Listening to: Lucid Dreams by Franz Ferdinand from Tonight.
I saw this clip for the first time this morning and I couldn't take my eyes off it. I like the homage to MJ with an edge and especially the use of red confetti. It's a really catchy tune as well. I shall have to check out more of the YYYs because I liked the last clip* of theirs I saw on TV and am unsure as to how much of their stuff I have actually already heard!
I'm loving...
...Franz Ferdinand's Lucid Dreams from Tonight.
The outstanding, punchy, bass heavy synth arrangement, particularly in the instrumental at the end of the album track really does it for me. I found a live version on You Tube but it lacks the synth [pout]...
...Ladytron's Runaway from Velocifero
Quite a contrast to the YYYs' clip for its lack of colour. It's funny how geometric black lines can still resemble the slow flow of blood.
*Zero which is also from It's Blitz!
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
LOLmur
Listening to: Runaway, by Ladytron from Velocifero
Madagascan, mouse lemur found on the National Geographic blog.
Madagascan, mouse lemur found on the National Geographic blog.
Friday, May 22, 2009
Chapter XI, The Nuptials of Plants: an extract*
Listening to: Night on Fire, by VHS or Beta, from Night on Fire
In this chapter Pouchet mentions the poem 'Loves of the Plants' by Darwin. The accompanying extract presented here is certainly as flowery as any poetry. I wasn't aware Charles Darwin wrote poetry but it turns out it was by Erasmus Darwin, his grandfather. It's interesting that Pouchet doesn't use E. Darwin's first name at all, given that The Origin of the Species was published in 1859 and that this is a natural history text ie. context could suggest either. Or perhaps I'm just a tad ignorant because I'm a layperson and this book was aimed at scientists? If so, the following is stranger still.
'It is for them that nature displays her most sumptuous adornments. The velvety curtains of their virgin couch, woven by the hands of fairies, steep them in light and fire amidst their folds of purple and sapphire. In one part, faithless husbands profusely scatter life and fecundity on everything around them; in another chaste households live retired, and jealous brides conceal their lovers beneath domes of azure and gold.
The delicate envelopes which attract our regards represent only the ephemeral and perfumed palace in which the mysteries of the Hymen [sic] are about to be accomplished. But so soon as the golden dust of the stamens is spread upon the altar, the odorous sources dry up, the veils of the temple fade and wither, and the marvellous edifice soon lies scattered on the ground, whilst the now fruitful mother silently nourishes her precious offspring.
All flowers do not exhibit such luxury in these organs. Generally they possess two protecting envelopes, and contain, at the same time, ardent husbands and tender wives.'
*Extract from Chapter XI, The Nuptials of Plants (The Universe or The Wonders of Creation; the Infinitely Great and the Infinitely Little. By F.A. Pouchet, M.D.*, 7th edition, pub. H. Hallet and Company, copyright 1882...)
In this chapter Pouchet mentions the poem 'Loves of the Plants' by Darwin. The accompanying extract presented here is certainly as flowery as any poetry. I wasn't aware Charles Darwin wrote poetry but it turns out it was by Erasmus Darwin, his grandfather. It's interesting that Pouchet doesn't use E. Darwin's first name at all, given that The Origin of the Species was published in 1859 and that this is a natural history text ie. context could suggest either. Or perhaps I'm just a tad ignorant because I'm a layperson and this book was aimed at scientists? If so, the following is stranger still.
'It is for them that nature displays her most sumptuous adornments. The velvety curtains of their virgin couch, woven by the hands of fairies, steep them in light and fire amidst their folds of purple and sapphire. In one part, faithless husbands profusely scatter life and fecundity on everything around them; in another chaste households live retired, and jealous brides conceal their lovers beneath domes of azure and gold.
The delicate envelopes which attract our regards represent only the ephemeral and perfumed palace in which the mysteries of the Hymen [sic] are about to be accomplished. But so soon as the golden dust of the stamens is spread upon the altar, the odorous sources dry up, the veils of the temple fade and wither, and the marvellous edifice soon lies scattered on the ground, whilst the now fruitful mother silently nourishes her precious offspring.
All flowers do not exhibit such luxury in these organs. Generally they possess two protecting envelopes, and contain, at the same time, ardent husbands and tender wives.'
*Extract from Chapter XI, The Nuptials of Plants (The Universe or The Wonders of Creation; the Infinitely Great and the Infinitely Little. By F.A. Pouchet, M.D.*, 7th edition, pub. H. Hallet and Company, copyright 1882...)
Monday, May 18, 2009
Quaint antique clippings from Melbourne
Listening to: Coloured Bedspread, by Annie Lennox, from Songs of Mass Destruction
In a hat on a hat.
For a 'roo by 'roos
Images from the Australian periodical, The Traveller. 'Registered for transmission as a newspaper' - presumably in Victoria going by the advertisements for Victorian businesses, particularly ones in central Melbourne.
The Traveller, Vol. VIII, No. 8, January, 1896
In a hat on a hat.
For a 'roo by 'roos
Images from the Australian periodical, The Traveller. 'Registered for transmission as a newspaper' - presumably in Victoria going by the advertisements for Victorian businesses, particularly ones in central Melbourne.
The Traveller, Vol. VIII, No. 8, January, 1896
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Some Guys Have All The Luck
Some Guys Have All The Luck (Explicit) en Yahoo! Video
So 80s, and weird with Rene Magritte inspired Surrealism.
Tilt shift photography
Listening to: Some Guys have all the Luck by Robert Palmer
A while back I read on Bioephemera about tilt shift photography and recently Jessica posted about it as well. To be honest I didn't bother to understand the technology behind it - or why it's called tilt shift - since I was blown away by how damn cute it is! In short, you apply a filtering system to an image to make it look like it's a photograph of a model/miniature. It's something that prior to the digital age you could only do with specialised camera equipment.
Here is my best result using the online Tilt Shift Maker.
Colosseum, Rome. (originally taken in 2007)
On the site there is a good explanation about the technology, what you are simulating, and tips for making your own images.
Colours are enhanced and depth of field is reduced via adjustable sliders. Landscapes with a raised viewpoint- though not necessarily landscape format - seem to work best with the online simulator which is limited to horizontal alterations. It's surprisingly challenging to choose the right image to apply such a filter to convincingly. ie so it actually looks like a model and not a bad, digitally altered image.
A while back I read on Bioephemera about tilt shift photography and recently Jessica posted about it as well. To be honest I didn't bother to understand the technology behind it - or why it's called tilt shift - since I was blown away by how damn cute it is! In short, you apply a filtering system to an image to make it look like it's a photograph of a model/miniature. It's something that prior to the digital age you could only do with specialised camera equipment.
Here is my best result using the online Tilt Shift Maker.
Colosseum, Rome. (originally taken in 2007)
On the site there is a good explanation about the technology, what you are simulating, and tips for making your own images.
Colours are enhanced and depth of field is reduced via adjustable sliders. Landscapes with a raised viewpoint- though not necessarily landscape format - seem to work best with the online simulator which is limited to horizontal alterations. It's surprisingly challenging to choose the right image to apply such a filter to convincingly. ie so it actually looks like a model and not a bad, digitally altered image.
Seriously cute
Cross-posted to Overheard in Melbourne on LJ
Waiting in line at Target I look behind me and see a 2 or 3 year old sitting in his stroller holding a small square, pink toy to his ear like a mobile phone. He is nodding with a VERY SERIOUS look on his face, 'Yes' he a few times says quietly sounding concerned. 'Yes, I know', 'Hmmm'. So cute!
Waiting in line at Target I look behind me and see a 2 or 3 year old sitting in his stroller holding a small square, pink toy to his ear like a mobile phone. He is nodding with a VERY SERIOUS look on his face, 'Yes' he a few times says quietly sounding concerned. 'Yes, I know', 'Hmmm'. So cute!
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Paul Compton's Tender Things at Hand Held Gallery
Listening to: Bones, by The Killers, from Sam's Town
This afternoon I visited the relatively new (less than a year old) Hand Held Gallery in the city. It's an unexpected, small but well utilised space that's thoughtfully presented. The focus is on art that is small enough to hold in your hand. The staff are very friendly. There is a shop section of art for sale, a little bit like a mini version of what Craft Victoria does in a fraction of the space.
The current exhibition of Melbourne artist and writer, Paul Compton's book format zines and water colours was a delight to behold. Take the time to pop on the white cotton gloves and enjoy every page of his zines/'mooks' Fallacies on Parade and Everyday Tragedies. Compton's sense of humour is deliciously black. His artistic technique is perfectly matched to his prose.
Everyday Tragedies reminded me a little bit of Tim Burton's The Melancholy Death of Oyster Boy through its small format, fine pen and brush work, look at morbity and social acceptance, and dark humour. This is not to say it's derivative at all. Rather, that if you enjoyed that you should enjoy this! Compton's prose is elegant and his art has a muted colour scheme, while Burton's poetry is more singsong with a loose drawing style, occasionally highlighted by acid bright colours.
Highly recommended. Seek this gallery out, it's worth it.
This afternoon I visited the relatively new (less than a year old) Hand Held Gallery in the city. It's an unexpected, small but well utilised space that's thoughtfully presented. The focus is on art that is small enough to hold in your hand. The staff are very friendly. There is a shop section of art for sale, a little bit like a mini version of what Craft Victoria does in a fraction of the space.
The current exhibition of Melbourne artist and writer, Paul Compton's book format zines and water colours was a delight to behold. Take the time to pop on the white cotton gloves and enjoy every page of his zines/'mooks' Fallacies on Parade and Everyday Tragedies. Compton's sense of humour is deliciously black. His artistic technique is perfectly matched to his prose.
Everyday Tragedies reminded me a little bit of Tim Burton's The Melancholy Death of Oyster Boy through its small format, fine pen and brush work, look at morbity and social acceptance, and dark humour. This is not to say it's derivative at all. Rather, that if you enjoyed that you should enjoy this! Compton's prose is elegant and his art has a muted colour scheme, while Burton's poetry is more singsong with a loose drawing style, occasionally highlighted by acid bright colours.
Highly recommended. Seek this gallery out, it's worth it.
Monday, May 11, 2009
The Universe or The Wonders of Creation, by F.A. Pouchet
Listening to: Watching the World, by Primary, from Watching the World
The Universe or The Wonders of Creation; the Infinitely Great and the Infinitely Little. By F.A. Pouchet, M.D.*, 7th edition, pub. H. Hallet and Company, copyright 1882...
This weighty tome contains 270, fine wood engravings in total. Here are some of my favourites ie. the most weird, scanned in grey scale for clarity.
55. Head and Jaws of the Willow-Eating Caterpillar. From Lyonet's Anatomical Treatise.
189. Gigantic Lycoperdon, or Puff-Ball, Lycoperdon giganteum (Batsch), of one night's growth. From nature.
221. Gnomes of the German Legends laying bare the Skeleton of an Ichthyosaurus.
None of the accompanying text refers to this illustration so I found its inclusion rather odd!
221. detail
155. Labyrinthine Cavity, or Water Reservoir, of the Anabas
To follow soon: a quaint, partial transcription from this book entitled 'The Nuptials of Plants'
*'Corresponding member of the Institute of France and The Royal Institute of Italy; Director of the Museum of Natural History at Rouen; Officer of the Legion of Honor [sic], etc.'
The Universe or The Wonders of Creation; the Infinitely Great and the Infinitely Little. By F.A. Pouchet, M.D.*, 7th edition, pub. H. Hallet and Company, copyright 1882...
This weighty tome contains 270, fine wood engravings in total. Here are some of my favourites ie. the most weird, scanned in grey scale for clarity.
55. Head and Jaws of the Willow-Eating Caterpillar. From Lyonet's Anatomical Treatise.
189. Gigantic Lycoperdon, or Puff-Ball, Lycoperdon giganteum (Batsch), of one night's growth. From nature.
221. Gnomes of the German Legends laying bare the Skeleton of an Ichthyosaurus.
None of the accompanying text refers to this illustration so I found its inclusion rather odd!
221. detail
155. Labyrinthine Cavity, or Water Reservoir, of the Anabas
To follow soon: a quaint, partial transcription from this book entitled 'The Nuptials of Plants'
*'Corresponding member of the Institute of France and The Royal Institute of Italy; Director of the Museum of Natural History at Rouen; Officer of the Legion of Honor [sic], etc.'
Saturday, May 09, 2009
Beci Orpin
Listening to: Fearless, by The Bravery, from self-titled.
This artwork by Melbourne artist Beci Orpin appeared in The Age, Sunday Life (?) magazine a few months ago, as part of The Travel Issue. I like the soft colour palette and the sweetly retro clip art. Her website was a pleasure to visit: full of a nostalgic, vintage style, graphic design and art. I have admired her delightful cut paper work at Outre gallery and didn't realise one of my favourite t-shirts (by Genki, red, with 'I love dancing' on it) is by her.
This artwork by Melbourne artist Beci Orpin appeared in The Age, Sunday Life (?) magazine a few months ago, as part of The Travel Issue. I like the soft colour palette and the sweetly retro clip art. Her website was a pleasure to visit: full of a nostalgic, vintage style, graphic design and art. I have admired her delightful cut paper work at Outre gallery and didn't realise one of my favourite t-shirts (by Genki, red, with 'I love dancing' on it) is by her.
Monday, May 04, 2009
JAW Cooper, Illustrator
Listening to: No You Girls, by Franz Ferdinand, from Tonight
Via Phantasmaphile blog, JAW (aka Jessica A.W.) Cooper's gorgeous illustration and design folio
I like how some of her art is inspired by science - something I relate to - then taken to a fantastic yet logical conclusion, the creature design, the grace and beauty of her animal study sketches, the overall amazing drawing skills, and the slightly Japanese style of some of her work. While I can certainly draw to save myself, I wish I could draw like her!
Via Phantasmaphile blog, JAW (aka Jessica A.W.) Cooper's gorgeous illustration and design folio
I like how some of her art is inspired by science - something I relate to - then taken to a fantastic yet logical conclusion, the creature design, the grace and beauty of her animal study sketches, the overall amazing drawing skills, and the slightly Japanese style of some of her work. While I can certainly draw to save myself, I wish I could draw like her!
It's carbon dioxide not happiness, you git!
The first time I saw this months ago, I had a rant to whoever was in ear shot. I seldom have cola except on tap. I got a free bottle yesterday with my lunch and I still feel ranty.
[rant]
Perhaps this is why the world is heating up and politicians aren't taking it seriously and taking action:
detail from current label of Coke.
They think all that carbon dioxide building up in our atmosphere is HAPPINESS. Tonnes and tonnes of happiness.
[drips with sarcasm and makes quotey fingers]:
Yes the world needs more of this 'happiness'.
Deity on a bike, it's carbon dioxide not happiness you gits at Coca Cola!!!
[rolls eyes ]
Grrr...
[/rant]
Okay I feel a tiny bit better :P
[rant]
Perhaps this is why the world is heating up and politicians aren't taking it seriously and taking action:
detail from current label of Coke.
They think all that carbon dioxide building up in our atmosphere is HAPPINESS. Tonnes and tonnes of happiness.
[drips with sarcasm and makes quotey fingers]:
Yes the world needs more of this 'happiness'.
Deity on a bike, it's carbon dioxide not happiness you gits at Coca Cola!!!
[rolls eyes ]
Grrr...
[/rant]
Okay I feel a tiny bit better :P
Friday, April 24, 2009
Brown praying mantis
Yesterday afternoon when I came home my brother was in the front yard holding a praying mantis, and with his camera gear. I went to get my camera and took these. It was quite a challenge to get a focussed image since the light conditions were overcast and the critter was moving all the time. It even climbed onto my camera at one point!
Brown Praying Mantis
digital photograph, hand held, ISO 200, 1/250, f3.5
Portrait of a Brown Praying Mantis
digital photograph, hand held, ISO 200, 1/250, f3.5
In case you're wondering, my brother had green texta on his finger. The insect had just caught a bee and ate it. It was the catching part and the ensuing buzzing that alerted my brother to its presence.
The praying mantis is a really useful garden bug to have since they act as a natural pest control. They move with a backwards and forwards motion as if swaying with the breeze, a bit like a chameleon and for the same reason - to maintain their camouflage. Our father always told us they are good to have around, so we have a childhood instilled respect for them.
Long time readers of this blog may recall I photograph I took a 3 years ago of a green praying mantis eating a blow fly. Fascinating critters :)
Brown Praying Mantis
digital photograph, hand held, ISO 200, 1/250, f3.5
Portrait of a Brown Praying Mantis
digital photograph, hand held, ISO 200, 1/250, f3.5
In case you're wondering, my brother had green texta on his finger. The insect had just caught a bee and ate it. It was the catching part and the ensuing buzzing that alerted my brother to its presence.
The praying mantis is a really useful garden bug to have since they act as a natural pest control. They move with a backwards and forwards motion as if swaying with the breeze, a bit like a chameleon and for the same reason - to maintain their camouflage. Our father always told us they are good to have around, so we have a childhood instilled respect for them.
Long time readers of this blog may recall I photograph I took a 3 years ago of a green praying mantis eating a blow fly. Fascinating critters :)
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Tineh bunneh garden
Here's a potted garden I created a few months ago. It's virtually recovered from the trauma of its creation now! That big brown thing in the middle is a ceramic mini bridge. I think it might be an aquarium ornament. I'll take another photo a few months from now after one of the succulent's pups, and the ground cover has grown a bit more.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Cat Bus on my window sill
Here's my CatBus* plant pot sharing space on my window sill with a sunflower gogo crazy bone **. The planter originally came with potting mix and seeds but I couldn't bring that into the country. After a bit of trial and error I finally found the perfect plant to grow in him.
*Bought in Mitaka, Tokyo from the Studio Ghibli Museum gift shop.
**Freebie from the Toy Fair last month.
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Google Reader is tops! Try it and see.
I highly recommend Google Reader for anyone who reads anything with a blog format regularly. Checking my Google Reader is a part of my daily internet routine. It makes it so much easier to read lots of blogs without bookmarks and checking on infrequent posters. It keeps track of what I haven't read so I don't have to read it all at once. If I want to keep something for future reference I can mark it with a star and it will be there whenever I want to go back to it. It's also really easy to use and add feeds/blogs to. It was recommended to me by a former BF and it's the best thing he ever did for me, it's that good.
What is Google Reader and why should you try it?
Your answer is here.
What is Google Reader and why should you try it?
Your answer is here.
Friday, April 17, 2009
aRtECYCLE
aRtECYCLE
'An exhibition of outdoor and indoor Ephemeral Sculptural Installations will take place at the Walter Burley Griffin-designed Incinerator Arts Complex in May 2009.'
From 60 artworks by 45 artists, 27 pieces were selected.
I have an indoor sculpture in this show.
Check it out, it should be fun!
'An exhibition of outdoor and indoor Ephemeral Sculptural Installations will take place at the Walter Burley Griffin-designed Incinerator Arts Complex in May 2009.'
From 60 artworks by 45 artists, 27 pieces were selected.
I have an indoor sculpture in this show.
Check it out, it should be fun!
13-24 May 2009
Twilight OPENING : Thursday 14 May 2009, 6-8pm
Open Hours: Wed-Sun 11am-4pm
Incinerator Arts Complex
180 Holmes Road, Moonee Ponds
Twilight OPENING : Thursday 14 May 2009, 6-8pm
Open Hours: Wed-Sun 11am-4pm
Incinerator Arts Complex
180 Holmes Road, Moonee Ponds
Slice, detail
mixed media
2004
mixed media
2004
About the competition:
'aRtECYCLE is inspired by the extraordinary architectural, philosophical and spiritual influences of Walter Burley Griffin and his collaborator Marion Mahony plus the significance of the venue's history as an incinerator using the reverberatory system of waste disposal.
Works must engage with the principle themes that inspired Walter Burley Griffin and Marion Mahony :
~ Anthroposophy
~ Transcendentalism
~ Environmentalism
~ Recycling
Works may be pre-existing, but must be made of, or inspired by, waste, wreckage, recycled materials .. '
aRtECYCLE INQUIRIES & ENTRIES
Incinerator Arts Complex
180 Holmes Road, Moonee Ponds 3039
p: 8325 1750
Kate McPhee
e: kmcphee@mvcc.vic.gov.au
p: 8325 1750
More of my art here.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Changes through vintage coloured postcards
Amsterdam, Munttoren (Mint Tower) c 1915 - 1920s
Judging by the contemporary photographs of Munttoren, one could recreate this scene in a photograph today. The surrounding buildings are still there, the sky line unchanged - though some tweaking in Photoshop would be necessary to get this level of colour! They have altered the adjoining guard house building (note windows and roof details).
Munttoren today.
Furkastrasse und Rhonegletscher (by J. Gaberell), c. 1925
German postcard of Furka Pass in the Swiss Alps near the Rhone Glacier.
Sadly one can not recreate this photo. The glacier is significantly smaller due to global warming accelerating its natural post ice age melt.
Rhone Glacier today
It's just peeking through in that valley. The rest is bare rock where the glacier used to be. It doesn't grow back. It shouldn't happen that quickly. Yes this really is the same part: check out that mountain in the background, it's the same one.
I started this post as a diverting vintage clippings thing. I liked the colours, architecture and slight surrealism of the blue ice which reminds me of the planet Krypton. Instead I ended up standing on a soap box! I don't apologise for that.
The Matrix is ten.
The Matrix movie is ten years old!
Here's a couple of cool things I found on You Tube.
It's The Matrix XP, a parody style trailer. They also have an associated website explaining what went on behind the scenes plus downloads. It seems to be a German production.
Matrix Ping Pong is a spoof of bullet time using puppetry.
Here's a couple of cool things I found on You Tube.
It's The Matrix XP, a parody style trailer. They also have an associated website explaining what went on behind the scenes plus downloads. It seems to be a German production.
Matrix Ping Pong is a spoof of bullet time using puppetry.
Monday, April 13, 2009
Easter Sunday Inspiration
Easter Duck
digital photograph
I had some washed egg shells on a saucer and a small plastic duck sitting on my desk as possible art materials for my next sculpture. After finding that the duck could fit inside a chicken egg, I thought 'Why not take a photograph?'.
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