Hats with an edge

I loved finding this blogspot this morning with my hat on it! And some nautical pieces, my favourite theme of all time! I've been inspired by hats again this year, making one for Emelia Rusciano for the Melbourne Cup. She did a great segment for the 7pm Project.http://7pmproject.com.au/video.htm?movideo_p=39696&movideo_m=78280

The wonderful world of hats, if only we wore them more

Louise Macdonald is a milliner based in Melbourne, with a studio in the beautiful Nicholas Building on Swanston Street. I spent some time learning the wonderful art that is millinery from her. It is still such a great art form using techniques that they used traditionally, instead of it been too heavily influenced by modern technology, which usually encourages quantity over quality. I love the hands on process of millinery, building a hat from a flat material and moulding it into a unique and interesting shape. The vintage wooden hat blocks with all their character, covered with holes from the many pins that have been previously stuck in them, makes me enjoy the fact that I like others, have the chance to create with them. Who knows, maybe one was once used by Miss Coco Chanel herself? Ok, so probably not, in any case Louise Macdonald is inspiration enough. Check out her beautiful original pieces on her website. And if you have the chance, take one of her courses, I did and loved it!

Peep toe Super High - Swedish Hasbeens

The most popular sandal this summer has proven to be Swedish brand Funkis getting a lot of footpath cred in Melbourne. However my sandal of choice is by Hasbeens with their super high peep toe clog. They are based on the late 70's disco era and are made from leather with a lime tree wooden sole. They are cute with dresses, pants and in colder months can be worn with knee high socks or tights. Very cute!

Angelique Houtkamp

After having a fun yet heated discussion of 'what is, and what's not art' a few weekends ago with some nearest and dearest, I decided that maybe a few things I could post on here is the kind of artwork I think is art. These two pictures I adore, are by Angelique Houtkamp, a Dutch tattoo artist, shoe designer and painter. Her style is inspired by 1920's and 30's flapper girls. I think her work is strong, seductive and classic. I have even debated getting a tattoo of one her great characters, I love it so much. So my opinion is that everyone has a different view as to what is, and whats not art, and that's why it's great. It encourages us to be individuals and have a freedom of choice. It hits people where it matters and stirs something inside, wether this be a good or bad reaction, it's a reaction.

Twist & Shout: Contemporary art from Japan - Bangkok Art & Culture Centre

I loved this photo at the exhibition. I went and saw it on the 23rd of December 2009, just before leaving Bangkok. The art centre is an amazing large space full of different artists spaces, some are set up like a little shop to sell their work and others incorporate a coffee shop. We got to eat a brownie that looked like turf. The other thing I loved about it was the amount of high school students doing their homework there, one guy had his pet sugar glider with him.

The delicious brownie!