Archive for the ‘journal’ Category

On the 1st of March this year, I was part of the Spencer Tunnick Installation, The Base, which took place on the stairs of the Sydney Opera House. It was one of the most amazing things I have ever been part of. Unforgettable!! You can read the original blog post here .

It was so cold that morning, the first day of Autumn and wow! we felt it!. Today was the day to return to collect the special edition photo given only to the 5000 or so participants.

Here is the photograph Spencer Tunick chose out of all the many different shots he took.

And here is me today, on the steps holding my souvenir photo! Can't wait to get it framed

It's a pity that the sky was not as blue for the actual photo. Sydney Harbour and the Opera House look so beautiful when everything is glistening.

My friend Cheech has an entry in the Drambuie 'The Premise' competition.

Titled 'Young Pretenders' it's entirely constructed out of cardboard. Considering it's a pop-up bar concept, I think this is a pretty awesome take on the whole idea!! Good luck my dear!!

Go vote for her here

I am currently saving for a trip to Paris...it may take a while, but i am hellbent on getting there sooner than later.

A few months ago I heard about a little shop in Paris called Merci...it sounded great, but now after seeing these beautiful photos by Jillian Leiboff I am well and truly enthralled. It is soooo my style. Relax, quirky and with unexpected details. I am going to need some serious spending money and a few empty suitcases!!

Well at least on my blog...I had to move hosting and my blog totally crashed. I still have to iron out a few things on here, so let me know if there is a missing photo or any issues. I really missed my blog and was so busy and didn't have much time to fix the problem and I kept wanting to write about all the cool stuff I have been doing.

Quick list here (I will come back and write more about each one, this is merely so I don't forget ;] )

1. Elle Girl Interview
2. 365wordgirl
3. Fbi Radio Interview
4. Sketchbook Project
5. Canvas Project
6. Markets and Online sales

Last night some words were added to 365wordgirl

I also spotted my project being featured on the CURATED website, which is pretty awesome indeed!

Needless to say I feel proud at the moment and am really looking forward to words coming in to the project from all corners of the globe!!

So if you are reading this spread the word! and send them here

Just to let you know that the 365wordgirl project now has it's own home. I moved it to save confusion and to better promote it. The bonus is that is also looks the shizz-nizzle on the pure black background. So to celebrate the move, go leave a word...it will be so unbelievably worth it!!

My 365wordgirl photos have been included in the current issue of Blanket Magazine. Issue 21 is The Rock, Paper, Scissors Issue and there is some awesome art, illustration and design included. I'm pretty chuffed to have been selected as it's a pretty cool digital zine and can be purchased here for the measly amount of $2 USD...back issues are also available.

One week ago today I went to bed early, so that I could awaken at 2.45am, dress and make my way to 'THE BASE', Spencer Tunick's latest installation. It took place on the steps of the opera house forecourt as well as inside the concert hall.
I still feel extremely priviledged and lucky to have been involved. It was truly a profound experience. People came from all walks of life and in all shapes and sizes, although as soon as they got their kit off, none of this mattered. In the mass naked sea of people, no-one could judge each other, we all had our flaws, we were all completely vulnerable. But as soon as we all removed our clothes, it was as though the taboo of nakedness was also removed. Clothing suddenly seemed heavy, the simple act of dressing yourself each day seemed like it was a burden. I had always believed that self expression through fashion was very important, now my thoughts were being challenged. What we chose to wear each day is so much more than just self expression. Like armour, it protects us, what we wear affects how people may see us, how others may judge us. Whether or not we wish to blend in or make a statement, express our personality or pretend to be something we are not...there are soo many layers to why we wear what we wear. And even though I will not stop expressing myself by means of fashion, I will never forget the liberating feeling of being naked (and I am not entirely sure if this same feeling will be achievable again, as I can only imagine a nudist beach or resort when no doubt have some kind of sleazy element to it)...it transcending the physical act so to speak....for 3 hours I was not bound by any notion of what others might think of me or the need armour myself. Fear is definitely conquered when you allow yourself to be vulnerable.......

Lately I have been thinking a lot about 'the self' and self portraiture. During September, my 30 new things project got me thinking a lot about the celebration of ones self/image... hmm self and image! How exclusive are these two of each other, really? What do these two things mean in popular culture right now? With the bombardment of social networking and celebrity scandals and imagery, it's almost like a race to be seen. What is my part in this circus? At times I truly feel that life is too short and one should have no qualms in the excessive portrayal of one's image. But it this excess just for the sake of it?

Whilst under going my 30 new things project I dare say I indulged (for lack of a better word) in a few self portraits tinted with narcissism. Many may see it as nothing more. No doubt some may say this about many of my facebook photos also. So why have I found myself at this place...slightly obsessed with portraying 'me'....perhaps it's as my friend Robstar so kindly put it the other night...I am evolving! Am I subconsciously fearfully of the change being so constant that I need to attempt to document this change. Each self portrait being a slice of time. I will never be that person again. I kind of like this idea. I also like the idea that it push people's buttons...but that's maybe another story.

When I think of all this I can't help but think of Cindy Sherman. Since studying photography at University I have always been interested in her work. Cindy uses herself as the subject in her photos, although they are far from being considered self-portraits. Always a different character in her work, Sherman communicates her views on women in society, their depiction in the media as well as raising questions regarding the modern world in general. Her photos have a distinct style and no matter what the message are always theatrical.

Although much more humourous and lighthearted, I guess my Tankgirl series touched on a similiar thing. And what girl doesn't want to be Tankgirl!

.....and then there was my Dali-inspired attempt at being a man....

So OK maybe I'm no Cindy Sherman...but she no doubt influences and motivates me to not only feel at ease with using myself as the subject, but also use this medium as a valid form of art. It's not narcissistic!! (ok maybe just a tiny, tiny bit ;]) presently I am devising an idea/project that will take this concept further.

I really love the daily self portrait projects people undertake...and 09h09 often makes me laugh. It's the blog of Jean-Michel Gobet...he takes a photo of himself everyday at 9.09am...no matter where he is..the caption is in both french and english...an added bonus for people like me trying to learn french. And..he has been doing these daily arms length self portraits since 2002....Wow!!

Stay tuned for new MOOKIE adventures containing high amounts of narcissistic tendencies and cheap arms-length snapshottery!

I just designed and made some New spat/ankle cuffs. They are available to purchase here I am busy making lots of new stuff at the moment and will be adding it here soon.