It made sense when I read it though.
Today I decided to run with the idea and add fennel and horseradish to my latest batch of kimchi.
You can see these have been blended and I've added smoked paprika and ginger.
Fermenting
It made sense when I read it though.
Today I decided to run with the idea and add fennel and horseradish to my latest batch of kimchi.
You can see these have been blended and I've added smoked paprika and ginger.
Friend Advice
(Or go to this link!)
It's less than 1mb and in PDF format.
I've made this for a zine fest I'm going to next month, where I'll offer it with copies of my book Earthwords.
Channels
The Disquiet Junto number 424 shared a project by Jonathon Keats, who instructed participants to perform outside "employing nature as your conductor."
I recorded my guitar by the water channel, changing pace based on the wind on my face.
Before I'd begun I'd an idea to layer the takes, using a technique shared by Brian Crabtree in Disquiet Junto project 223.
Then, after reflecting on the missed opportunity to incorporate a palindrome, I revisited the recording and reversed one guitar part then added my attempt at a solo on top.
It was this last version that I thought might be likely to interest Leeton locals, so I posted in on a Facebook page.
There I was delighted to prompt the following response from Dale Richey:
[That's] "Across from my parents home lot's of history on that bridge. I seen you over there first time a guitar has been played there.
"That was where nearly every kid in leeton swam mudfights fist fights laughter tears and many good times were had there ask any local aged between 55 and 65 and you will get a smile out of them as they remember the good times at the canal."
I recorded my guitar by the water channel, changing pace based on the wind on my face.
Before I'd begun I'd an idea to layer the takes, using a technique shared by Brian Crabtree in Disquiet Junto project 223.
Then, after reflecting on the missed opportunity to incorporate a palindrome, I revisited the recording and reversed one guitar part then added my attempt at a solo on top.
It was this last version that I thought might be likely to interest Leeton locals, so I posted in on a Facebook page.
There I was delighted to prompt the following response from Dale Richey:
[That's] "Across from my parents home lot's of history on that bridge. I seen you over there first time a guitar has been played there.
"That was where nearly every kid in leeton swam mudfights fist fights laughter tears and many good times were had there ask any local aged between 55 and 65 and you will get a smile out of them as they remember the good times at the canal."
The end of television
It seems strange to think that I lived at a time when there was nothing to watch
Before video, television used to run out of programs to broadcast.
At the end of the day, through until the morning when it resumed again, they'd broadcast a test pattern.
The thing that most vividly comes to mind is the sound of it, a whining 1kHz tone.
If you fell asleep watching a show, that unceasing note would sometimes wake you up.
There were only two TV stations in those days, a local commercial broadcaster and the national ABC.
Insomniacs would either read books or listen to the radio, which would often include a talk-back host who'd try to engage listeners in conversation.
Before video, television used to run out of programs to broadcast.
The thing that most vividly comes to mind is the sound of it, a whining 1kHz tone.
If you fell asleep watching a show, that unceasing note would sometimes wake you up.
There were only two TV stations in those days, a local commercial broadcaster and the national ABC.
Insomniacs would either read books or listen to the radio, which would often include a talk-back host who'd try to engage listeners in conversation.
Funding Success for Leeton Arts Projects
The Leeton Art Society Inc has been successful in obtaining two Community Art Support Program (CASP) grants from the NSW Government for projects in 2020
“We’re delighted that our members have developed these two projects to assist in promoting and providing opportunities for local artists in Leeton,” said Leeton Art Society President Jacqui Herrmann.
The first project is a video production called “The Penny Effect”, which was developed by artist and nephew of Penny Paniz, Mr Glenn Saddler, highlighting the influence that accomplished artist and former Art Society member, Penny Paniz, had on the development of visual arts in Leeton.
This video will premiere at the annual Penny Paniz Acquisitive Arts Competition and Exhibition (PPAA) at Easter, an event named in honour of Penny that showcases local artists’ works.
“Penny had a remarkable effect on artists in Leeton Shire, as well as being an inaugural member of the Art Society, and founding Chairperson for Western Riverina Arts.
“It’s been nearly a decade since her passing however, while her influence remains, many of our newer members, entrants, and visitors to the annual Penny Paniz Exhibition, are unaware of Penny’s important contribution to the Shire’s cultural community.
“The short video is a collection of Penny’s artworks, Prize winners of the PPAA over the past 7 years, and a record of the memories of those who worked and created alongside Penny, and be an important resource for the Leeton Art Society Inc and its members for years to come”, Ms Herrmann said.
The second project is a landscape-themed exhibition to be held in the region later in 2020. Local culture-maker and curator, Jason Richardson, will work with the Society’s members to collect representations of the Riverina’s environment for an innovative show combining visual and audible art.
“After curating exhibitions in Narrandera and Griffith in recent years, I’m excited by the opportunity to develop a multi-media show with local artists in Leeton Shire,” said Jason Richardson.
“I appreciate the support of the Leeton Art Society in developing this proposal and look forward to working with them to prepare a stimulating exhibition that will bring together a variety of media,” he said.
The exhibition, titled “Our Riverina”, will be shown in Leeton during October this year and Griffith during early 2021, with dates in Narrandera to be confirmed.
The Leeton Art Society Inc’s projects are supported by Create NSW’s Country Arts Support Program, a devolved funding program administered by Regional Arts NSW and Western Riverina Arts on behalf of the NSW Government.
Photo of Penny Paniz from the LASI archives, photographer unknown.
“We’re delighted that our members have developed these two projects to assist in promoting and providing opportunities for local artists in Leeton,” said Leeton Art Society President Jacqui Herrmann.
This video will premiere at the annual Penny Paniz Acquisitive Arts Competition and Exhibition (PPAA) at Easter, an event named in honour of Penny that showcases local artists’ works.
“Penny had a remarkable effect on artists in Leeton Shire, as well as being an inaugural member of the Art Society, and founding Chairperson for Western Riverina Arts.
“It’s been nearly a decade since her passing however, while her influence remains, many of our newer members, entrants, and visitors to the annual Penny Paniz Exhibition, are unaware of Penny’s important contribution to the Shire’s cultural community.
“The short video is a collection of Penny’s artworks, Prize winners of the PPAA over the past 7 years, and a record of the memories of those who worked and created alongside Penny, and be an important resource for the Leeton Art Society Inc and its members for years to come”, Ms Herrmann said.
The second project is a landscape-themed exhibition to be held in the region later in 2020. Local culture-maker and curator, Jason Richardson, will work with the Society’s members to collect representations of the Riverina’s environment for an innovative show combining visual and audible art.
“After curating exhibitions in Narrandera and Griffith in recent years, I’m excited by the opportunity to develop a multi-media show with local artists in Leeton Shire,” said Jason Richardson.
“I appreciate the support of the Leeton Art Society in developing this proposal and look forward to working with them to prepare a stimulating exhibition that will bring together a variety of media,” he said.
The exhibition, titled “Our Riverina”, will be shown in Leeton during October this year and Griffith during early 2021, with dates in Narrandera to be confirmed.
The Leeton Art Society Inc’s projects are supported by Create NSW’s Country Arts Support Program, a devolved funding program administered by Regional Arts NSW and Western Riverina Arts on behalf of the NSW Government.
Photo of Penny Paniz from the LASI archives, photographer unknown.
Ember Island Players
This morning we watched one of my favourite episodes of Avatar: The Ember Island Players
Love the Shakespearian-style show-within-the-show that turns out to be propaganda for the Fire Nation.
It's been fun revisiting Avatar and the show stands up well.
It's been fun revisiting Avatar and the show stands up well.
Compare and contrast
I can't resist buying chocolate when it's heavily discounted
It was especially pleasing to see two varieties of sea salt caramel flavoured dark chocolate on special recently.
I love comparing and contrasting products.
The line "compare and contrast" first came to my attention in essay questions at school.
In more recent years I've learned the value of having two bottles of wine open, as it lets one evaluate their flavours against each other.
When I drank I'd start with a small glass of a cheap wine and it'd help me appreciate the following glass more fully.
When I eased up on wine and began drinking coffee again, I bought every brand of bean available and evaluated their merits before settling on a combination of two contrasting flavours.
A similar thing happened when I ate these dark chocolates.
First I had the Frey branded chocolate, noting the bitter and salt flavours -- particularly the lingering molasses-like liquorice taste.
Then I had the Lindt, enjoying the smooth mouth-feel and sweetness, as well as the burnt sugar toffee.
And, finally, I ate them both together and marvelled at how well they complemented each other.
I love comparing and contrasting products.
The line "compare and contrast" first came to my attention in essay questions at school.
In more recent years I've learned the value of having two bottles of wine open, as it lets one evaluate their flavours against each other.
When I drank I'd start with a small glass of a cheap wine and it'd help me appreciate the following glass more fully.
When I eased up on wine and began drinking coffee again, I bought every brand of bean available and evaluated their merits before settling on a combination of two contrasting flavours.
A similar thing happened when I ate these dark chocolates.
First I had the Frey branded chocolate, noting the bitter and salt flavours -- particularly the lingering molasses-like liquorice taste.
Then I had the Lindt, enjoying the smooth mouth-feel and sweetness, as well as the burnt sugar toffee.
And, finally, I ate them both together and marvelled at how well they complemented each other.
Dying in the arts
Summer means every major Australian gallery is advertising an imported 'blockbuster' exhibition
They're invariably dead males from another country and we're told they're important.
But these backward-looking shows are one symptom of an illness that sees art isn't recognised for having a role everyone's daily lives.
Art is dying up its own arse, seemingly happy to be the domain of practitioners with letters after their names and increasingly hiding in academic clothing.
I'd hope most people would agree that creativity, like exercise, is an important activity.
Yet we see very few role models.
Just like sport, art's cultural sibling, it ought to be promoted as needing 30 minutes a day.
But, also like sport, people are mostly offered to buy a passive relationship with the thing they claim to love.
They're invariably dead males from another country and we're told they're important.
But these backward-looking shows are one symptom of an illness that sees art isn't recognised for having a role everyone's daily lives.
Art is dying up its own arse, seemingly happy to be the domain of practitioners with letters after their names and increasingly hiding in academic clothing.
I'd hope most people would agree that creativity, like exercise, is an important activity.
Yet we see very few role models.
Just like sport, art's cultural sibling, it ought to be promoted as needing 30 minutes a day.
But, also like sport, people are mostly offered to buy a passive relationship with the thing they claim to love.
Inherent Vice
Recently watched Inherent Vice a second time and thoroughly enjoyed it
Paul Thomas Anderson's adaptation of Thomas Pynchon's novel sits between Chinatown and The Big Lebowski, with many of the familiar Chandler-style LA detective plot points.
While there's some ambiguity about the femme fatale, it's got the mess of threads that reveal themselves to be deeply entangled and a sinister (former) psychiatric facility.
The post-'60s setting thrives on paranoia, and I mentioned previously how the film triggered an unsettling moment for me.
Anderson's movies are often grand and, while some of them have felt a bit sluggish for me, I think Inherent Vice should be regarded as a classic.
There are many amazing scenes and incredible performances, as well as revitalising the American Noir genre in a way I haven't seen since The Last Seduction.
Paul Thomas Anderson's adaptation of Thomas Pynchon's novel sits between Chinatown and The Big Lebowski, with many of the familiar Chandler-style LA detective plot points.
While there's some ambiguity about the femme fatale, it's got the mess of threads that reveal themselves to be deeply entangled and a sinister (former) psychiatric facility.
The post-'60s setting thrives on paranoia, and I mentioned previously how the film triggered an unsettling moment for me.
Anderson's movies are often grand and, while some of them have felt a bit sluggish for me, I think Inherent Vice should be regarded as a classic.
There are many amazing scenes and incredible performances, as well as revitalising the American Noir genre in a way I haven't seen since The Last Seduction.
Dream within a dream
Yesterday I awoke from a dream in which I awoke at a friend's house and discussed the dream I'd been having -- a dream within a dream
That nested dream had been about learning to fly on an eagle, which was a beaut image and I wrote a haiku to remind myself of it.
However, the conversation with the friend also included pointing at a newspaper written in Sanskrit and identifying a swastika on the page.
The friend had replied that it had another meaning.
I'd shared this detail with my partner yesterday morning, then it unsettled me when we watched the film Inherent Vice last night:
I'm not sure but I think the response in the film is word-for-word what was said in my dream.
Dreams are weird.
That nested dream had been about learning to fly on an eagle, which was a beaut image and I wrote a haiku to remind myself of it.
However, the conversation with the friend also included pointing at a newspaper written in Sanskrit and identifying a swastika on the page.
The friend had replied that it had another meaning.
I'd shared this detail with my partner yesterday morning, then it unsettled me when we watched the film Inherent Vice last night:
I'm not sure but I think the response in the film is word-for-word what was said in my dream.
Dreams are weird.
Mere mail
At first I was disappointed that it only contained a handful of religious pamphlets.
Then I realised it shows someone is concerned about my spirit.
Thanks!
Star Wars backstory
"Sometimes you can have science fiction where you create a whole other world, like Star Wars. The genesis was Apocalypse Now. It was supposed to be George Lucas’s movie at first. George Lucas and Francis Ford Coppola, they came up from LA to the Bay Area because it was the hotbed of radicalism. They wanted to make a radical film collective. And they didn’t. But after Lucas did American Graffiti, he was like, “Cool, I have a hit. Now I’m doing my Apocalypse Now,” which was his movie based on Heart of Darkness.
"The protagonists were [supposed to be] the Vietcong — we were following them, going into enemy territory, into the US’s conquered territory, and finding their Kurtz, which was someone who had come from the Vietcong, joined up with the US, risen in the ranks because of everything he knew and how murderous he was against his own people, and they were going to go get him.
"He couldn’t get it funded. He was like, “What? I just made all this money? What’s going on?” They were like, “It’s too radical. You’re not going to get this funded. Leave it alone.” He was like, “Okay, I’ll take the same story and I’ll put it in space.” The Rebels were the Vietcong, the Empire was the US, and Darth Vader was their Kurtz."
Chip off the old block
Before his Christmas holiday, I accidentally told Eden he could start an Instagram account
On his return, he asked if I wanted to see the meme he’d made.
It was a picture of Prime Minister Scott Morrison with the text “How good is climate change?”
Despite the poor contrast of the lettering. pride surged through me.
How good is the chip off the old block?
It was a picture of Prime Minister Scott Morrison with the text “How good is climate change?”
Despite the poor contrast of the lettering. pride surged through me.
How good is the chip off the old block?
Film of the decade
Funny thing happened when I was prompted to list my favourite movies of the last decade
My friend Ben is a Movie Nerd and he posted a list of the top ten movies of the last ten years.
I agreed with Inception (2010) and Arrival (2016) and maybe even Fury Road (2015) but, as I looked over lists and considered my own selection, I soon realised my tastes had shifted.
The movies that were most meaningful to me were those I'd watched over and over with my children.
When I saw Scott Pilgrim... (2010), for example, I couldn't wait to share it my son because he would recognise the way it works to include the visual language from videogames and comics.
Even Arrival has recently become elevated because my daughter asks to see it, although I also like the way it incorporates the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis as that influenced me in first-year university.
And Whiplash (2014) has gone from being a film that's inventive in the way it presents music, to being a film I'd admire for the influence it had on my son -- who now plays drums after watching it a dozen times or more.
So I realised that, where I'd once been a film critic and would work to objectively justify the films I liked, I now subjectively like films I've come to appreciate after repeated viewings to meet the demands of my children.
As a result, I think the best movie of the decade is Chef (2014).
I've lost track of how many times I've watched this small film made by an actor, writer and director who has shaped many blockbusters, Jon Favreau.
One of the things I've come to enjoy is the way the titular chef rediscovers the joy in his craft through leaving restaurants to start a food truck.
I can't help but wonder if that's also true of Favreau, who has handled films with intimidatingly large budgets but brings his celebrity friends in to play minor parts in this wholesome family film.
My kids, I think, love how the character of the son helps the chef with social media.
I love that I get to put my arms around them on the couch when we watch it.
My friend Ben is a Movie Nerd and he posted a list of the top ten movies of the last ten years.
I agreed with Inception (2010) and Arrival (2016) and maybe even Fury Road (2015) but, as I looked over lists and considered my own selection, I soon realised my tastes had shifted.
The movies that were most meaningful to me were those I'd watched over and over with my children.
When I saw Scott Pilgrim... (2010), for example, I couldn't wait to share it my son because he would recognise the way it works to include the visual language from videogames and comics.
Even Arrival has recently become elevated because my daughter asks to see it, although I also like the way it incorporates the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis as that influenced me in first-year university.
And Whiplash (2014) has gone from being a film that's inventive in the way it presents music, to being a film I'd admire for the influence it had on my son -- who now plays drums after watching it a dozen times or more.
So I realised that, where I'd once been a film critic and would work to objectively justify the films I liked, I now subjectively like films I've come to appreciate after repeated viewings to meet the demands of my children.
As a result, I think the best movie of the decade is Chef (2014).
I've lost track of how many times I've watched this small film made by an actor, writer and director who has shaped many blockbusters, Jon Favreau.
One of the things I've come to enjoy is the way the titular chef rediscovers the joy in his craft through leaving restaurants to start a food truck.
I can't help but wonder if that's also true of Favreau, who has handled films with intimidatingly large budgets but brings his celebrity friends in to play minor parts in this wholesome family film.
My kids, I think, love how the character of the son helps the chef with social media.
I love that I get to put my arms around them on the couch when we watch it.
Mexican lexicon
Culture vulture
Back when he was a baby, I was going through one of my Duke Ellington phases and he'd make those bubbly baby noises while listening to the melodies.
In recent years he's introduced me to music that I had no idea existed. Newer stuff like vaporwave (which I like) and also older artists like Oingo Boingo (which I like seeing the confused looks on the staff at record shops when he asks for it and they invariably don't have it).
Last weekend we walked into JB Hi-fi and I was impressed that Oscar walked out with three albums that demonstrate his broad taste in music.
One was "Holy Diver" by Dio, which was one of the first metal albums I heard after my cousin Chris was attracted by the cover art. (It also tickles my sentimentality that the shop where I heard it was near the one where Oscar shopped.)
Another was "Station to Station" by Bowie, who I only started to appreciate when I was about twice as old as my son is now.
The last was an album of country ballads by someone I can't remember and tell myself I don't care to hear, but I feel I should ask to listen to next time we're driving somewhere.
It's interesting to consider that, given the entire of history of recorded music is now largely available, kids these days have a very different experience of being introduced to culture.
I know Oscar has found some music via JoJo's Bizarre Adventure, yet even that seems a weird leap in another direction.
He's got discerning taste and I appreciate learning from him. Even when it seems rubbish to me, he's able to articulate a context in which to understand his latest enthusiasm.
Fruit Ninja
Retail detail
'Tis the season for consumption and I've been thinking about the changing nature of retail after my trip to Canberra
Went to Woden Plaza and noticed it's now run by Westfield. Clearly they're trying to make the place into somewhere people want to spend time. There was an indoor playground in one court and live music on Friday night in the other, where they were selling sparkling wine.
Went to Costco and, using my brother’s membership card, I bought the cheapest fuel and Heinz baked beans I’d seen anywhere in recent weeks (at 138.7c/litre and 0.26/100g respectively). However, the warehouse-style environment on the outskirts of town encouraged the kind of hit-and-run-style shopping one used to do at shopping malls like the Plaza. The Woolworths built next door might advertise them as an alternative but there was nothing to encourage my entry.
Also went to Kambah's suburban shops, where I witnessed Woolies literally having a hit-and-run as I saw two blokes dash from the bottleshop and into a waiting car with their shoplifted alcohol.
Then I went around the corner to a games shop that used both the trends from the mall and the warehouse. Half the shop was a library of games with tables to play them and membership allowed one to borrow games to play at home.
I know I'm probably late with this observation but I found it interesting to see how the internet is forcing shops to find new ways to compete.
Went to Woden Plaza and noticed it's now run by Westfield. Clearly they're trying to make the place into somewhere people want to spend time. There was an indoor playground in one court and live music on Friday night in the other, where they were selling sparkling wine.
Went to Costco and, using my brother’s membership card, I bought the cheapest fuel and Heinz baked beans I’d seen anywhere in recent weeks (at 138.7c/litre and 0.26/100g respectively). However, the warehouse-style environment on the outskirts of town encouraged the kind of hit-and-run-style shopping one used to do at shopping malls like the Plaza. The Woolworths built next door might advertise them as an alternative but there was nothing to encourage my entry.
Also went to Kambah's suburban shops, where I witnessed Woolies literally having a hit-and-run as I saw two blokes dash from the bottleshop and into a waiting car with their shoplifted alcohol.
I know I'm probably late with this observation but I found it interesting to see how the internet is forcing shops to find new ways to compete.
Broken tokens
I found myself confronted by the sexism and aghast that one might evaluate music on something other than its intrinsic value; then resigned that 'the personal is political' and consumers should vote with their purses.
Still wondering whether my efforts to balance the music I write about for Cyclic Defrost are token.
A kick in the arts
The decision of the Morrison Government to remove the word “art” from a department title has drawn widespread concern from the cultural sector, yet for years artists seem to have been avoiding the term
In 2014 I heard a panel at the Dream Big conference acknowledge that art wasn’t a word they used to describe their activities.
Earlier this year I found myself relieved to be described as a “culture-maker” as Griffith Regional Art Gallery promoted my exhibition.
Sure it sounded like I made yoghurt, but it still seemed like I had something to offer!
The label art seems past its use-by date and I wonder if it’s the connotation with the artefacts created by people now deceased that often appear in galleries, rather than describing a process of creating.
As a result art has become something kinda out of reach, either because one can’t afford to own it or your own creations aren’t sought by cultural institutions.
Artist and commentator Grayson Perry has observed that art has alienated itself:
However, there are a few reasons why I think art should be embraced.
For a start, it’s difficult to think of another term than can encompass a wide variety of activities and products and still function as a superlative.
Then, when you think about it, art promotes nuance, particularly through the use of metaphor.
As former Commonwealth Bank director Harrison Young observed:
Art audiences also gain skills in developing empathy, as they must learn to see artwork through the eyes of the artist if they hope to understand its meaning.
And, finally, art can be what you want it to be.
The line "I don't know much about art, but I know what I like" captures a sense of the individual relationship an audience creates when they consider an artwork.
That speaks to the stimulation we find in the diverse activities recognised as art.
This goes some way to explain why, as journalist Michaela Boland has reported, 98% of Australians engage with the arts, through ”regularly going to gigs, seeing plays, reading novels, attending festivals and listening to music.”
Or, to quote Andy Warhol, “Art is what you can get away with.”
In 2014 I heard a panel at the Dream Big conference acknowledge that art wasn’t a word they used to describe their activities.
Casey Jenkins opted for the term craft and Katherine McLean said her organisation CuriousWorks makes digtal media. "Males, from our experience, don't see art as something they can engage with," said Narrandera-based artist Vic McEwan. "Sometimes we hide the word" he added, acknowledging that sometimes they felt they had overstated art on their posters.
Earlier this year I found myself relieved to be described as a “culture-maker” as Griffith Regional Art Gallery promoted my exhibition.
Sure it sounded like I made yoghurt, but it still seemed like I had something to offer!
The label art seems past its use-by date and I wonder if it’s the connotation with the artefacts created by people now deceased that often appear in galleries, rather than describing a process of creating.
As a result art has become something kinda out of reach, either because one can’t afford to own it or your own creations aren’t sought by cultural institutions.
Artist and commentator Grayson Perry has observed that art has alienated itself:
"There’s a section [of the art world] that has somehow over the years equated performative seriousness with worth. Gradually they’ve upped the obscurity of the language [used to describe art] and the difficulty of the art."
However, there are a few reasons why I think art should be embraced.
For a start, it’s difficult to think of another term than can encompass a wide variety of activities and products and still function as a superlative.
Then, when you think about it, art promotes nuance, particularly through the use of metaphor.
As former Commonwealth Bank director Harrison Young observed:
…metaphor is where one thing means another, it is saying two things at once. And this to my mind is like reality, there are often two aspects. Or more.
Art audiences also gain skills in developing empathy, as they must learn to see artwork through the eyes of the artist if they hope to understand its meaning.
And, finally, art can be what you want it to be.
The line "I don't know much about art, but I know what I like" captures a sense of the individual relationship an audience creates when they consider an artwork.
That speaks to the stimulation we find in the diverse activities recognised as art.
This goes some way to explain why, as journalist Michaela Boland has reported, 98% of Australians engage with the arts, through ”regularly going to gigs, seeing plays, reading novels, attending festivals and listening to music.”
(Un)Usual activity in Lismore
Recently I had a week in Lismore to collaborate with my friends at RealArtWorks on events that formed their festival
I've been working with the renowned heroes of postdisability arts for around five years and been part of their exhibitions as a result of being invited to join them on excursions in the Northern Rivers and Riverina.
When I arrived we discussed some possibilities, including developing art for their vending machine and recording Spinks Park for the Trail of Light and Sound and curating sandwiches.
There was also an instrument they hoped contact microphones would make possible to play live.
Within a day we'd expanded ideas to collage posters for display in the Lismore CBD, which gave me the opportunity to work with Matthew Daymond.
I've been a fan of Matt's surreal collages and it was awesome to be part of a frenzied process of unrolling advertising and identifying potential material.
It took me a draft to loosen up my designs and embrace the ridiculous.
"Fresh germy fabulousness" was my third attempt.
I recorded Spinks Park twice, then had a few attempts at revealing the music that resides within the play equipment.
Their vending machine gained digest versions of my book Earthwords, complete with covers made from repurposed firehose.
And I was stoked when I friend shared this picture from the networking event that I was unable to attend.
You can see that RealArtWorks identified a variety of ways for me to contribute and it's an interesting process to reflect on, as I feel I've learned something about my own creative practises.
I've been working with the renowned heroes of postdisability arts for around five years and been part of their exhibitions as a result of being invited to join them on excursions in the Northern Rivers and Riverina.
When I arrived we discussed some possibilities, including developing art for their vending machine and recording Spinks Park for the Trail of Light and Sound and curating sandwiches.
There was also an instrument they hoped contact microphones would make possible to play live.
Within a day we'd expanded ideas to collage posters for display in the Lismore CBD, which gave me the opportunity to work with Matthew Daymond.
I've been a fan of Matt's surreal collages and it was awesome to be part of a frenzied process of unrolling advertising and identifying potential material.
"Fresh germy fabulousness" was my third attempt.
You can see that RealArtWorks identified a variety of ways for me to contribute and it's an interesting process to reflect on, as I feel I've learned something about my own creative practises.
200 Junto videos
Small milestone on the weekend as I uploaded my 200th video for the Disquiet Junto.
Scars Have the Strange Power to Remind Us that Our Past Is Real
GEO//GRAPHOLOGY
One of the highlights of Burning Seed this year was seeing Red Earth Ecology establish itself on the paddock
Jo’s been developing this project for years, undertaking activities around Matong and introducing Burners to the local ecology.
I’ve seen the crowds for her bush walks grow and in that time she’s been joined by a number of people with expertise — particularly Brian Jones, Ash Blackwell, Diego Bonetto and Peter Ingram.
There’s a good level of interest from visitors wanting to know more about the environment in Matong State Forest and many years have seen additional walks added to the program.
This year we were awed to see around 60 people show up for the walk.
It was also exciting to see Jo’s art project start to take shape this year, after she struggled last year before being taken off site in an ambulance.
GEO//GRAPHOLOGY uses the Cut-up Technique to reveal hidden meaning from local histories and, as someone who has worked as a curator at a local museum, I feel there is a need for a fresh perspective in this area.
Orwell famously wrote that “history is written by the winners” and it’s increasingly clear to me that reconciliation in Australia will require a truth-telling, much like the hearings that took place in post-apartheid South Africa.
It’s desperately overdue as more Australians identify as Aboriginal.
Jo has been using the Cut-up Technique in local exhibitions for a number of years and it suits her conceptual approach to art-making.
It’s a great way to review and reinterpret historical narratives, hopefully prompting a reevaluation of meanings drawn from records — which at times used euphemisms to hide the extent of the Frontier Wars in the Riverina.
That’s a small part of a much bigger picture but an important one given the Wiradjuri drove almost all the Europeans out of the area west of Ganmain in the mid 19th Century.
Jo's activity of selecting fragments from histories and pasting them together is a social one.
Really enjoyed being part of the conversations and making art with friends.
Looking forward to seeing Red Earth Ecology continue to develop on and off the paddock.
Jo’s been developing this project for years, undertaking activities around Matong and introducing Burners to the local ecology.
I’ve seen the crowds for her bush walks grow and in that time she’s been joined by a number of people with expertise — particularly Brian Jones, Ash Blackwell, Diego Bonetto and Peter Ingram.
There’s a good level of interest from visitors wanting to know more about the environment in Matong State Forest and many years have seen additional walks added to the program.
This year we were awed to see around 60 people show up for the walk.
It was also exciting to see Jo’s art project start to take shape this year, after she struggled last year before being taken off site in an ambulance.
Orwell famously wrote that “history is written by the winners” and it’s increasingly clear to me that reconciliation in Australia will require a truth-telling, much like the hearings that took place in post-apartheid South Africa.
It’s desperately overdue as more Australians identify as Aboriginal.
It’s a great way to review and reinterpret historical narratives, hopefully prompting a reevaluation of meanings drawn from records — which at times used euphemisms to hide the extent of the Frontier Wars in the Riverina.
Jo's activity of selecting fragments from histories and pasting them together is a social one.
Looking forward to seeing Red Earth Ecology continue to develop on and off the paddock.
Banned again
I posted this image of a hand resembling Hitler and was banned from using Facebook for a week
Apparently it constitutes "hate speech," which led me to wonder if Mel Brooks has a Facebook profile.
The situation is ridiculous.
Posting an image of a hand resembling a Nazi does not seem to infer support for the extreme views propagated by right-wing organisations.
However, blocking that image does seem to protect Nazis from ridicule.
The situation is ridiculous.
Posting an image of a hand resembling a Nazi does not seem to infer support for the extreme views propagated by right-wing organisations.
However, blocking that image does seem to protect Nazis from ridicule.
Sunday nights
On Sunday nights I force my family to sit together in front of a single screen
We share turns picking a film to watch and sometimes I bribe my kids to sit with me by buying snacks.
It’s not always easy but it’s great sometimes.
The film has quickly become secondary to sitting together.
It’s good to throw my arms around the kids.
And it’s magic when I lock eyes with Jo and feel surrounded by love.
We share turns picking a film to watch and sometimes I bribe my kids to sit with me by buying snacks.
It’s not always easy but it’s great sometimes.
The film has quickly become secondary to sitting together.
It’s good to throw my arms around the kids.
And it’s magic when I lock eyes with Jo and feel surrounded by love.
Considering musicals
Two of my kids saw a production of Legally Blonde at Griffith Regional Theatre earlier this year as part of their high school excursion
My son has been involved in a number of large musical productions and didn’t say much more than “it was okay.”
I didn't really pick up at the time that my daughter Neve said it was her first musical.
If I had I might’ve been prompted to remember seeing Pirates of Penzance while in primary school and adoring the songs.
By year seven I was acting in a high school musical in Canberra, which won a peace prize and was attended by the Governor General.
Anyway, last week I noticed Neve was watching Legally Blonde on Youtube and it turns out she's been watching it a lot.
This led me to realise how little opportunity local kids have to see a variety of arts in regional NSW and appreciate that Griffith City Council are creating opportunities for students outside of their shire boundary.
Neve and I have been talking over the weekend about musicals and last night she asked “What does it mean when people break into song in a musical?”
The magic realism of those moments — music realism? — led me to remember the wonderful musical episode of Buffy, in which a curse means the characters can’t help but to express their innermost thoughts through song.
Within the musical genre music is a method of exposition that is part of a tradition going back to the choruses of ancient Greece.
I wonder if musicals also illustrate the creative expression that people often describe as a benefit of the arts.
This leads me to remember this wonderful observation about poetry from Harrison Young:
The role of the arts seems to be diminishing in contemporary society and I worry it will be to the detriment of our abilities to hold a range of views and see issues from other perspectives.
Art has an important role in building empathy as the viewer assumes the perspective of the artist.
My son has been involved in a number of large musical productions and didn’t say much more than “it was okay.”
If I had I might’ve been prompted to remember seeing Pirates of Penzance while in primary school and adoring the songs.
By year seven I was acting in a high school musical in Canberra, which won a peace prize and was attended by the Governor General.
Anyway, last week I noticed Neve was watching Legally Blonde on Youtube and it turns out she's been watching it a lot.
This led me to realise how little opportunity local kids have to see a variety of arts in regional NSW and appreciate that Griffith City Council are creating opportunities for students outside of their shire boundary.
Neve and I have been talking over the weekend about musicals and last night she asked “What does it mean when people break into song in a musical?”
The magic realism of those moments — music realism? — led me to remember the wonderful musical episode of Buffy, in which a curse means the characters can’t help but to express their innermost thoughts through song.
Within the musical genre music is a method of exposition that is part of a tradition going back to the choruses of ancient Greece.
I wonder if musicals also illustrate the creative expression that people often describe as a benefit of the arts.
This leads me to remember this wonderful observation about poetry from Harrison Young:
Poetry is full of metaphor, and metaphor is where one thing means another, it is saying two things at once. And this to my mind is like reality, there are often two aspects. Or more.
The role of the arts seems to be diminishing in contemporary society and I worry it will be to the detriment of our abilities to hold a range of views and see issues from other perspectives.
Art has an important role in building empathy as the viewer assumes the perspective of the artist.
Holding the front page
You can read their story about the Big Guitar recordings here.
Another good piece on that project was on this German website.
Fathers Day
Another year as a parent and I'm prompted to reflect on my role as Fathers Day passes
Many years ago I learned that to be a father was more than donating biological material to a child.
I'd had this idea to write a sensational article about the opportunity to donate sperm and even pitched it to the editor of the student newspaper as important because educated donors could raise the IQ in the general population.
She wasn't impressed, telling me that was eugenics, but encouraged me to write the article.
It was interesting experience and a little unsettling when the hospital told me my sperm count wasn't high enough for them to accept my donation.
Then years later when I fell in love with my partner, I convinced her that we should have children.
The results have been amazing but I won't dwell here on our offspring, because I am convinced that it is an important step in personal development.
There's a shift in one's thinking to accommodate others, that leads to letting go of some ego and opening the heart.
There is also a profound shift in revisiting experiences of the child-parent relationship but this time as the parent.
For me that has involved shifting a lot of resentment that developed in my teenage years.
Those experiences where I felt slighted and even neglected took on a scale proportionate to my self-centred young mind.
In more recent years I've been able to look back and reconsider what might have been going on for my parents at those times.
They were separated and doing what they could.
I can see that my father's emotional distance might have reflected his own relationship to his father.
And now I find myself kinda marvelling at how calmly he managed various situations.
Many years ago I learned that to be a father was more than donating biological material to a child.
I'd had this idea to write a sensational article about the opportunity to donate sperm and even pitched it to the editor of the student newspaper as important because educated donors could raise the IQ in the general population.
She wasn't impressed, telling me that was eugenics, but encouraged me to write the article.
It was interesting experience and a little unsettling when the hospital told me my sperm count wasn't high enough for them to accept my donation.
Then years later when I fell in love with my partner, I convinced her that we should have children.
The results have been amazing but I won't dwell here on our offspring, because I am convinced that it is an important step in personal development.
There's a shift in one's thinking to accommodate others, that leads to letting go of some ego and opening the heart.
There is also a profound shift in revisiting experiences of the child-parent relationship but this time as the parent.
For me that has involved shifting a lot of resentment that developed in my teenage years.
Those experiences where I felt slighted and even neglected took on a scale proportionate to my self-centred young mind.
In more recent years I've been able to look back and reconsider what might have been going on for my parents at those times.
They were separated and doing what they could.
I can see that my father's emotional distance might have reflected his own relationship to his father.
And now I find myself kinda marvelling at how calmly he managed various situations.
from Circe by Madeline Miller
“If my childhood had given me anything, it was endurance. Little by little I began to listen better: to the sap moving in the plants, the blood in my veins. I learned to understand my own intention, to prune and to add, to feel where the power gathered and speak the right words to draw it to its height. That was the moment I lived for, when it all came clear at last and the spell could sing with its pure note, for me and me alone.”
Ansell condoms still suck
Made the mistake of buying Lifestyle brand condoms
Some time ago I posted about buying a bad batch, which mostly seemed to break.
A few weeks ago I missed the detail that these "fun" condoms "might" be flavoured.
Seems the whole pack is flavoured and my partner is not willing to consider having that within her.
You'd think they could print it on the front of the packaging, rather than use some sort of semiotic code in the colours.
Some time ago I posted about buying a bad batch, which mostly seemed to break.
Seems the whole pack is flavoured and my partner is not willing to consider having that within her.
You'd think they could print it on the front of the packaging, rather than use some sort of semiotic code in the colours.
High Coup
Sometimes there's a snobbish attitude about self-publishing poetry but I've got an idea that needs to be realised.
While reading back over more than 1000 haiku, I found myself annoyed at the opportunities that had passed each day.
I'm looking for 60 or so poems for the book and there's a lot to choose from.
However, while considering my challenge to write a haiku each day, I found myself remembering the observation that it'll often take a second poem to feel like I've warmed up.
Usually if I spend the time writing a second draft, I'll get a much better result.
So, while looking back over the results of around three years of daily haiku, I started wondering about missed opportunities.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)