Up close with the Rude Jellybabies
I’ve been invited to help with an exhibition installation this week at KickArts. It’s a real hub of activity for the Arts scene up here in the Far North. The exhibition opens Friday night, and I’ll post more details and photos as they come to hand.
Next week brings an event that I’ve been waiting for since I attended last July - The Winter ArtEscape at The Tanks. It holds a special place in my memory, as it a provided a catalyst for our move from the bottom left hand corner to the top right hand corner of this country.
I had no intention of coming to Cairns when Jeff’s conference was here last July. “Too far, why would I want to go all the way there?” I protested. However, when I opened my issue of The Australian Artist mag, there was an attention grabbing ad for the ArtEscape, with the exact same dates as the conference. Fate said “You gotta go”.
Never having left our son behind on any trip before (he’s travelled as a baby and toddler across the oceans through many countries with us), it was a hard decision to leave him behind, especially as we would be leaving on his birthday. School and another family to have him was all arranged. He took it pretty well, although he was very sad when he said “You’re going to the city that has the BEST skatepark in all of Australia and you’re leaving me behind” (he’s a dedicated skater).
So what does a parent do? 2 days before we leave, I change the day of departure (one day earlier), I book him a ticket and pack his bags in secret. On the day we flew out, we all arrived at the airport (saying we had to drop off something) and he still had no idea. When we handed him his skateboard and packed bag, it still didn’t click. When we finally said “Happy Birthday, you’re coming with us”, the look of disbelief, relief and sheer exhilaration on his face was just gorgeous.
From that trip last July, we have since moved to this tropical wonderland. Surrounded by rainforest (full of wierd and wonderful creatures), reef, and a spectaular line of mountains, this new home (and I’ve had many!) has been the most absorbing, both mind and body.
But back to ArtEscape - last year I was taught some wonderful watercolour techniques by one of the best wildlife artists in Australia, Paul Margocsy.
Here we are on the last day. He was a cheeky fellow (and a rabid Essendon supporter), and a magnificient teacher. I’m once again taking his class.
There about 110 that attended last year, with renowned artists as teachers coming from all over the country.
Try and spot me and Jez in the group photo below.
Here is one of the paintings I did during the week.
I’ve ordered some Clayboard from Parkers in Sydney, as I’m keen to try that instead of watercolour paper this year. It’s like a laminex board, but one that takes and holds watercolour paint on it’s surface.
Busy busy this week, AND it’s still school holidays….
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a belated happy new year to you, my friend! e.
OW! STOP PUSHING!! MAN you are a pushy woman….
Well now that you’ve FORCED me here against my will I suppose I had better leave a comment.
There. Satisfied?
Seriously though, did you know that if you go to your old blog now, a mysterious force COMPELS you to click on the “read more” bit? Quite amazing! It’s almost like a curse or something!
I like the bird painting. I was going to say I like the painting, but realised I have no idea what model it is so I took the safe path to avoid looking STUPID. The most important thing here is I have not lost any face.
Now that I am armed with my whip, I can FORCE you faster! I think some people pay for that don’t they?
The bird is a Golden Whistler, I should be doing some prep work now (sketches to be trnasferred), but I’m always a last minute type of gal.
Cheers,
Cindy
Ohhh what if my hubby checks out the employment pages while we are up there…..
Then again that would only happen if he has EXTEMELY good fishing charters while we are up there…..I’m not good with humidity….and I would sook for my mum and sister and bestie’s….
It sounds like your move was a good one!!!!
Cant wait to catch up with the rude Jelly Beans…..now back to that cake, washing, tidying up, bills, dad’s finances…..etc….
Hey Kim, we must catch up when you’re up here. I know where the best slushies-in-a-martini-glass are served.
Yes, the humidity is horrid (end of Dec thru to end of Feb)- thank god for air con. There is no winter here (Perth was 3C this morning). It’s been hovering pretty much around 28C every day. I miss the heater, my jumpers and sheepskin slippies, I think.
Love to see a piccie of your cake..
Cheers
Cindy
Love the jelly Babies, they look good enough to eat….
Whay a wonderful thing you did with your son….I would probably be the same as I hate leaving my kids behind….The picture is as always lovely…..
Don`t over work that whip too much this week!!!!!!
Afternoon,
I think that you are the one standing in front of a lady in a red t-shirt at the back.
Speaking of red, there was a Brolga here today. Red legs, black wings and a white chest. The pelicans and sea gulls beat it to the food. Opps, I was destracted them, back to spooking you out.
You are a very beautiful woman. I want to be you. (Te he he) If you think Lonz and David are scarey, wait for me! (Ha ha). Ony kidding. I adore Lonz and David. Both have been fun while I have been in the Pond, or should I say ‘was’.
Anyway, I read the RSS feed for these comments and laughed again.
$$$ Ca-Ching $$ there goes my email bill.
Byeee
Mandy, there is a trick to cracking the whip - it’s a real art!
I also had a long riding crop over a metre long (I used to ride, basic dressage). It was used to just gently touch the hindquartes so they pay more attention. Someone borrowed it for a fancy dress and I never saw it again. I loved that crop.
I have seen a horse outfitters here, and I might just replace it. Haven’t got a horse though!
Hi Grotty,
Sorry that you have to pay for your comments here. Maybe I could start a fund…
Lonz and David are like naughty boys. The ones that need the spotlight. I don’t believe they are bad men (I hope), its just the creepy stuff that needs to be addressed.
It’s a shame that they can’t “connect” with other on bigblog in a more productive way. To not have the respect of your peers, in any community, must be hurtful in some way.
I don’t hold a grudge, life is too short to be full of regrets and bitterness.
I’m happy to host your video on bigblog if you need somewhere.
See you round!
Grotty, forgot to say , yes you’re right! I am at the back of that photo.
As being beautiful, hardly! If you could see me at the moment, dressed in my Felix the Cat old T-shirt, with my hair piled up on my head (I have been cleaning the studio), you would think I am a homeless vagrant. All I need is a bottle of sweet sherry in a paper bag!
I loved the painting of the bird but mostly I love the jelly babies but who doesn’t they are such cute rude little buggers…..lol Can you imagine trying to eat a jelly baby that big……………….
Cindy, I admire your generosity of spirit.
Me, I am less forgiving. I think they are both immature ego-maniacal assholes.
Oops, look out! THE PLANE!! THE PLANE!! Gotta run!
What a great surprise for Jess’s birthday. It was an interesting story about your move. I now know why you wanted to move but what does the man do there..I guess something to do with the golf course.
I have put up some pics of FNQ on my blogspot, you will recognise some of them I’m sure. Unfortunately I didn’t see the art gallery or the Tanks or Kickarts. Maybe next time I can check out the cultural side of Cairns.
Its good to see you’ve got over the attack by the male chauvenists. I know how you feel, I copped it from The Templar some time ago. Good old Tim went in to bat for me as he did for you. He’s a real knight in shining armour. I was upset for a short while but then realised Templar wasn’t worth taking notice of and promtly ignored him ever since.The comments those two left on your blog really show them up for what they are.
Keep up the great blogging even though you’re busy, busy.
Hello lovely people,
Jo-Anne, a local lady artist designed those babies, you can buy them at the Centre. I’m really tempted now.
Tim, I was very cross for a while there, however Real Life quickly makes you forget the hassles of the internet. It’s when the latter crosses over into the former, then you’ve got trouble. I hope that will not be the case in this instance.
Diane, I think it was Hosky Kim that said it was an old man thing? Definately seems to be a pattern forming. I feel lonliness may be at the heart of it all.
I think I need to have everyone’s other web addresses - I can put them up her on the Blogroll (right hand side at the top of the page.
Off to check out your shots….
Cheers,
Cindy
OMG my husband has turned into a blogaholic. He’s started another one all about Swiss trains.
http://sbb-cff.blogspot.com/
I’m a bit slow, I’ve just realised why the jelly baby has a big smile on his face.