samedi 30 juin 2012

Gosford Art Residency

A week ago just before catching my bad flue (that is finally gone) I went to buy some groceries with my fiancé’ at Gosford’s (that is where I currently live) shopping  Centre. If you are familiar with the area you can imagine my immense surprise when passing by one of the shop I discovered that an art residency was going on! OMG That was so cool! Plus we were lucky enough to be able to talk with two of the artists in residency : Kylie Rose McLean, Janet Mean who are absolutely fantastic people and great artists.





The residency just finished (I ve just realised that...time does pass too quick), Kylie was recolting pieces of fabric and recording theyr history from people passing by, she will then transform the donated fabric into an installation of textile panels that encapsulate the personal stories, histories and memories of local residents.
And Janet was ironing and folding she will be encouraging people to bring in shirts and sheets that need ironing. They will watch her as she irons their clothes and engage in conversation about the service she is providing. How cool is that?
If you want to read more about Janet and Kylie or discover the other two artist in residence projects click here
If you are from the area and you missed out I invite you to go and see the final result whic  will be exhibited at the Gosford Regional Gallery from 21st July to 16th September, 2012.
I will certanily go!
If not you can follow part of Kylie  project virtually  
here.
Have a lovely sunday
xoxo
lesley

vendredi 29 juin 2012

Keep it SMART


Hey,
Today I am going to use some of my academic knowledge (yep you may not know that but I have a Master Degree in Economics and Marketing from one of the most prestigious Universities of the World: The Sorbonne) sorry about bragging about It but my EGO wanted some attention :O)


So If you like me are not having much chance with your online business It is maybe time to reconsider things, keep tuned on every Sunday on this Blog and things will be better!
Together we are going to manage to bust our Etsy Shops! Yes we can!!!!

So first rule is BE SMART!

Yes yes I know you are what I mean Is the S.M.A.R.T business Goals,

S.M.A.R.T. is an acronym :

S = specific

M= measurable

A= achievable

R= relevant

T = time-based goals.

SPECIFIC

You goals should be sharp and clear.

“Bring 1000 visitors per week” on your Etsy shop is a much clearer goal than “get more business for my Etsy shop”.

When you focus on something SPECIFIC you became more stronger. If you focus on a specific aim your goal will be a sort of magnet that will draw all your energy toward it.

MESURABLE
Numbers are an essential part of any business. Whitout them you will most likely fail. It would be like following a recepy without mesurements, the result? A catastrophe! Trust me I ve been there!


ACHIEVABLE

Remember just like Rome was not built in a day and you will not be Etsy Featured Seller overnight!
By the way anyone knows how that happens?

RELEVANT

Be realistic consider your competitors: If you find hundreds of other shop sellers that sell the same product of yours but with better pictures ans lower prices Umh It is going to be pretty hard for you to make it in that field!


TIME BASED GOALS

Business goals just don’t get done without it. Whether your business goal is to increase or make it to Etsy First page, it is important you establish a time-frame to realize your goal.


On my side my goal is to manage to sell two paintings per months on Etsy from November 2012.

From now on I am going to re-think my business do you want to join me in this adventure? I would love it!

xoxo

Lesley










What is Postmodernism?

It is a cliché to say that we live in a Postmodern world, yet only few people know what it really means. Untill a few days ago I was one of them. But now days I belive there is no excuse to be ignorant: we have access to information so easlly! Just lazyness can stop us!
So I ve decided that once a week I will make a post about an interesting art aspect that can help us be more cultivated! Last week it was Xu Bing today is going to be about Postmodernism.

The most important figure of Postmodernism is Jean Francois Lyotard.
If we had to describe postmodernism as a philosophical movement we should describe as a form of scepticism. Scepticism about authorities, received wisdom, cultural and political norms,…
In other words Postmodernism is the rejection of most of the western values, were revaluation becames very important.
Postmoderism has of course influenced the work of many artists from the music world to the art world, among all the so called postmodernist artists my favourite would certainly be Anselm Kiefer.
                 Karfunkelfee (2009) by Anselm Kiefer
In his work Kiefer refelcts about the violences, atrocities and paradoxes of human history.
I hope that you enjoyed this article and awakened your curiosity and thristh of knowledge and made you want learn more about the subject.
Remeber what Dante Alighieri wrote:
"you were not made to live as brutes, but to follow virtue and knowledge"

xoxo

Lesley


 





Papercuts - DIY- Imaginary landscapes


It is wonderful what you can do with only a few sheets of colorded papers and a pair of sissors and some glue, isn't it?
Today I ve had fun creating some immaginary landscapes It brought me back to my childhood made me feel so free and happy.
I do strongly recomend this as a cure to a boring rainy day with a flue.
Try it out and let me know what you think! Even If I am not a pro I am more than happy to give you some advice.

 

mardi 26 juin 2012

On the Road Again - the wonderrful treasures of Manly Market



I am a globetrotter that Is no big news, If It was up to me I would just spend my entire life travelling!  But what really excites me when I first visit a city is the general atmosphere, the discovery of small things, the local life, and I could go on a and on…
My general motto could be: “ Be Local think Global”, like try to live as a local in every country, that is my dream !
That is why in this rubric “On the road again” I will try to talk about things that both a local and a tourist could enjoy and describe Sydney trough her liveliness, her Markets and Events.
Today we are going to talk about one of my favorite spots in Sydney: Manly and its markets.
Four years ago I had been accepted to come to Australia to do an intership in a Tour Operator, before caming I asked some of my friends who had already been to Sydney, wich was theyr favourite spot, and most of them all told me: Manly!



So on my firsth week end in Oz still with the jetlag I went to Manly, not only I was not deceived, but ehi how can you resist 18 ocean beaches, greate boutiques, surfers and cool people from all over the world!? The atmosphere is so relaxed, funky , yung and yet classy it is just the perfect place to be.
I love going to Manly on the week ends mainly because of its art and craft market, were I can alwas find some treaures: amazing paintings, handmade jewellery, greate black and white photos, and much more.
The markets is on every Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 5pm. And If you go there on a Satyrday morning you can always have a tour at the Farmers Market.

Thank you for reading,


xoxo

Lesley

 



lundi 25 juin 2012

Interview with Tanya and Dimity from Rosemyn Vintage

Tell me about you and your Etsy Shop

If you love it don't let it slip through your fingers and be gone forever...

Rosemyn Vintage is a mother and daughter partnership. Our etsy store opened in September 2011.
We have handmade jewellery, vintage clothing and accessories, vintage homewares and sewing patterns for sale in our store. We are members of a number of Australian and overseas teams. 

We love making treasuries and feel this is fabulous promotion for our store.
Dimity has been making jewellery for the past seven years. She started when she was 13 years old. A vast majority of pieces that she makes are unique and are made of new and recycled materials. All of them involve lots of love and time.
Tanya helps make the jewellery but is the main person behind the shop front, facebook and other technology.




What hand made and vintage mean for you?
Wouldn't you prefer to be the owner of a OOAK piece whether it be a beautiful handmade piece of jewellery or a vintage fashion treasure that no one else will have, than have some mass produced product. Her grandmother scouts op shops and garage sales for any old jewellery that Dimi can pull apart, mix with other components and upcycle into her own creations. She has been asked to make a number of bespoke pieces for people to wear to special occasions.
My husband and I (Tanya) are building a stone cottage on our property "Rosemyne" which is filled with vintage treasures that we have collected over the years. Anything unusual or rustic appeals to us - we love all things eclectic!




What is your recent project/find/creation?
Most recent creation would be the over-the-top beaded choker necklaces.
We have recently entered one of our shank button creations in shades of silver, purple and grey into a local "Waste Art" competion in the Inverell Shire - we will keep you posted on that one! We are starting a weekly "Find of the week ..." on our Facebook page beginning this week.


Whant to find more about Tanya and Dimity? Visit them on madit or twitter !


Thank you!
xoxo
Lesley

dimanche 24 juin 2012

Pavlova - Australia 's Yummy Dessert


Here we are again in a our weekly appointment of " Yummy Monday", as you know this month is dedicated to Australia, so today I am going to reveal Australia's number one dessert recipe.
Meringues are known to bee a bit cheeky, not very easy to make, even If the process seems so basic it does need a bit of sovoir faire...
You can Imagine my "stress" about making a Pavlova, which let's face it is nothing else than  a Big Meringue.
My first attempt was a disaster...the meringue was chewy, thin and  too acid but now I ve won!
My secret?  Once completed cooking, let your Pav cool completely in oven If not It will fall down!!!


Ingredients 
  • 1 tablespoon cornflour
  • 6 egg whites
  • 1 teaspoon cream of tartar
  • 1 cup of sugar
  • 1 teaspoon of white vinegar
  • 200ml of  cream
  • 250g frozen raspberries or blueberries 

Method

Preheat oven to 200°C.
Make a circle with a pencil on a sheet of baking paper. 
Beat egg whites and  tartar in a big bowl
Add sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, beating constantly. 
Add 3 teaspoons cornflour with the last tablespoon of sugar. 
Fold through the vinegar.
Spoon meringue onto your circle on the baking paper. 
Reduce oven to 100°C. 
Bake for  1  hour and a half or until dry and crisp. 
Turn off oven and open oven door. 
Cool completely in oven If not It will fall down...
Put onto a serving plate. Spread with cream and top with raspberries/blueberries or whatever fruit you love (strawberries and passion fruit also look amazing and taste deliscious!)

Let me know How you go! And If anyone as any tips please feel free to share!

xoxo
Lesley











samedi 23 juin 2012

Versatile Blog Award

I wasa so happy wensday morning when a bit reluctantly because of my bad flu and my hopeless internet connection I decided to have a tour on my blog, to discover to my huge surprise that I had be honoured by Debbi from Yankee Burrow Creations the Versatile Blogger Award!
So cool!!!!

 
 
First of all a BIG BIG thank you to Debbi!
You can have a look to her versatile blog
by clicking here .You will see It is a very nice blog.
 
 
As everything in life there is a few rules that the awarded blogger has to respect..
  •  Add the award to your blog.
  •  Thank the blogger who gave it to you.
  •  Mention 7 random things about yourself.
  •  List the rules.
  •  Award it to 15 bloggers.
  •  Inform each of those 15 by leaving
     a comment on their blog.
     
 So now lets get to most fun part.. 7 random facts..
  • I am an Italian artist who lives in Australia with her Australian fiance' who is also an artist.
  • I am not sure I know what random means
  • I am learning to crochet and I find It very relaxing and can actually be funky!
  • I love to read all product etiquette and medicine leaflets
  • My Blog will be dedicated entirely to Australia this moth (recipes, artists,...)
  • I am moving back to Europe soon and I am very exited about it
  • I love cooking new recipe from all over the world
But now enough about me ...It is time to announce the winners...
...dandara daaaaa...and the Award goes tooo:

 
 
I invite you to surf trough the pages of the awarded blogs, as they are really really cool and I am pretty sure you will find something interesting in them.
It is a quite eclectic selection of blogs from all over the world, from small craft blogs to some of the most known food bloggers of the world...
 
TOP 15 VERSATILE BLOGS :
 
 
http://lasagnathecat.blogspot.com.au/ ,  http://a-painting-mom.blogspot.com.au/,
http://q-linda.blogspot.com/ , minibonbons.blogspot.com.au, stephanielevy.blogspot.com, http://rioritajewelry.blogspot.com, janethillstudio.com/blog, http://www.blacksburgbelle.com/blog/, cocokelley.blogspot.com, www.joysilk.blogspot.com, www.inspiredtaste.net,
jessicahart.net,
blog,decor8blog.com,
eatlikeagirl.com/about,
www.stylemepretty.com


Always keep smiling
xoxo
Lesley

lundi 18 juin 2012

Iconic Australian Cuisine: Anzac Biscuits

I am soon going to leave Australia and go back home to Europe, so before leaving I want to make the most of my experience down under and learn the most I can about ozy culture.
So for my first attempt, yesterday I went to my adorable ozy neighbor David and we made Anzac biscuits together! The plus is that not only the taste so good but also they are so easy to make!!!
For those of you who don’t know Anzac biscuits are sweet biscuits popular in Australia and New Zealand, these biscuits were sent by wives and mothers to soldiers fighting abroad as the ingredients do not spoil easily (there is no egg) and the biscuits keeps well during transportation.

And now, put your apron on and get ready to bake some delicious bickies .

Ingredients

1 Cup of oats
1 cup of plain flour
½ cup of sugar
¾ cup desiccated coconut
2 tablespoon golden syroup
½ cup of butter
½ cup of bicarbonate of soda
1 tablespoon boiling water
Pinch Salt

Method

·         Mix oats, flour, sugar and coconut together
·         Melt syrup and butter together
·         Mix soda with boiling water then add to melted butter and syroup
·         Add to dry ingredients
·         Place tablespoonful of mixture on greased slide.
·         Bake in preheated oven for 20 minutes at 150/160


David's Secret

To keep biscuits crisp they should be stored in airtight containers as soon as they are cold. Different variety of biscuits should be stored separately.

Hey, by the way I am ready to any suggestion. Comments are indeed more than welcome.

xoxo
Lesley

Inside the studio of Debbie from the Smile Emporium / Exciting Recycling

 
My husband took some time off work and did it as an owner builder. In the process we had the TV ariel off for 3 weeks. While we were never big TV watchers just having it as“ not an option” at night was great. We learnt new skills on the internet. With my interest in recycling and an Aunt who makes lovely hook rugs,I learn how to make toothbrush rugs.
After the roof went on we never put the ariel up again. Four years on we have an adorable little boy,(the older kids are wonderful with him) I’ve learnt how to play the ukulele, make ballon animals, wire wrap jewellery, knit (My mum started me off) make pendants, we read the bible and much more.




My shop The Smile Emporium, goal is “to assist a smile to creep to your face” I try and create items that make people smile. I have a passion for recycling so it’s a major theme in the shop.There is a mix of creations using new and recycled materials. 
Quirky button stuff, National Geographic pictures in cuff links and pendants; birds nest jewellery; coffee cozys; bow tie scarves, aprons with matching chefs hat; rag rugs; and bags.

I’m always looking at peoples clothes and possessions and thinking -How else could I extend the useage of this item in a way that it functions well and looks good. The other part of my process is asking myself questions like, “Will the item potentially be a positive addition to someones life?”. For example aprons encourage creativity and skill building, bags carry our things allowing us to particpate in outings, rugs warm the feet. Buttons remind us that the simple things in life are beautiful. National Geographic pictures in jewellery have an element of recycling and promoting the beauty around us that is to be enjoyed yet treated so others in the future can enjoy it as well.

What handmade means to you? 

Collins English Dictionary says it well.(Clothing, Personal Arts & Crafts / Crafts) made by hand, not by machine, esp with care or craftsmanship.



Recent project

It Is winter so while recovering from Glandular fever knitting scarves has been great.Want to find more about Debbie and her lovely shop visit now her facebook page or her etsy shop.

THANK YOU DEBBIE
xoxo
Lesley

samedi 16 juin 2012

XU BING – When Dreams come true -

As I child I started to invent a secret written language than no one else could understand except me, It turn out that It was too time consuming and too complicated, but I still vividly remember the excitement that this project had raised in me.
So you can imagine my joy, when as an adult, I discovered that some one had done something very similar, but in a far more magical, intriguing and esthetically wonderful way.

                                   Xu Bing, "Book from the Sky" 1987

This someone is the Chinese artist Xu Bing, among his great artworks, my favorite is : “Book from the Sky (1987)”  an elaborate an fascinating installation.
Xu Bing’s “Book From the Sky” is an installation made of books, scrolls and printed sheets of paper with what seems in appearance “Chinese” texts, in reality he made up 4000 characters that seemed Chinese but were completely made up by him.

You can imagine the confusion and disbelief of the audience.
The delicate subjects here treated are the role of traditional culture in our contemporary world, the trustworthiness of information, and the vainness of life.
The artist consecrated three years working on this mind-blowing project.

                                            Xu Bing, "The Living Word" 2001

Fascinating, no?


jeudi 14 juin 2012

Film Festival - On a crazy ride with Leos Carax

I love Film Festivals in general, I think is the best way to enjoy the very top movies that are happening all over the world, It is a way to dream and reflect and of course escape reality.
The good news is that from the 6 - 17 of June the Sydney Film Festival is happening here in Sydney.
Yesterday I went to see Holy Motors made by  French filmmaker Leos Carax.
It is an amazing movie, rich in colours, music and craziness and contains a  subversive weirdness. A weird mixture of science fiction and surrealism. Holy motors has surprised me and remind me a bit of my favourite movie ever : Mulholland Drive of David Lynch






Follows the Official Movie trailer of Holy Motors:






A famous Hollywood Reporter calls it 'exhilarating, opaque, heartbreaking and completely bonkers.'

Have you seen it?What do you think?


Another Movie that I will suggest seeing is : Marina Abramovic: The artist is Present, I went to see her exhibition in Milan this spring and since I am a HUGE fan!





Enjoy


xoxo


Lesley