Kangaroo Island

Last weekend we went to Kangaroo Island off the coast in South Australia for a special 40th Birthday Celebration. It was wonderful - the girls got dolled up to the nines, there was a surprise performance from Bob Downe and the guys looked like penguins on the beach in their black dinner suits! During the day, we hired a 4WD exploring the island, re-connecting with old friends and visiting local food/ wine providores.

Exploring the island's national parks

This is the life!!

The local King George Garfish - yumo!

Remarkable Rocks

Admirals Arch

ArtSydney 2009

I will be exhibiting next month at the ArtSydney Show from 22 - 25 October at RHI, Moore Park. My studio looks like a bomb has it; there is paint, paper and teacups everywhere as I am madly working on new paintings for the show. I will have my own stand in 'The Studio' area - S9.

Looking forward to seeing you there. Keep the dates free as I will be giving away tickets to the show. If you haven't already joined up to my mailing list, now is the time. Am off to Kangaroo Island this weekend for a friend's 40th Birthday. And a bit of R&R!

Coming full circle!!

I've just come back from a short trip to Melbourne where I have been digitally printing my designs and sourcing the most gorgeous silks/ trims for my new range of limited edition cushions which will be launched later this year (hopefully next month)!

For those of you who don't know my background, I actually did my degree in textile design where I specialised in screen printing fabrics, mixing pigments and preparing screens. So I feel like I have come full circle, returning back to textiles! Except this time there are no dyes to mix or toxic fumes or getting ink on my clothes.

Printing my designs

Sampling and approving various designs & colourways

Some of my cushions will be made from antique kimono fabrics!

Going Ga Ga over Gorillas!!!

One of the most amazing experiences in my travels, would have to be visiting the Silverback Gorillas in Rwanda. It was magical and a bit surreal at the same time. We spent 2 hours climbing through jungle & stinging nettles up a crater to see the 'Amahoro' family which means peace. It wasn't like your Sunday stroll in the park but it was well worth it. When you first see them, a part of you thinks they're people dressed in 'gorilla suits' but you know it's not. We got very close to them, almost too close. I narrowly avoided being knocked over by a couple who came charging down the hill!!

It would be remiss of me not to mention Rwanda and what it was like being there after the horrific genocide. It is a very beautiful place; very hilly and lush with greenery. The local people were lovely and were very appreciative of tourists visiting their country. Their smiles were beautiful!

They all thought I was 'Jackie Chan'!!

There was a sense of renewal and a feeling of optimism; lots of building/ developments going on. Even though the people are unified, you can see the sadness behind their eyes. We were fortunate to visit the Genocide Museum on the last day of our trip there. I say that because if we had gone there the first day, we wouldn't have enjoyed our time there so much. I recommend everyone to visit.

Adventures in Africa

Last week I returned home from an amazing 3 week trip to Africa. We went to Tanzania, Rwanda and Ethiopia. The trip was unforgettable in more ways than one and I am now inspired to do some African paintings & designs. The colours, patterns in nature and wildlife are unique and beautiful. I thought that I would share with you some of our photos and experiences.

Our first stop was Ngorogoro Crater where we stayed in a tented camp along the rim of the crater. There was an abundant amount of wildlife including rhino, elephants, zebra, flamingoes, cheetah and lions. It truly is an extraordinary experience seeing wild animals in their natural habitat. We then flew into the northern heart of the Serengeti where we witnessed the wildebeest migration - millions of wildebeest make their journey north to Kenya from Ngorogoro in search of rain ripened grass for grazing.

Photos of Rwanda and Ethiopia to follow.........

In the Kitchen

My easy peasy recipe for Lemonade Scones has been beautifully photographed, styled and featured by the fabulous Kristina Gill for 'In the Kitchen with' at Design Sponge. I first met Kristina a few years ago when she came out to Sydney and visited me during my first exhibition called 'Food for the Soul'. Since then, we have become really good friends sharing shopping and food adventures in NY, Rome and most recently she came and stayed with us in Sydney.

Kristina has a fantastic food/art/ design blog called Three Layer Cake and a brand new photography website to match.

Inside Out Magazine

A big thank you to the very talented and gorgeous Nicola Cerini who mentioned my work in her art collection piece for Inside Out Magazine Sept/ Oct Issue. Don't forget to have a look at Nicola's range of bags, rugs, fabric and ceramics at her website

Let's Go Shopping!!

I have spent the past couple of days working on my new online boutique and it is finally open!!! You will find a wide range of products and original artworks - everything here has been designed by me. I have listed a few paintings left from my last exhibition as well as new ones from my studio. My greeting card collection Fusia and a new range of mugs called Hamilton Baird complete the set up. There will be new surprises added to the store during the year.

Hope you enjoy and Happy Shopping!

Showtime

My exhibition Chinoiserie opened last night at the Washhouse Gallery. It was a great night and I wanted to say a huge thank you to everyone who came along to look at my latest works. Your support means alot to me especially during this current climate. So THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart!!




PS. There's only 7 paintings left so if you're planning to buy, please visit the gallery quickly!

Finitto!

Have finished painting for my 'Chinoiserie' Show which opens next week. I always ask my friend (and also talented artist) Peter Cerneaz the absolute last date I can hand over the paintings which will allow time for framing. Talk about last minute - seems to be the only way I can work and produce my best stuff these days.