Sunday, January 30, 2011

Alex Grey Exhibition, Byron Bay, Australia

When I heard Alex Grey was having an exhibition of his work in Byron Bay, I nearly flilpped my shit. My brother first showed me Alex Grey's work a few months ago, and ever since then I think I've looked at every piece he's ever done! I consider him a genius in the true sense of the word. The layers of meaning in his work, his incredible vision and technical ability (the work is so detailed and anatomically accurate it blows the mind) mean that he is one of the greatest artists of our generation. I think one of the greatest artists ever. I bought my brother Alex Grey's book, "Sacred Mirrors" for Christmas and we've both been devouring it. Once friends saw the book, they were also amazed and it wasn't uncommon to find a group of boys all cramming their necks to look at the book and his art. 

On the 27th we journeyed to Byron Bay, a 2.5 hours drive south of Brisbane, through lush hinterland (the intense rain we've been getting does have its perks!). We set up camp, went for a swim (the beach is one of the most beautiful I've seen in Australia), and headed to the exhibition with no expectations. We weren't sure if Alex Grey would be there, or what the exhibition would be like. I thought it might just be a hall space with his, and other artists, work displayed. Oh how wrong I was! Not only was he there (also with his artist wife, Allison), but he also gave a presentation that went 'behind the scenes'...he talked about the meaning behind his "Sacred Mirrors" series, as well as other projects he has been working on, such as building a temple, converting a New York loft into a "Church"/gallery and the community they have developed there. Allison talked about their love story too, which I found inspiring...it was quite obvious that Alex and Allison are still madly, deeply in love, despite being together for around 30 years. BUT WAIT...there's more! After the presentation he said to get the party started, and he and Allison started live painting. Que insane dub-glitch-hop-psy-breaks awesomeness, a room full of uninhibited and free-spirited people, brilliant artwork from some local artists such as Paul Abad, and ALEX GREY PAINTING RIGHT IN FRONT OF ME. It's awesome when expectations are exceeded so overwhelmingly!


This is an original painting, and I cannot even begin to tell you how beautiful it is in the flesh. He said the painting was based on his experience with Allison where external, bodily boundaries dissipated and a single, united heart joined them. Pretty powerful stuff. 


Another of his original artworks!


 Alex Grey and his wife, at the end of their presentation. 


 A very dark me, next to Alex Grey! He needed help with the flash on his camera, and I was the first there to help...I couldn't believe I was in that situation! I wanted to get him alone to grab a photo, but he had people talking to him constantly. 


The exhibition room


Alex Grey actually painting right in front of me


The gang off to swim at Byron Bay :) I'm ashamed to admit this was my first time to Bryon...shameful considering I live only 2.5 hours away! I wasn't sure what to expect...there's alot of hype surrounding Byron, but I'm pleased to say that I thought it was awesome. The people are probably the most relaxed and friendly I've ever met in Australia...so keen to go back!

Saturday, January 29, 2011

Wasted Energy


"Life appears to me too short to be spent in nursing animosity or registering wrongs"
- Charlotte Brontë, 1816-1855. 

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Home Office Ideas

As my foreseeable future will be dictated by my studies, I find myself drifting off and daydreaming about my perfect home office/study. Every Christmas my mum buys my sister and I a big bag FULL of stationary...my sister and I shriek with delight as we go through our goodie-bag filled with new (scented!) highlighters, organizers, notepads, pens and posty-notes (with lovely little designs). Although my dream office probably won't materialize for a few years yet, I can't help but look through design magazines, websites and blogs, logging images into my brain and slowly building a room I can love. 

I found this image on House to Home...I love the grey and the cozyness of this room - it's warm but light at the same time. I've always wanted my study to be light; it seems to make the hours spent behind the computer so much easier. I must confess I'm not a fan of the computer chair...the thought of sitting in that chair for hours on end would be enough to put me off studying...I don't need any more excuses!


Low Luv x Erin Wasson

I have the silver ring below (well, a knock-off I found at General Pants Co.), and I wear it ALL THE TIME. It's extremely versatile; I wear it with tribally outfits, when I'm feeling minimal, I wear it to toughen up a summer dress and when I'm going low key in skinnies and a tee (outfit posts coming soon!). I'm keen to buy the gold (a real Low Luv x Erin Wasson one this time) as soon as my moolah situation allows. I like the other pieces in the collection, but I hardly wear things around my wrist (except for a band that a deaf-mute orphan in Cambodia made me a few years ago) as I find them too irritating - I have tiny wrists so they tend to be too loose, they bang into things and get in the way. Despite this, I find myself rather liking the bracelet and bangle below...Perhaps I should give these a go?






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Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Christopher Brooks

This is my wonderful boyfriend's new mix! In the last few months he's gained supporting spots for international dj's such as Claude Von Stroke, Marc Marzenit, B6 and Mike Monday, and in February is confirmed to support Vincenzo and Charlie May, Kasey Taylor and PQM. This is a "deep tech house progressive" mix, with some awesome grooves, especially towards the end. Have a listen!

 Submerged (Flood Mix), 12th of January 2011 - Christopher Brooks by Christopher Brooks

Aurelio Costarella

Aurelio Costarella is a West Australian Ready to Wear and Couture label that has become hugely popular both critically and commercially. Costarella has recently joined forces with I Nuovi Cosmetics to produce a line of skin, body and home products, as well as a signature scent (which I'm especially looking forward to!). 

Spring/Summer 2010-2011



Winter 2011

(I want this jacket!)

Sunday, January 16, 2011

Penguin Deck Chairs



I'm a massive book fan, so when I saw these Penguin deck chairs I was very excited. They have a selection of titles and colours to choose from too. I'd love one of these for myself (can totally see myself packing one of these up and heading to the beach) but it would make an awesome pressie for someone too!

Thursday, January 13, 2011

Filippa K SS2011

Ahhhh the campaign for Filippa K Spring Summer 2011 is teasing me so badly! That yellow jumper is just so perfect - the shape, the fit, and it's my most favourite shade of sunflower yellow! 


LBD

I just bought this Acne AW10 dress...I've been searching for a dress like this for ages! A simple black shirt dress that can be thrown on with anything is exactly what I need :)

3.1 Phillip Lim S/S 11

This collection is AMAZING! 





Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Pink LouLou

I love this Love Knot ring! The ring comes in three sizes...I think I like the slimmest the most, but I'm not totally convinced. Pink LouLou is another brilliant Aussie designer too!


Alex Grey 2011 Australian Tour

Bryon Bay Exhibition, 27th January 2011!!

This is the second event to the three day artists retreat, also held in Byron Bay in Northern New South Wales, Australia. Some original Alex Grey paintings will be on display, as well as some giclée prints of Grey's other works. Grey will also be doing a live painting!!! This is a dream come true!! The tickets are $55 which is incredible, so tickets are expected to sell out quickly. Sale on soon!

Wild Beasts - Two Dancers II (Jon Hopkins remix)

Tuesday, January 11, 2011

Thursday, January 6, 2011