The art of Swanson

 

Aloha and WOW ! I need to thank my fb friend Ida Fae Tiki for putting me onto the most beautiful art - the art of Swanson. It's the middle of winter here in Australia, and these stunning South Pacific inspired works have me feeling all warm inside. Thought I would share them with you here to transport you to a wonderful world of mermaids, tiki culture, tropical flowers and beautiful hula girls...... ahhhh, I can feel my toes beginning to thaw already! Enjoy!

Check out the webpage HERE 

 

PS. Make sure you read Mark and Kerrie's bio page - for any would be creative, it is truly inspirational! Mahalo !

Little Girl Lost - Grandma's little girl dresses.....

Are you familiar with the beautiful impressionist painting "Lost" by Fredrick McCubbin? It is so compelling, yet sad and evocative - the little girl wandering and lost alone in the Australian bush at the turn of last century. McCubbin is brilliant at storytelling through his paintings, and this particular one, as a parent, I find quite touching.

 

 

So, being the parent and creative that I am, I decided to have a fun afternoon with my daughter re-creating the feel of "Lost" in the bush where I live, and with a 1950's spin.

 

My baby doll, dressed in two of her grandmothers 1950's 'best dresses' (arnt they just darling?! Homemade by MY grandmother for my mother) and putting her best play acting face forward, captured the feeling and mood so perfectly.....yes, I am a very proud mummy indeed!

 

 

Here they are for all you 50's clothing lovers, and you Australian art lovers, to both enjoy.....

 

 

 

And found !

 

Ahhh, my little baby doll

 

A painting for Paul and Gill...

 

I was so surprised a couple of months back to receive an email from my friend Paul asking if I would paint a portrait of he and his wife Gill for their upcoming 10th wedding anniversary. I was quite flabbergasted actually, as, although I did art in year 12, it has been a long time since then, and I had only gotten back 'into it' with 2 artworks in recent times...... nothing daunted and highly flattered, I said yes and began to brainstorm layout ideas.....

 

 (pre the inclusion of sideburns on Paul !)

 

Skip ahead two months and here is the final result - a 60's cartoonish style portrait in greens and oranges that was presented to Gill as a surprise at the recent Sydney 50's Fair. From this very humble artist, I just want to thank Paul for this opportunity, and to say happy anniversary from Alice Jean's....doing this portrait was a delight and an honour, may you know many many more years of 'wedded bliss' !

 

Outre Gallery

While working in the CBD of Melbourne over summer, I happened across the most outstanding gallery I have ever beheld, and I wondered what rock I had been dwelling under to have not heard of this fantastical place before !!! The Outre Gallery in Elizabeth Street, Melbourne is a destinational spot for any lover of modern/mid century design and inspired artists if ever there was one! I found myself in awe of the selection of artist on display, and seriously inspired to up the anti with regard to my personal art collection....what more fitting way to celebrate the various epochs of ones life than by the purchase of a classic work by the likes of Shag, Matte Stephens or Derek Yaniger (apart from painting your own amazing commemorative works of course !!) Here are some samples of the work on offer....

As a placemaker, I am captivated by the works of Matte Stephens - they are so beautiful and he has such a disarming way of capturing the spirit of a city, even when he is not a 'native'...check out Melbourne and Sydney below.......

(I am sooooo saving up for this Melbourne print)

And the always sensational Shag prints....the trouble with his work is that it is nigh on impossible to choose a favourite to purchase, they are all so wonderful........

  

And my newly discovered love of Derek Yaniger.......I am instantly back in the 60's !!

You simply must visit this gallery - in person or online - to appreciate the calibre of the work they carry......I have been truly inspired...believe me, there will be more about this wonderful place in the future at Alice Jean's......

and if you are in Melbourne this week, here is an event not to be missed at the gallery:

Australian Modern Launch
Exclusive Pre-Opening Floor Talk $20

Prior to our official event on Friday night (7pm), we are holding a special presentation for limited numbers at 6:15pm.

Chris Osborne (Brisbane) is the editor of this new publications Australian Modern and he will graciously be doing a short talk on Antipodean Mid-Century Style and History.

Cost is $20 (cash on the door) which includes ONE magazine (valued at $16), floor talk and refreshments. One partner or friend can also be admitted free (single magazine applies to people coming as a couple)

If you would like to come along to this pre-event at 6:15pm before the official opening, please reserve your place either by calling 9642 5455 or via email info@outregallery.com

Awesome atomic art !

 

Oh wow - I have just discovered the most fantastic, wonderful atomic artist out and I am sooooo excited I simply had to share all about her with you. Isnt her work 'totally groovy' or 'atomicly cool' or 'absalout hipsville'? Check out these wonderful works, and most importantly, her website - and dont forget to tell her how much you love her style !! Affirmation of others is a vital component of being a glamorous 50's gal, somthing that beautiful Crystal (aka El Gato Gomez) is herself !!!

El Gato Gomez is a professional artist and designer with a mad passion for mid century style and culture. Her works are inspired by her ongoing obsession with the look and feel of this enchanting era. Iconic pop culture imagery like robots and rockets, pin-up girls, tikis, and wild beehive hairdos find a place in works inspired by the elegant and often outrageous artwork and graphic design of the period.

The incredible Becky...

 
Have a good close look at these photographs. Beautiful black and white images of golden age Hollywood, done as comfy couch cushions. Look closely again. Can you figure out how they have been created?

I was completely blown away when I first saw these most incredible cushions, made by the lovely - and infinitely talented - Becky Argent. They are cross stitched from patterns made by Becky herself, and you should see how very intricate they are up close !!

Tiny, perfect stitches in shades of black, white and grey....for those of us who have dabbled in cross stitching before, imagine working only with those shades on a very intricate level.....and look at the amazing result! What a collection !!

Becky, these are simply priceless works of art and as a collection they are breathtaking. You must keep us posted with each new addition to the couch !!!