Daumier to Daylesford: A European Experience

I know, I know, it has been a while.


Uni has taken over my life. This post is a symbol of my endeavour to post more regularly again.


I have been to so many great exhibitions lately, strangely I have been drawn to European Artists, rather than emerging Australian. Here is an overview of my travels:


Monash Gallery of Art's Impressions of Paris: Lautrec, Daumier, Degas and Atget was awesome. I have always been a huge fan of Degas's dancers so it was great to see another side to him. For me however, the star of the show was Daumier; his wicked sense of humour shone through every piece and encapsulated the spirit of Paris in the 19th Century.
Below is one of my personal favourites from the exhibition, the witty titles take his work to another level.

Honoré Daumier The orchestra during the performance of a tragedy [L'orchestre pendant qu'on joue une tragédie] from the series Musical sketches [Croquis musicaux] published in Le Charivari, 5 April 1852 lithograph

Hubby and I have just been on holidays with some friends from church and my oh my, we needed the break. While away in Daylesford we ventured to The Convent Gallery which was such a beautiful space in itself. You know me, I believe there is more to art than the canvas, and The Convent is a prime example. 

1. Staff. Everyone we spoke to was delightful. 

We didn't realise there was an entry fee to the gallery (only $5), and we had a rough month and couldn't actually afford it. Husband of the Year to the rescue, Graeme announced that he would take me next month when they have the Swiss and Italian Festa. While I was gooing over my sweet-as-pie husband, the staff member says "At least go and have a look at the ground level and gift shop on us."

Elated, we went and had a quick walk-through and spotted a local work we had seen before but I can't for the life of me remember the name of the Artist. I loved it so much too so I'm bummed. Go and visit and look for a screen print with a dinosaur looking creature and  three people, two with the speech bubble "what if the stick breaks?". It's a personal fave.

We headed into the gift shop to do a little window-shopping and a lady, whom I presume to be either the Manager or Curator enthusiastically asks us what we thought of what we had seen. We had a great little chat and she says "You'll have to go upstairs! The Indigenous pieces can't be missed." We awkwardly explain our predicament and that we will definitely come back next month, and she says (quite forcefully) "No! No! You can't miss Hauser's work, you have got to see them, go up to see them."

2. Art
Barbara Hauser. Oh my gosh. Beautiful. My photos do not do it justice. I have said it before and I'll say it again: You need to visit The Convent before this show finishes.









3. Gallery Space. It is a beautiful old Convent in pristine condition, need I say more?

So not only did we see ground floor, but also Hauser's work on Level 1, free of charge. 

As I always say, the people are part of the experience. I love seeing people so excited about sharing art with the world that they make gestures of kindness and passion such as what we experienced. 

The Convent Gallery is a must-see, and we will definitely be back ( this time with $5 each and a friendly donation ;))

Please, go and see it for yourself.

Signing off very well rested,
Renee Bell

Claudia Phares: Castro's Family Fantasy at Seventh Gallery

May I just say that I feel so relaxed right now. I'm finally on holidays!

Seeing as I have so much time right now I went to see Claudia Phares' exhibition at Seventh Gallery in Fitzroy. I absolutely loved it! It is inspired by her experience living in Cleveland, Ohio at the same time as three women were rescued from the house of their kidnapper, Ariel Castro, after a ten year ordeal. Despite being a photographer, Claudia has stepped beyond her usual sphere and created a really meaningful installation. It comments on the feeling of isolation from different perspectives including her own of being a mother with a baby in a new place. She has recreated a model of the house in which the women were held for ten years. This is juxtaposed by a temporary wall and text referring to the proximity of prisoner to guard in jail. On the adjacent wall, text reveals details of the women's domestic imprisonment in Cleveland. This is brought together by a photo of her kitchen at the time. There are no blaring colours or distractions and the whole installation really clearly speaks of that isolation and feeling of imprisonment within a home.

I had a great chat with Claudia about these ideas and also others surrounding abuse and the way that we, as a country tend to deal with the effects of abuse but not the root issue. 

If you work in the city or just want to venture in, I would highly recommend taking some time to pop down to Seventh Gallery to catch Family Fantasy while it shows. It is on until the 13th of June 2015.

I'm on holidays for three more days and then I start my placement at Cheltenham Secondary College. I'm so excited to finally get out there and teach the young people who will create our future.

Enjoy the last few hours of your long weekend Melbournites!

Peace out,

Renee Bell

Claudia Phares Coincidence and a Panel Presentation

It's crazy how life plays out isn't it?

Today I had my panel presentation(assessing me on this blog... so nerve-racking but don't worry they seemed to like it) and there was a lady with a baby peering in the window of the ACU Gallery. Naturally, I struck up conversation and turns out she is an artist looking for somewhere to promote her exhibition! Claudia, you met the right person today!

I walked with her to the uni admin and she was so lovely (with the cutest baby ever). If being nice and having a cute baby isn't reason enough to go to see her exhibition, then the fact that her work is really good should convince you. I should get a chance to go see it next week and then do an 'official' post about it. The opening is TONIGHT so if you haven't had terrible experiences with crowds and openings (see "My First (and possibly last) Gallery Opening") then you should totally go!



It's at Seventh Gallery: 155 Gertrude Street, Fitzroy (Melbourne).
Opening tonight: 27th May 6-8pm

Claudia Phares:  Family Fantasy
28th May -13th June 2015

Me? I'm head down, bum up doing assignments and eating chocolate till Monday. Healthy eating is out the window.

Off to get a donut and write a reflection,
Renee Bell

Inside Info at Ian Potter...

I think we should all pause for a moment and just appreciate the alliteration in that title #myothermajorisEnglish #itsthelittlethings

...

Back to art.. Hello!

I went to Ian Potter not so recently. Sorry, I've never been a chronological kind of gal.

The great thing about studying art and writing this blog concurrently is that often I go to a gallery for a class. This visit was extra spesh as the Curatorial Manager of the gallery (Dr Vince Alessi) was making an appearance to walk us through the collection, talk to us about various processes of acquiring art and basically the life of a curator. Gotta admit, it was pretty cool. Maybe it will be my second career after Teaching? Nah, I love teaching, and I don't know how I'd go smoozing with Art Collectors and Donors.

Naturally, I struck up a conversation with Vince who was extremely down to earth. I really respect that someone in his high position is happy to share their knowledge and thoughts with a student.
Now as you may have realised, 90% of the time I am very awkward, but thankfully there is that rare 10% of the time when I see an opportunity and approach it like a smooth operator. This was the 10%.

We talked about lots of things, but the most interesting to me, and as a result you, was who he considered to be the the best/most influential Melbourne artists.

Here is the list: (off the top of his head)

Juan Ford (This is The Intermediary. NB: I love Juan Ford. His work is amazing, and totally cutting edge.)

Sam Leech (This is Cinder in Partial Dymaxion, but this guy has a huge range of work that you have to have a look at. Some of it is quite different to this.)

Darren Wardle (Teenage Wastleand... Bit boring I think.)

Reko Rennie (Installation)

Prior to looking up these artists and their work I chatted to my Art Teacher (shout out to Catherine Bell - great lecturer, great artist... can I have a HD for this mention? ;) ), who was keen to know Vince's thoughts also, and she was quite surprised about Reko Rennie.

And I understand the reason. 

Let me introduce you to Brook Andrew.

Ancestral Worhip

Jumping Castle War Memorial

(Watch this video where he talks about his Jumping Castle War Memorial) http://www.artmuseum.uq.edu.au/content/brook-andrew-jumping-castle-war-memorial

As you can see, Brook Andrew is simply way better. 

Brook Andrew and Reko Rennie are both Indigenous Australians and I love Contemporary Indigenous Australian Art. The movement speaks volumes about Australian history, activism, child removal, genocide and injustice, and their work has had a massive effect on moving Australian politics and legislation to recognise the rights of our country's first people.

When we are looking at Melbourne Artists that are influencing the world though, Brook Andrew's work packs a punch. Maybe Vince just forgot him (as it was off the top of his head), but I had to address this.

Brook Andrew is the bomb digity.

Full Stop.

Signing off for the day, ready to let Ella Fitzgerald soothe my soul into writing unit planners, rationales and reflections.

Renee Bell

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QQSls3TgJT8 (some Ella for you)

Artist vs. Artisan, and a new appreciation for Bromley & Co.

Artist: one who professes and practices an imaginative art

Artisan: a worker who practices a trade or handicraft

The difference? I thought mass production, but I'm not sure any more.

Here's the story...

Hubby and I took a trip to Ballarat a few Sundays ago, and while we were there I stumbled upon a few galleries. The most notable being Bromley & Co.

As we wandered in, my hubby asked me the age old question "Artist or Artisan?" (I love that these two words are a part of his vocabulary #welltrained)

Looking around at not only the artwork but the bits and bobs such as furniture, clothing and even wallpaper, I first announced confidently "Artisan".

We walked around and the more I discovered the more my view changed. Is this actually an Artist who is truly successful, who has not only created his own very recognisable style, but also has the business and marketing skills to make decent money doing what he loves before he carks it. Why is there this concept in my mind that if art sells well the maker must be classified as an Artisan or trinket-maker? David and Yuge Bromley may not be installing toilets in gallery spaces, or changing the direction and future of art as we know it, but he is creating something that people can appreciate and engage with.

When did I develop this attitude that 'if it is not challenging my concept of art, then it is not art.'

Do I have a warped measure of success? 

I spoke to the lady working in the shop, who was so friendly and helpful, and felt pretty bad for initially putting Bromley in the 'Artisan' pile just because he quite clearly wasn't a 'struggling artist'. I think I need to rid my mind of this idea that good art doesn't sell and can't be hung in a house, or I'll be really limiting myself. Some limit themselves by refusing to learn about contemporary art and writing it off as "something my two year old could do"; I have been limiting myself by writing off anyone who is making real money off their art. How bad is that?

Intrigued by these two Artists who had brought me back down to earth, I did a little research... Here is an excerpt from their webpage:

We (David and Yuge Bromley) usually take on projects based on our passion / obsession for art, design, interiors, fashion and generally liking to get our hands dirty with whatever creative scenario we can immerse ourselves in. Be it in the studio, planting gardens, seeking out treasures or collaborating on creative visions or with creative people it is all the same to us. 

Outcomes are varied and whether it is a shop to display our wares or a fit out for a hotel or a design for packaging or exhibiting an artist we are obsessed with, we are ultimately driven by a love for all things creative. When asked once what was the value of art, our reply was not how to value art, but to imagine a world without it was unimaginable!

I don't know about you but this speaks to the artist in me. Art is not something you do but it is something you live; it is God-breathed, it is in people and experiences, it is life.

So the difference between artist and artisan? It's imagination.

Maybe it's time for us to refresh our perspectives? This humble adventure of writing a blog has really made me think. #gettingdeep

Skipping out with a challenge,
What is art for you?
Let me know in the comments...

Renee Bell
Forever a student.

My Devastating Dilemma

Cannot believe that NEW15 at ACCA ends Sunday!

I desperately want to see it (for the second time) but I have tickets to 21st Century Heide on Sunday!

I know what you are thinking... "Can't you just go another day?"
Well normally I could except that it is week 12 (of 12) next week which means that I have four massive assessments due in less than two weeks! Which in turn means that I am locking myself in a room with my laptop and a slit in the door big enough for my husband to pass coffee, chocolate and pizza through (and yeah the sugar free thing is going so well... NOT).
So basically I am coming out of hiding for Heide, and then retreating back into my cave immediately after.

It is this kind of decision that I hate.

Option 1: I go to both and risk handing in an assignment that is not perfect, leaving my poor husband to deal with the tears that result from those six cruel letters C.R.E.D.I.T, or worse... the possible meltdown and utter regret with the four unmentionables beginning with P.?

Does anyone else find it hilariously ironic that the promo image for NEW15 just happens to be an indecisive man? (below)



Option 2: I only go to Heide as planned, leaving my poor husband to deal with a sulky wife buried in textbooks, consoling herself with Dairy Milk...



Help me decide.. or if you have an idea (that isn't inventing time-travel), let me know!

Renee Bell
Non-adventuring Hermit for the next two weeks

Mercy vs. Justice

How do I start?

The past week this world has been turned upside down; so much devastation, so much grief. To those involved in the Nepal Earthquakes, my prayers are with you.

Yesterday I was sitting in the bustling cafe area of my uni 'studying' ...aka eavesdropping on the various conversations of the people around me. Topic of the day: Myuran Sukumaran and Andrew Chan of the 'Bali Nine' who faced the death penalty and have just been executed (or murdered, depending on your stance).

I'm going to try to be as diplomatic as possible with this post, which is very difficult given the nature of the death penalty discussion.

First and foremost, I want to honour the lives of Myuran Sukumaran and Andrew Chan as they were human just like the rest of us, and many will be grieving their loss today. Whether you see these two Australians as criminals or victims, the fact remains that they were people with mothers and fathers, sisters and brothers, friends and loved ones, and I can't imagine the pain that those loved ones are going through right now. My heart and my prayers go out to you, may God be your comfort and your strength.



The discussions I'm hearing revolve around this idea of JUSTICE vs MERCY. I'm going to be upfront with you that I stand on the side of GRACE. My hero once stood before a woman who was caught in the act committing a crime punishable by death in that time, and He said to a crowd "Whoever of you is without sin, cast the first stone." One by one each man dropped their stones and walked away. He then gave the woman the free gift of GRACE that comes undeserved.

JUSTICE says: the men knew what they were doing was wrong and they were aware of the punishment that went with it, thus they deserve the punishment of death.
MERCY says: they did the wrong thing, but over the past 10 years in jail they have been rehabilitated, they deserve mercy but from the original punishment.
GRACE says: "I do not condemn you either, go now and leave your life of sin" (John 8:11).

I can't say who is right from the stance of justice or mercy, because I see that we all have valid points. You should follow the law of the land that you are in and there are also times in life where mercy is required. All I know is that we all need GRACE. Both Myuran and Andrew turned to the God who loved them first, and I have no doubt that they reside in heaven now experiencing the fullness of God's grace poured out upon them.

During his time in jail, as part of his rehabilitation Myuran learned to paint. I want to end with some of the art produced by artist Myuran Sukumaran in his last days.


It has been two days since the execution and people seem to be already forgetting. I post this today to help keep the conversation alive.
#endcapitalpunishment #Jesus #justice #mercy #GRACE #art #beauty #activism

http://www.theage.com.au/world/bali-executions-eight-prisoners-refused-to-wear-blindfolds-as-they-were-shot-20150429-1mvm99.html

Peace Out.

My First (and possibly last) Gallery Opening

Aloha.

News: I went to the Nicholas Thompson Gallery Opening.

Lesson: If you don't like crowds, don't immerse yourself in the middle of a big crowd.

I was so excited to go to my first gallery opening; I got all dressed up, I even put makeup on and coerced my hubby into the idea that we could use it as a date. We made the half hour trek from our house, drove around the area and found free parking in Fitzroy (a day in the life of a poor uni student... Anyone else feeling me here?) We then walked about a kilometre to the gallery, all the while me saying how it would be worth it just to talk to all of the art enthusiasts.
We walked in the door; the space was packed full... I think it was presumptuousness I smelled. I braced myself, still smiling, and tried to 'wander' around. It was not possible to wander. My excitement quickly dampened.

We squeezed through people with heavy 'arts accents' (a little bit like Queens English... of which my hubby Graeme, who grew up in England, told me no longer exists), all the while being cautious not to knock someone carrying wine. I kept having this vision of me bumping someone and their red wine gliding through the air in slow motion while I dived to save the life of the $10000 painting.
Wine + fancy art + crowded gallery = an accident waiting to happen.

I really did my best to enjoy the artwork but I couldn't even take a step back to see it in perspective. Eventually we decided to go, and that I would come back another time, but to be honest there was nothing that really made me stop and go "WOW".
Whether it was the exhibition itself, or the lousy atmosphere,  I might have to wait for a new exhibition to revisit.
This really does go to show how much more there is to a gallery experience than just art on a wall.

A little deflated, we drove back to our side of town and met friends in Box Hill for Asian delights.

Day rescued.

It may not have been my favourite experience, but it taught me something about myself and something about the gallery experience, and it was definitely an adventure.

Signing off for the day, quite frustrated at the group of noisy first years sitting behind me and talking about their weekend in the library... (Why are you in the library?!?)
And yes, I am that person, my brain ceases to function in noise... which possibly contributed to my bad experience at the opening?

Oh, and here's a photo. I wore red so that you can spot me... and because I love red.

I'd love to hear your horrible gallery visit stories in the comments below,

Renee Bell
Adventuring on despite obstacles.

Life Lessons Learnt ...from the crazy that is my idea of 'doable'

So here's a little insight to my life right now. I decided that for April (the chocolate month of the year!!!) I should quit refined sugar totally and cut down on coffee. I don't know what I was thinking, maybe let's be healthy, and as I love to do, set myself a challenge at the hardest time to stick to that challenge. All I can say is I'm feelin' dem withdrawal feels; bear with me while I adjust to real energy that comes from sleep.

A little bit of info on the progress of this blog. I am LEARNING LOTS very quickly. Three things I've learnt about writing a blog.
1. Bring your laptop/tablet everywhere, and write the post immediately, edit later. I have so far been to Linden, the Nicholas Thompson Gallery Opening, Ian Potter, NGV International, ACCA, some random exhibition in Ballarat, and Bromley and Co. in Ballarat. I've published Linden.. see my problem?
2. Don't set deadlines without considering other work you have to do in the time, rest time, and ample time for things to go wrong. You simply won't meet the deadline, and creative juices do not flow when you are staring at a pile of work that needs to be done (no matter how organized you are).
3. It doesn't have to be perfect. Just press publish.

Just keepin it real homies,
Signing off,
Renee-zilla

Leading at Linden

Gallery Wanderers, Hello!

Here it is, I know you've been anxiously awaiting (for far too long) the REVEAL.

Firstly, the first prize winner, as established by Linden is.......... (drumroll please)



Susanne Castleden!!!

Scrunched Ball (Pacific Ocean)

Building The World (Mark II)

Bermuda Sunset, Rottnest Sunrise

While I liked these works, and could see the aesthetic value, I didn't consider it to be the most innovative and engaging work of the exhibition. I'm aware that this probably comes down to personal taste but the winner for me came from the creative genius of Georgie Mattingly. It was a piece called "Lovesongs from the Kill Floor" and weeks on, I am still thinking about Georgie Mattingly's film and sound recording.





Without further investigation, I was not sure whether the work was supposed to be morbid, political or comical, but as I watched and listened I found my emotions responding with both distress and humour, depending on whether my brain tuned in to the sound of meat being sliced or the sound of the radio playing pop songs and advertisements over the top. It was a very strange experience, but definitely unique. The Artist actually took on an internship at an abattoir to complete this work. That's commitment! Respect to you, Mattingly.

You may be wondering why I included a photo of hanging headphones?
Well, if you haven't noticed (my hubby didn't), the artist has been especially thoughtful about every aspect of the presentation of her work. Rather than hanging the headphones on the wall, they are hung from the ceiling just like a dead animal would hang in an abattoir ready to be slaughtered and carved.
It is this attention to detail that makes me love Mattingly's work more!

What a fantastic welcome to Melbourne from the art world.

Speaking of finer details... You will notice in the coming days and weeks the structure of Leader Follower changing. You all know I'm new to the blog world and learning every day, and this means change and progression. Just as art must change and progress to continue, so must I.

What does this mean for you?

1. One blog post per gallery visit
2. More frequent updates
3. Happy adventurers

How did I manage to do this?

It's simple... Just bring my technology to the gallery, and write the post there. And yes, I couldn't come up on this solution on my own, I had to ask my lecturer for help... Just a little glimpse into my fuzzy wuzzy brain right there.

Logging off feeling like a genius,
Renee Bell

Postcard Pastimes

No good gallery visit goes without a good story.

To me, the people are a part of the artwork. 

Most artists agree that an artwork does not exist on its own unaffected by the space, but rather the space around it either adds to it or takes away from it. Many artists spend longer planning the placement of the artwork in the gallery space than they do planning the artwork. I think there is a good quote about this, I'll have to find it!

But more so than the space contributes to the experience (Linden was a great space), for me the people can make or break the experience (as you'll hear about when I tell you about my first experience at a gallery opening). People carry an atmosphere, which impacts upon perspective.

I love people, and that is probably a part of why I feel that the audience is such a big part of the experience of viewing an artwork. Everyone brings something different to contribute.

On that note, here is what truly made Linden a unique experience for me, it was not the art on the wall but a postcard of a work titled 'Bread' from the much-loved open entry Linden Postcard Show that stood out to me. While I was perusing the various postcards from the history of the exhibition, I met a lovely lady (we’ll call her Anne) who was a local and frequent visitor to the gallery. 

Anne told me about a few of the pieces that she had personally seen when they were displayed. I asked her about “Bread” my own favourite and she surprised me with the most wonderful story. She said, “I can’t remember the artist’s meaning but I can tell you why it is significant to me.”

Anne went on to tell me a bit of her story. The way she spoke of her experiences as a child was beautifully romantic to me, and though it would have been many moons ago, it was still very real to her. 

Growing up Anne's family were quite poor, but her Mum was a good cook, she cooked simple foods well. Anne remembered how when guests came over, her mother managed to stretch the food by buying little accompaniments so that everyone could be fed. One of these times, Anne’s mother sent her to buy a loaf of white bread that would be sliced thin and shared between the guests. Anne was only a little girl and she was so hungry that as she was walking home she began to pull at the white fleshy inside of the bread. By the time Anne arrived home she realised that she had eaten all but the crust. She thought to herself that her mother would be so angry that she had eaten something so precious. Anne gingerly opened the front door and carrying empty shell in her hands presented it to her mother. She said her mother's response was something she would never forget. She was not angry but gentle and kind, understanding that Anne was only a little girl, she comforted her explaining that what is done is done and they would just have to get by without bread that night.”

Anne told us how when she saw this artwork, the crust of a piece of bread, it reminded her of that moment, of hard times and of the beautiful forgiving nature of her mother.

Everyone brings something different to an artwork. Whether you are visiting galleries because you are new to a city like me, on a holiday, or just going on an adventure; I encourage you to not just look to the art on the wall as a lone entity, but to embrace the people around you and let their presence add to your perspective.

I promise you will be better for it.

This city is already beginning to feel like home.

This adventurer is ready for a cup of tea and a good night's sleep.

From one explorer to another, happy sleeping.

Renee Bell

*name changed by request of individual

Writers Block, Technical Difficulties, an Anniversary and a Linden Walk Through

Hello!
Welcome to the dramatic world of my last few weeks.
My sincerest apologies for the lack of activity the past little while. I had a serious case of assignments coming out of my armpits. And we all know that one cannot write well while stressed.

Nothing cures stress better than an anniversary weekend spent drinking good coffee, eating fine food, and going go-karting. Happy 1st Anniversary to me (and hubby)! It's been a huge year but we made it. I love my man, no one makes me happier than he does.
In the spirit of wedding anniversaries, here are my three top tips for marriage. 1. Choose love every day. 2. Remember the HALT principle. If you are Hungry, Angry, Lonely or Tired... HALT before you say anything you'll regret ;) 3. Have fun, don't take little things too seriously.

You will have to bear with my eccentricities and stories along the way, as adventure and emergency seem to follow me... but back to the purpose of Leader Follower.
Finally, here it is, the beginning of that Linden walk through that I promised ages ago.

The following works I deemed to be not quite cutting edge but rather following trends or practicing skills and techniques innovated by artists of the past. I might even edit this blog in the future to include the artists and artworks I could recognise as having influenced these artists. No judgement here though as these works are by students who graduated from their degree last year. Really it makes me have more admiration for the two artists I consider to be stepping out from the flock in this exhibition.. but we'll leave that for another post.



Raymond Carter- Stripes 4 Black, 2014, Cloth tape on MDF
I might appreciate it as looking trendy in the home of someone with a greater appreciation for interior design then I, but as an exhibit in an art gallery, it just didn't hit the spot. I want my eye to be led somewhere, I want to go on a journey with you Raymond. It doesn't have to be emotional, it doesn't even have to be about anything, but it does have to DO something. I mean, Donald Judd's minimalist works are not philosophical or emotional, but I could gaze at them for hours in appreciation of his innovation. He changed art forever, though minimalist, they have that spark. Yes, Judd was influenced as we all are, but he was also an influencer and an innovator.

Julian Aubrey Smith:

Crafty, 2014

MT Space, 2013

Amanda's after Jeff, 2014

Julian Aubrey-Smith: Basis, 2013, oil and acrylic on canvas
I can actually really appreciate this work for the technical elements required to paint it. On technique Julian is nailing it, when you look at this in person whether near or far, it legitimately looks like cardboard stuck on canvas (it's actually oil and acrylic on canvas), but what it lacks is innovation. However, Picasso was a prodigy in terms of technique before he created his own style and became an innovator. I believe Julian has the potential for greatness, and in the next few years I hope we see him rise to it.

Stephanie Leigh- Feminine Flatpack (reclining), 2014, Enamel paint on marine plywood

Stephanie Leigh- Feminine Flatpack (yellow), 2014, Enamel paint on marine plywood
I've got to be honest, I really wasn't a fan of Stephanie Leigh's work to begin with... My attitude was "What's the big deal?" BUT my mind is changing the more I look at it. Every time I view it, I like it a bit more. I might come back to her work again, and do another critique once I have figured out where I stand. For now, Stephanie, thanks for intriguing me.

...

That brings the first snapshot of 'honourable mentions' to a close, check back soon for the star/s of this exhibition in a bit more detail.

What have I learnt from the chaos of the last few weeks?
Never make a promise to post something "in the next 24 hours", you are just asking for things to go wrong. I'm not going to blame the little things, I'm going to take responsibility and try not to over-commit myself to an unrealistic time limit again. After all, this experience is about learning by throwing myself in the deep end, isn't it?

Amateur blog-writers, learn from my mistake.

Peace out and happy reading! More to come... soon.

My Maiden Voyage: Gallery Visit #1

Hello!
I'm back and maybe too excited for my adventure now... I've really got to find a happy medium somewhere soon.

I went exploring St Kilda this weekend past and while there I went on my maiden voyage into the lands of Melbourne Art. Hubby and I visited the Linden Centre for Contemporary Arts, a gorgeous old space for showcasing New Art.

The Gallery was hosting the Linden Art Prize which had its opening on February 27th and runs until May 3rd (my birthday!). The Linden Art Prize is an art award established for Artists graduating from a Masters or PhD in 2014. This year the Artists are Celeste Chandler, Georgie Mattingley, Jessica Ledwich, Julian Aubrey Smith, Raymond Carter, Stephanie Leigh, Susanna Castleden, and Yandell Walton.

No spoilers here, I won't tell you the Winner until the end.

I think I will dedicate a short post to each Artist, but I may change my mind part-way though and do two in one go*. I've never been the decisive type. Oh and there's a postcard bearing surprise story in the midst of these, because who doesn't like postcards and surprises?

Honestly, these Artists are all brilliant in their own right, but that is not the point of this blog. Who leads and who follows? We'll soon see.

Check back in the next 24 hours for more.

Signing off, excited and hungry for dinner,

Renee Bell
Adventurer Extraordinaire

*for the record, I did change my mind and decided to split the gallery visit into two posts, one on honourable (or not) mentions and another on those works really leading the pack. Some artists were not featured in either, but that's where you get to be Dora the Explorer and decide for yourself where they sit.

The Adventure

Hello to you, my reader.

Welcome.

My name is Renee Bell.

I am 22, married, a student at Australian Catholic University studying a Bachelor of Teaching/ Bachelor of Arts, and I have a big task ahead of me.

Back Story: 

On Sunday the 22nd of February 2015 at 3:30pm my husband and I arrived in the enigmatic city of Melbourne (our new home) after a very long drive. I originate from Brisbane, him from England. Previously I thought Brisbane was a major city, the past few days have made me feel as though it's a country town. One of my units this Semester is "Self-Directed Arts", we students call it ARTS332. About 20mins into the first session I noticed that this class has a strong focus on local Melbourne Artists.

The Problem: 

I don't know of any Melbourne Artists. For the main portion of this class I was feeling entirely stressed and overwhelmed. I can now recognise that this was mostly the product of sleep-deprivation and coffee-deprivation; a deadly combination in Australia. After a caffeine fix at my new local De Clieu I was suddenly much more optimistic.

The Task:

I am going to publish my journey, my transition, whatever you'd like to call it, into this grand city full of Artists. I will visit as many galleries as possible researching and discovering for myself the Artists of Melbourne, and documenting my adventure via LeaderFollower.

The Goal:

To find a Melbourne Artist who has genuinely affected and influenced the art world beyond the borders of the Great South Land.

Wish me luck!

Signing off, full of coffee and optimism,

Renee Bell