonderful years with my soul mate. Lucky me! xoxo

We were only 16 when we met - little did we know that one day we were destined to be together. All we had to do was to wait for all to fall into place! I am forever blessed to share my life with you and our dear ones.

oxoxM