Ive had a most productive weekend in Cairns. Started with a trip to town Saturday for a slow start, breakfast and a wander, then shopping to stock up for the next week or so which will be very busy.
This is a work on Linen I've been working on today. Approx 140 cm x 80 cm I worked on the large table out on the verandah all day... the edge is frayed and stitching in brown linen thread contans the fabric. I've used a clear gesso so it is archivally prepared and will be finished with a similar layer of clear glaze. It could be framed or simply mounted on the wall. I like how portable this kind of work is...highly suitable for working on the move!
I posted at the Studio blog about it and added other images so you can skip over there to see if time permits!
at the lagoon by the sea in Cairns. Its a free public pool and isn't fenced off, is surrounded by parkland and BBQ's and people enjoying this space! And it overlooks the Ocean. Love that there are places under cover where you can sit in the shade and loll about in the pool!
There's a Saturday market down at the shore. A wonderful person I spoke with was Helen, originally from papua New Guinea. This bag, called a billum, was very special. It deserved several photos just to show the amount of industry involved in a piece like this.
She has a stall at Rusty's, a wonderful fresh food market I have been to once a week. Saturdays are very lively at the market and surrounding street full of cafes.
I was in awe of the work in this billum... Helen shrugged off the work,,, but did admit to it taking months using a similar technique to that used in net-making for fishing in Papua New Guinea.
The pattern is also stunning and the dyes are from plants.
The price tag was $150... worth considerably more I am sure you will agree.
I was sorry not to be able to make that purchase I can tell you!
I have a very small billum given to me when I was about 20 ... it contains small shells and is one of the most precious things I own.
Breakfast today... Papaya, which I love, and Biodynamic yoghurt with a most unusual ingredient... Davidson's Plum, an indigenous fruit that is edible and known for its excellent nutritional qualities.
I also met farmers at the Tanks Market at the Botanic Gardens
on Sunday who grow Vanilla Beans and produce products for market.
So much around here to explore. I've got a lot of painting to do in the next week, now that I have settled in and found my stride... but will hire a car to make a trip to Mossman Gorge to visit a lovely indigenous artist I met on my last trip.
13 comments:
Awestruck by these photos! I'm not sure in which order I might wish to see in person...your images, pool, shopping, food...it is all a delight! I'm actually happy where I am but it is such a delight to see your side of the world...!
Hello Maryanne,
know what you mean ... not coveting other's lands but going on a journey that helps you imagine more of what a place may be like. That pool calls to me ... have only managed to swim at a local pool which is much closer.
Funny thing about residency work is being compelled to be at the studio, even when the work is not happening rather than slipping out to have leisurely days by the pool.
Time seems short so Saturdays have been my wandering days.
Lovely to hear from you,
S
I love the look of all the things at the market --- my folks (who head off into the oz wilderness every winter) have been to cairns many times - but have never mentioned such a great market (they HAVE bought me home some lovely daintree coffee however so I forgive them for not spying the yummy ceramics)
have fun
looks so great - wish i could have tagged along! i would hang out in the pool if that's o.k. while you get on with work.......? yup i'm still in vacation brain. it's hot in l.a.!
work well, and rock on young lady!
ha sophie
guess what i bought when in cairns?
cool earth beads from shirleen..i so loved all of her work
and a wonderful bilum from the rusty's lady [who i did not get a name from ]. i do recall i walked to the stand and spied the bag of my dreams, no questions asked ....
and both have brought me great joy!
as for mungalli yogurt ...always a winner!
Hi Ronnie,
There seems to be a long list of markets in this region. Tell them for next time!
The saturday one on the promenade is arty/crafty... the one at Tanks once a month has quite a variety including some food products like the Vanilla beans. I would need a car to get to all the other ones at various villages and coastal spots. Like how you get to talk to people on stalls. Thats always rewarding too!
Hello Mlle P... then you would definitely love it here if you are in holiday mood and adapted to the heat at the moment. In fact ther weather has been amazing here... a pleasant surprise for one not so keen on HEAT!
Theres room in the house here... drop on over. You can check out life at the pool and such ...
see you!
x
Roz....
that's amazing. I looked at the beads... could not believe that you could put them in the freezer before wearing...great idea in the humidity!
Loved the pared back earthy look and feel of Shireen's work! Wonderful aesthetic!
And the Billum lady... that's a coincidence too! LOVED that bag!
Mungali yoghurt... had never tried it before. Delish!
One of my favourite colour palettes is that blue/orange combination. All those shades you've painted on the fabric are gorgeous Sophie and that motif is so strong. I've been making some printing plates today and that circular motif has been evident in my own stuff. Is it something to do with the circle of life I wonder? I might ink them up in the same sort of colourway and see what they look like. Thanks for the inspiration!!
that bilum is wonderful. of course, so is the clay work. but i particularly like your feast.
oh my my mind is just swimming with all these gorgeous images, and my mouth is watering too, you have such a way of filling up my senses, thanks dear, Sophie... xo
Interesting Cat... giving a lecture "the Senses in (my) Art Practice" 2 months ago I recognised things when doing prep that I often forget.
Getting caught up in ideas makes its easy to forget how much the senses feature in my own creative life.
So you hit a nerve... positive one that is!
Lovely to hear from you
S xo
Wow- this post is certainly a visual feast! It looks like such a beautiful place, with yummy food and yummy art, too!
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