the white night crush was worth it for....

There's nothing quite like seeing a tree wink at me!  I can assure you it's a very odd sight to behold!

Although his eyes are closed in this photo - I just know he winked at me!

This year it was the highlight of my visit to the amazing all-night-light-fest White Night. (see my post from last year here) Renowned Queensland projection artist Craig Walsh threw projections across the 'mighty' Yarra River to the trees lining the river at Birrarung Marr. It was a schlep to get there but it was worth it. I just wish I had headed home after seeing them instead of spending another 2 hours in the crush of humanity that visited the city. The photos I took picked up zero so I hope these tell the story.

These are the watchbirds watching you!

The faces were animated - they slept, their eyes drooped, they looked left and right, they smiled. It was the most eerie and beautiful experience. 

Unless you stood directly in front of 'a face' all you could see was light and a tree - move a little and then miraculously there they were!

Detail of a face in amongst the leaves and branches (the age)

If you haven't visited White Night then I do recommend a visit next year. It's only on for one night although there is currently talk of making this a two night event to try and thin the 500,000 who flocked to the city this year.  So thankyou Craig Walsh (visit his website here to see some amazing projections around the world) your creations were a sight to behold. 

I'll leave you with some more 'borrowed' photos - these are some of the buildings that were so beautifully lit.

Flinders Street Station as you have never seen it before (the age)

The cutest little Chapter House (next to St Paul's Cathedral) - a favourite last year and this year (freshphotography.com.au)

James - James Bond

007 has been visiting Melbourne for the last few months and finally in the last week of the 'his visit' - a joint venture with Melbourne Museum and the Barbican Centre, London - I went to see 'him' at our marvellous museum (a must visit) right next our world heritage Royal Exhibition Building. I must say I was coerced into going to the Designing 007 - 50 years of Bond Style - and I'm so glad I was! It was terrific. And I'm not even a great 007 fan. Perhaps this exhibition will change my mind when an old Bond movie is shown in the future. 

THAT car and in my view THE James Bond (with THAT voice!)

We were welcomed by THE Aston Martin and things just got slicker as we moved inside the exhibition.

Evil awaits as you enter the 'Bond Tunnel' to the Exhibition

You'll see bags of tricks and gadgets created by Q; a glamorous 'casino' with some amazing Bond-girl frocks (don't you love that word frocks!), the gold body from Goldfinger and you'll hear the silky voice of Sean Connery repeating James - James Bond often! Watch a preview here

The Q case of tricks

And you'll spend some time learning about author Ian Fleming and his James Bond style true life story.

You'll see a lot of divine red dresses - designed for amazing bodies!! This is Sophie Marceau in her casino dress

The exhibition begins when you step inside the 'Bond tunnel' and with the first Bond movie 1962’s Dr. No and ends with 2012’s Skyfall. Unfortunately no photos inside the exhibition were allowed but we were farewelled by yet another amazing machine.

Perhaps it is on its way to Sochi! With the Bond Bar in the background - shaken not stirred!

So if you are a James - James Bond 007 fan get your skates on and see it before it departs our shores on 23 February 2014. And if you intend going to the wonderful White Night (24 hours when all of Melbourne is awake this Saturday night 22 February - see my post of last year here) why not pop into the Museum - it will be open from 1900 - 0700) 

Bowen Cottage client comment - Yet another wonderful stay

Love is in the air!

On a recent trip to Venice (lucky me!) I was fascinated by the padlocks on the Accademia Bridge. I know this has become quite a fashion around the world (I have certainly seen it in Paris and even here in Melbourne). Locking your names to a special place (a bridge seems to be hot!) is just another statement of your love. With hawkers trying to sell a padlock as you cross I guess the temptation is just too much for some.

Love padlocks aplenty

And if you're not going to have a wedding in Venice then padlocking your love in the city of angels and cupids is probably not a bad alternative. 

Eyes only for you on the Rialto Bridge (with a bevvy of tourists watching!)

Do you know the origins of Valentine’s Day? Seems no one does for sure, but the Solvang Bakery’s blog has a bit of history, including a photo of Esther Howland, alleged mother of the modern-day Valentine card. You might not know it to look at her…

Esther Howland, via www.examiner.com

 …but beneath that Queen Victoria hairdo and starched lace collar beat the wild heart of a smoldering love goddess and wildly successful entrepreneur. Esther, you little vixen, you.
- See more at: http://www.francesschultz.com/9604#sthash.zpZNoiMs.dpuf

Do you know the origins of Valentine’s Day? Seems no one does for sure, but the Solvang Bakery’s blog has a bit of history, including a photo of Esther Howland, alleged mother of the modern-day Valentine card. You might not know it to look at her…

Esther Howland, via www.examiner.com

 …but beneath that Queen Victoria hairdo and starched lace collar beat the wild heart of a smoldering love goddess and wildly successful entrepreneur. Esther, you little vixen, you.
- See more at: http://www.francesschultz.com/9604#sthash.zpZNoiMs.dpuf

Well what do Venice and Richmond have in common you might ask! Well there's something about Richmond that always surprises! Popping down the street the other day I just happened upon a rather special hedge! I'd never seen it before! But there in all its glorified pruning was a Valentines Day heart hedge. And it wasn't even February! Enjoy.

I love you - Happy Valentine!

Melbourne Now!

Melbourne Now (visit the website here) is a wonderfully exciting initiative by the recently appointed Director of the National Gallery of Victoria - Tony Elwood - and of course his team. In the short period he has been with the gallery (he returned from the Queensland Art Gallery which he had revitalised) all sorts of things are happening in what was once a rather stuffy and rather predictable art gallery institution. Not any more! This is opening the doors of the gallery to more than just the usual gallery-goers and showcasing some of the enormous talent of this city. Since it opened in November (it closes 23 March) over 400,000 visitors have visited both the National Gallery of Victoria - International (St Kilda Road) and the Australia gallery (in Federation Square) through new and vibrant eyes. 

The famed waterwall as you have never seen it

Of course the wonderful 'regular' collection is not forgotten and is often incorporated in some of the instillations but in the meantime there are activities aplenty going on in both the NGV International (NGVI) and also the NGV Australia (NGVA). What I found interesting was the number of young people who I have seen visiting the gallery and I suspect some are visiting for the first time. It has become an exciting place to be. It's quirky, interesting, challenging and fun. Seeing children (and adults!) threading, playing, drawing and just participating in so many activities at both galleries and in the lovely garden (a hidden gem of Melbourne) at the NGVI has been a joy. 

NGVI sculpture garden - overlooked by 'the city'

You are welcomed at the NGVI with an instillation both outside the waterwall and continuing inside. This is the Community Hall - a place where a band can be playing, or set up for story time, or for artworks, or dance - and much much more. It's a hive of activity. 

The vibrant Community Hall in the gallery foyer - open to all-comers

On the other side of the NGVI courtyard is an instillation of Ikea waste bins created into a goedesic dome. It's just another example of unexpected creativity.

Just another use for an Ikea waste bin - the Bindow by Rory Hyde!!

Then there are the sculptures in the garden, flags flying in the Great Hall. This is a coming together of artists, architects, designers, performers, then there is the threading of beads to be hung around the gallery. I was amazed at how participatory everything and everyone was in joining in the fun. With over 175 different individual and group presentations it really is hard to pick a favourite.

Visitors of all ages - threading, hanging, messaging

Perhaps one of the highlights was a video of Melbourne laneways. We popped in behind a curtain at NGVI and didn't want to come out! What a video journey we went on - we couldn't work out how it was done - clever Daniel Crooks. Do spend some time moving through the back lanes of the suburbs - and it's a great opportunity to rest your weary feet!

But it was at the NGVA on the ground floor that was the most fun for me. The renowned Hotham Street Ladies (visit their website here) have created a 50's living room and the 'remains' of a Christmas Day meal - all in icing! Even the dado's on the walls are made of icing. Now there would be some/many who would say that 'this is not art' but for me 'art is in the eye of the beholder' and this beholder thought it was fun!

Hideous icing carpet, look for the icing sugar nickety nacks when you are there!

Imagine eating your way through this crocheted blanket!

A memorable Christmas lunch (all - yes all except the chairs and tables - icing)

I could go on and on but I'm sure you have the message! There is loads to see, loads to do, loads to ponder, and loads to enjoy. It's not all fun and games but it has brought a vibrancy to an oft considered staid and rather intimidating institution. Try and allocate a couple of hours for each Gallery. I'll leave you with a Melbourne Now directions to the loos! It sort of sums up the quirkiness of this extraordinary event.