Long trip provides inspiration for Sarah

A trip through freezing Russian countryside on the Trans-Mongolian railway gave young Joondanna artist Sarah Long, 25, the inspiration for her new solo exhibition Tuda i Abratna (Russian for ‘round trip’), on show at Behind the Monkey, Highgate from June 15 to 29, 2009.

Drawing on the theme of leaving home to travel overseas and the characters encountered along the way, Long has created a whimsical narrative, featuring characters such as an elephant and a pumpkin stalk who have ventured abroad…and into very unfamiliar territory.  Pencil and ink drawings, acrylic paint and computer graphics combine to tell the story of the characters and how their paths cross on their individual journeys.

“When you travel, you open yourself up to different possibilities and ways of living, crossing paths with people that you would never encounter in your everyday existence,” says Long.

“You are also bombarded with new experiences – and what might seem a terrifying encounter to one person might be invigorating to another.  I believe that exhibition-goers will read these images in different ways according to their own experience.” 

Long is no stranger to diverse experiences, combining her art practice with a career as an Associate Genetic Counsellor at one of Perth’s major hospitals.  Her role involves assisting people to understand complex medical information using a combination of scientific knowledge and counselling skills.

“I adore my day job and am currently working towards full accreditation as a Genetic Counsellor,” Long explains. “I also love creating my art and find it a great balance to study.”

“My ambition is to publish picture books aimed at both children and adults, while continuing to progress in my career as a Genetic Counsellor.”

Tuda i Abratna will be on show at Behind the Monkey Highgate from June 15 to 29, 2009. Visitors to the Beaufort Street shop and gallery will also enjoy a themed window display created by Long to accompany the exhibition.

Fleur Schell Porcelain Workshops

2009 PORCELAIN WORKSHOP SERIES

by FLEUR SCHELL

Fleur Schell will present two porcelain workshops in 2009. SODA Studio’s will be hosting the workshops at 1/98 Stirling Hwy North Fremantle WA.

· On Sat the 27th and Sun the 28th of June 2009 Fleur will be running a weekend workshop showing participants how to make their own porcelain teapot.

· On Sat 26th of September 2009 Fleur will be running a one day workshop showing participants how to make their own porcelain sugar bowl or salt pot n’ spoon.

For details and to register see the following images, or check out the website http://www.sodaresidency.com

Top 8 Buying Regrets - Learn from our mistakes

I find the buying mistakes hurt the most. As someone who does designing/the indie scene full time, money is very precious. After a little bit of research, I worked out and felt a little bit relieved that there are many others with the same 'regrets' as mine. Sure, they are learning curves, but who would complain bypassing some of them? I thought I would compile a list of the top 8.

1. Buying the minimal of supplies to save money can backfire. If it is unique, handmade, from overseas and/or the exchange rate is good, please consider buying it bulk. The same goes for staple supplies as well, such as wire for a jeweller and thread for a seamstress.

• WHY? Unique and handmade supplies are generally limited, and once they are gone, they are gone for good in some cases. Buying from overseas generally can be expensive shipping/postage wise and exchange rate wise, if AUD is doing poorly.

2. As soon as you work out your perfect business name, buy your domains ASAP. Even if you do not plan on having a website for awhile, it would be even more of a problem when the time comes for you to build a website and someone else has bought your domain.

• WHY? Branding is very important - so having a matching domain to your business name looks more professional and makes your business name easier to remember.

3. Cheap markets/shows doesn't always mean cheap markets/shows, in fact, they can work out more expensive, depending on your products.

• WHY? These markets generally attract buyers who are after cheap things, and if you do not fit in the criteria, you are better off investing in a dearer one.

4. If you selling online and post/ship your items, saving your money by not buying a scale might not be the best idea. I bought a small digital one from Woolworths for $10, and if you sell bigger things, you could try a human scale (I believe they are $20).

• WHY? You don't want to undersell your self.

5. Unless you sell affordable everyday items, consider buying fewer good quality and/or unique supplies rather than a high quantity of perhaps lower quality and un-unique supplies.

• WHY? The supplies you use play a big part in the wow factor your work has.

6. Even if you are just a hobbyist, book-keeping is very important and it is easier to start it in the beginning. Stop procrastinating today! =P

• WHY? It is not only important when it comes to tax time, but it makes it easier to price your creations, and working out if you should register your business and set up an ABN account.

7. Before you decide on investing big in a market/show or home party display, make your own display and do at least a few markets first.

• WHY? Firstly, markets/shows might not be for you. Secondly, there is no such thing as perfect display, especially for your first one. Doing at least a few markets before you decide investing big is good because generally only personal experience is the way to work it out. (even if you THINK you already know)

8. When buying online, if you can, do your research on the supplier. See if you can find any reviews on them and check their return policy. With things on the pricier side it might be worthwhile to only get a few first. You should always never feel bad to ask the supplier questions.

• WHY? Buying online can generally be so much cheaper, but photos can be deceiving, even if not on purpose. You do not want to be stuck with # amount of things that you can't use.

Please feel free to share your buying regrets and useful advice on this subject!

Talk later,
Renee

Milk and Sleep exhibition opening June 6

After completing international residencies in San Francisco and Oaxaca over the past two years, Elizabeth Marruffo has continued to produce a strong body of work which will be exhibited at the HQ Gallery Leederville from 6th - 18th of June, 2009.

Elizabeth's work features a mix of delicate, dreamlike figurative sketches with highly realistic and sensitively rendered details.  The works in 'Milk and Sleep' are  based on personal observations while traveling through Japan, France, England, the USA and Mexico, focusing on the transformitive cycles of life and death.

A review in artseeninwa.com by Judith McGrath describes Elizabeth's work as follows:

'each work attests to the artist's excellent command of the medium, attention to surface interest, well-honed drawing skills and an eye for intriguing imagery that engages the viewer on so many levels.'

'Milk and Sleep' opens June 6 from 2-5pm at the HQ Gallery, 6A Frame Ct, Leederville.  The exhibition will be
open weekdays 9-5pm until June 18.

Elizabeth is a full time mother and is also assisting in the redevelopment of Freerange Gallery where her next exhibition will be held.

Guest blogger #2 - Renee G.

Hello all! I'm delighted to tell you that I am your second guest blogger. The lovely Niina seems to be in one piece, so I think you guys are pretty safe? You seem to be a quiet bunch. In fact, where are you? Speak up, people! I need your help as I am not very good at introductory posts. Basically after this introductory I want you to think I am creative, kind, smart, professional and have super hero qualities. So, please feel free to add some bits in to impress you.

---

My name is Renee G. (not affiliated with Andrew G.) and I reside in cute little town in Western Australia where I let my imagination flow.

My inspiration is drawn from nature, culture and vintage history. I am the jewellery designer and 'maker' of the brand Cocoa Pod - Botanical Jewellery. I enjoy expressing my creativity in many genres. I am fortunate that jewellery designing is not only my occupation but also my passion!

Unfortunately due to bad health Cocoa Pod has been put on somewhat of a standstill. I was (until now) sharing my energy on both equally, which works out to be an unproductive amount for both of them. As Cocoa Pod is not like work to me (some say it's more of an obsession ;), as you can imagine, it’s really hard to have a 'break' from it. However, the plan for this month is to put most of my energy into health and share some creative inspiration with you.

xo
Renee---

My blog: www.the-pod.net
My website: www.cocoa-pod.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/Cocoa-Pod/101232051209

Goodbye for now

So today is my last day for guest blogging for Made on the Left. It's been fun and too bad I didn't get to write as many posts as I wanted to, but with all the uni work I have to do it just wasn't possible. If you want to hear more from me, tune into my blog.

To leave on a fun inspired note, here are some blogs that I love reading:

Fashionologie - get up to date news and gossip on the fashion world

Keiko Lynn - fashion blog of a very very pretty girl living in New York who is a fashion designer. She updates often and adds photos of her equally very very pretty boyfriend and pets.

Chickengirl Design - Sweet illustrator Jannie Ho loves chickens and makes kick-ass children's illustrations.

Drawn - an illustration and cartooning blog where you can find all the up and coming arty folk as well as news on the illustrating and cartooning world.


Gemma Correll and her merry band of misfits - I LOVE her work. It has that great balance of ugly and cute. I just adore the way she draws cats.

Goodbye my lovelies, and keep an eye out for the next guest blogger :)

xoxo
N.

Terrible Yellow Eyes

I'm sure everyone reading knows of "Where the Wild Things Are" by Maurice Sendak. I personally love the book. The story is brilliant and well written, the illustrations are just superb and the whole structure of the book is genius. I analysed it as part of my honours project and it made me realise just how great a book it is. I'm also looking forward to the movie, if you haven't seen the movie trailer take a gander right here...






To get more of a fix of Wild Things, take a look at this website called "Terrible Yellow Eyes" created by illustrator Cory Godbey. He has invited a number of excellent illustrators to join him in creating artwork inspired by the book. It's still a continuing project so add it to your blog reader and delve into the magical world of the Wild Things, and perhaps join in on a wild rumpus or two!

Next Made On The Left Market - Get Your Applications In!

Upcoming Market : Made On The Left at the Hyde Park Hotel

We are proud to announce that the next Made on the Left market will run over two fabulous days - Saturday & Sunday, the 25th & 26th of July 2009. We’ll be returning to our previous venue, the Hyde Park Hotel, from 10am - 4pm each day and the Made on the Left crew will make a point of enjoying hot chips and cold beer with our craft (it is winter after all! We tell ourselves the extra carbs are needed for warmth...).

Not only will there be two whole days of designer goodness to look forward to, but this weekend will feature completely different stallholders on each day. Our cunning plan has two major benefits; we’ll be able to showcase more great local talent over the weekend, and our customers will have even more choice – especially if they drop in both days!

~APPLICATION FORM~

PDF Application

Word Application

Then submit them to admin[!at]madeontheleft.com

or via snail mail -

Made On The Left

PO Box 449

Cannington, WA, 6987

Don’t leave it too long – applications close June 20!

Illustration Inspiration

Being an illustrator, you need inspiration from somewhere. Sometimes I get it from random objects or something I see in a magazine or on TV. When I look at other illustrator's work, if it speaks to me it makes me want to draw. Here are some illustrators that really inspire me at the moment...






Hsinping's work is so cute! I especially love the first one with the little men things. Website. Shop.





These are so wonderful! I love the Japanese style used.
By Coqumaho





Bettycat has such a unique style and the lush colours used makes me want to use my paints so bad!

City Of Joondalup Community Art Exhibition

City of Joondalup

2009 Community Art Exhibition

11 to 27 June 2009 – open during shopping hours

The Great Space, Lakeside Joondalup Shopping City,

Joondalup Drive, Joondalup

Support our local artists!

The City of Joondalup is pleased to invite you to support our local artists, enjoy some wonderful and engaging artwork and help judge the Popular Choice Award.

The City of Joondalup Community Art Exhibition is considered the premier, annual event for local artists. Each year it attracts over 100 artworks, showcasing the diversity and talent within the Joondalup region.

Prizes are awarded for artworks in a range of categories and you can vote for your favourite artwork – and go into a draw to win a great prize!

Free, informative tours of the exhibition will be led by the City of Joondalup Curator. No pre-booking is required.

Free public tours:

Wednesday 17 and 24 June, 11.30am – 12.30pm

For more information go to click here or call 9400 4705