Sunday Snaps

On my desk....

..a walk through the Botanical Gardens

....still in the Botanical Gardens

...tree trunk indigenous art in the Botanical Gardens

..a beautiful Oak tree

 

 

Garden Sculptures - Behind the Wall

'Behind The Wall - Sculptures in a Sorenson Garden' is being held this weekend in the grounds of Mahratta - a Neo-Georgian Art Deco Mansion in Sydney.

 Whilst we had a rainy Saturday, the sun managed to shine periodically making for a wonderful walk through the garden. There were numerous beautiful sculptures ............

And some other snaps from the garden:

Whimsy by Kelly on Etsy

Thank you very much to Kelly from Colourscape for including my vibrant green earrings 'Lupin Vale' in her beautiful Treasury named 'Whimsy'.

'Lupin Vale' earrings

A Great Exhibition

We are fortunate to have a new art exhibition at the Art Gallery of New South Wales in Sydney from 8th November to 9th February 2014.

The exhibition called 'America Painting a Nation' displays paintings covering over 200 years of American art and history.

I certainly learned a lot about America from the paintings and artists represented.

The paintings by John Singer Sargent and Mary Cassatt were definite favourites for me and showed a style reminiscent of the Impressionists. 

Well worth a visit!

My Creative Space

Weather in Sydney over the past 2 months has been warmer than usual for a typical spring season.

This has resulted in me getting out some summery blue beads and making new necklaces with dresses and t-shirts in mind.

Here is today's creation listed in my Made It store:

Made It Store Update

I've re-opened my Made It store today following a recent break.
Made It is a great website for Australian artists, makers and designers and I have enjoyed being a part of this website.

I've added some new designs today including this vibrant green necklace made of Peridot:

Sculpture by the Sea

I feel very lucky to live in Sydney.
It is a beautiful city and is often host to some spectacular events.
For the past 17 years, Sculpture by the Sea has existed along the Bondi Beach to Tamarama coastal walk. What started as a one day exhibition has now grown into an amazing cultural display extending over 2 weeks. This year there were over 100 sculptures on display from artists across 14 countries.

Most of the sculptures are huge - so the work, inspiration and effort in bringing the exhibition together is truly incredible. The backdrop of the Pacific Ocean is a divine canvas......I hope my photos can do it justice.

I had many favourites..........

The Great Bondi Sharehouse by Margarita Sampson

'All creatures need a little shelter...no matter if we have fur or feathers, tentacles or toes'

Moon Buddha by Vince Vozzo

The next 2 photos show the wonderful creation made from plywood and polypropylene named Coral by Coral Collective (artists, architects and academics from QLD)

This one is called Start by Richard Tipping....'these poetic word works are self contained 'idea icons'. Art is bursting out of its formal frame'.

 This stunning sculpture by Toshio Lezumi from Japan is made of float glass and stands 25metres high (although my photo only shows a portion):

 And the favourite - which packed a whopping visual punch as the waves moved towards the shore:

Horizon by Lucy Humphrey

'Using water as a sculptural material, the work will temporarily transform the viewer's experience of the site...'

There was also some home grown 'installations' by local residents amongst the trees beside the coastal walk path:

The view towards Bondi Beach:

...and Tamarama Bay:

Sculpture by the Sea finishes in 2 days... but there is always next year - 23rd Oct to 9th Nov 2014! 

A good excuse to visit Sydney and plan a holiday.

Photography Outdoors

I've been outside in glorious sunshine today updating some necklace shots and photographing some new designs. I tend to alternate between photographing indoors at night using lighting and taking natural shots outside in the garden.

I've come to love the outdoor shots best using natural light as it really highlights the inherent beauty of gemstones and pearls.

Here is a re-vamped photo of a favourite necklace:

This is a new creation - a long necklace in burnt orange featuring some silver dangles:

I'm also re-opening my Made It store this weekend so there has been a lot of preparation behind the scenes. I hope to organise some new listings in the next 2-3 days after a trip to the wonderful Sculpture by The Sea at Bondi.

Today's Creation

I bought some fantastic Howlite beads that I'd set aside for some statement necklaces in some really great summer colours.

Here is today's creation made using turquoise blue Howlite and waxed cotton cord knotted between each bead:

I can see this looking equally fantastic with a black dress or with a t-shirt and jeans.

The 8 month Blog Hiatus

I've had a break from blogging over the past 8 months!
Life has been busy.
A recent trip to France is partly the reason with many months of planning, researching and information gathering absorbing spare time + I've been busy again in my studio space coming up with new creations as we head towards our summer months.

The red beads have been out again.

Here is today's creation: