The Ramblings Of Linden Langdon

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The City Of Perth

Tuesday 31, May

Its remote. Thats the first thing that you really identify with when you think about Perth. Australia is a big country, with most of its vast interior sparcely populated. The city and town developments cling to the coastal regions, with the essential country towns providing services to the farming communities, servicing the population from a dwindling pool of fertile land. Its an old continent, escaping much of the turbulence of volcanic eruption in the more recent history of the earths evolution to leave its soils exposed to the elements for a longer time than more volatile regions. Perth is no exception to this, but offers a connection from the west. This makes it essential in the bigger picture of economics and security. The vast western edge of Australia is a difficult area to monitor. Perhaps the one thing that adds a twist of irony to the fate of the intrepid traveler is the hostility of the landmass. Flying over it is an eye opener as you see kilometers of empty coastline - no sign of life - yet it looks so lovely form up there!

Perth city is a very well structured city. The walkways, bike tracks, wide streets, wide pathways and city footpaths that are built to accomodate the numerous coffee shops that spill out to offer alfresco dining all point to the city built for the people. It seemed at odds to me then, to find that people weren't especially friendly. But then when I looked at the political ambience of racial tension, verified by the presence of police at every turn, the efficient structure of the city itself seems to be at odds with creating a cohesive society. The funnelling of people through walkways and off the streets in parts means less interaction, less social contact. Perhaps the city people have become removed from the visitor through the huge dependance upon the tourist dollar, or perhaps it was just an 'off' week for Perth when I was there! An impressive place despite it all, and maybe because of it all.

Amy Finch

Monday 30, May

The PICA site is beginning to fill up with the new images and information from the recent exhibition. Papers are starting to go up for anyone interested in essays on artists work. Amy's work is quite exquisite in its miniture size - each piece is only the size of a thumb - but they draw you into their world and create a story that has all the makings of a science fiction movie, but at the same time is undeniably of the natural world. She wrote in her catalogue entry "Cascadons (the title of her work) are a study into the seductive modes of attraction in nature. Don't be fooled by their fragile beauty, they have agendas all of their own!".

Here Comes Imelda

Saturday 28, May

Keeping in faith with the alternate ideal, we were raised with a minimum of foot wear. This may seem a little odd if you live in a cold climate, but in Queensland you can get away with the rubber thongs (or flips flops as they are affectionately known) for most of the year. Well all year for us, if we were lucky, as barefoot was considered the epitomy of freedom and natural growth by my mother. And no doubt she was right. Our feet spread to their natural width without being checked by toe squeezing shoe fronts. Of course we didn't really appreciate the sentiment much, being the only barefoot kids at school, and without uniform, but thats another story of statements of freedom of a politcal kind.

The thrill of getting my first set of gym boots has left a sharp buzz in my mind and perhaps a little anxiety that hangs about with me every time I shop for the modern version of joggers. High school was looking up - I had a uniform AND shoes! Enthusiam was soon to be cast aside with mounds of bloodied bandaides and discarded smelly joggers cast off in disgust after wearing them literally into the ground over years of trudging through the grime, heat and cold of country living and child rearing. My fate, it seems, was sealed in those formative primary school years.

Which brings me to this year, of all the years, when wearing 'the right' thing is suddenly as important as being in 'the right' place. Things had to change in the nethermost region of my body. Down there, where I never look, or care. It was my mum who made the first move, perhaps through consideration of her decision all those years ago to leave us shoeless and natural, or perhaps because she wanted to buy a pair of shoes for herself and needed to reconcile her internal conflict, but either way, we each ended up with a pair of Birkenstock shoes strapped firmly to our soles. I must admit it was a beautiful feeling to slip on a pair of shoes that actually fit, and walking out of the shop feeling like a normal person with my black shiny shoes! Thanks Mummy, the little girl inside cried!

The story could end there, all happy and stuff, but then along comes the other bit, the 'right' shoe for the 'right' outfit. Of course I thought I had finally got a pair of shoes that I could wear anywhere anytime, esppecially considering they cost more than I had ever spent on shoes in total in my life, but no, they just didn't look right with the brown velvet skirt. So off to Myers with my sister in Sydney to search out the perfect partner to velvet. Not such an easy task as anyone else who has tried the chore would know. But I was feeling a little brave after having success with my Birkenstock shoes, with virtually no blistering experienced on previous ventures, so I was ready to try to squeeze into those fine cut ladies shoes yet again. Success! A pair of brown shoes with a pointy toe and stretchy sides to accomodate the wider than supposed to be feet! Of course any woman knows that there is bound to be a little rubbing from new shoes... but really the bulging blisters and stripped flesh did seem a little excessive after such a short walk... back to the thongs for the rest of the trip.

My suitcase is starting to feel a little bulgy from the extra footwear, but having faith that time would heal all I headed off to Perth. Big mistake. Not only did the Birkenstocks fail after a drenching from a downpour heavier than a tropical rainstorm, then the brown pointers added their brand of skin stripping power, and I had to go shoe shopping (Betts and Betts) yet again! As you can imagine my partner had a few choice things to say about my feet (but really, wear mens shoes - no thanks!) and was decidedly despondant when asked how my new backless sandals looked (having resolved that the only answer was to ignore the discomfort of having my missing toe exposed for all to see in its absence at the front of an open sandal). This should have then been a triumph of the best kind, being forced to reconcile the trauma of having a missing toe, the need to wear shoes that caused no pain and wear the right shoe for the right occasion, but no, they just had to grab in one little spot and turn into a festering great hole on my right foot that meant I had to grimace my way through my speech at PICA and limp home with - yes thats right- thongs on my feet. Imelda, you would be proud of my suitcase...

Donna Franklin

Friday 27, May

The most captivating work at the Perth Institute of Contemporary Art for me was Donna's superb dress. It wasn't until she was melting under the lights of the symposium guest speakers table with me that I fully understood what I was looking at and could slightly appeciate her art practice. Initially she immersed herself in the scientific realm of colour and growth with a large experiment with moulds, resulting in her first art fashion with a dress sewn in fabric highly patterned by mould stains. Despite being the opposite of what we perceive as being attractive in the normal scheme of social expectations, the dress has a tantalising elegant appearance with graceful white fabric and shades of grey patterning. Donna moved on to working with fungi resulting in the stunning 'Fibre reactive'. This is a living garment, an experiment in a symbiotic relationship between the garment as a host for the fungi and the wearer. When asked how long she expected the dress to live in its current form, Donna gave a slightly sad sigh and said she wasn't ready for her garment to pass away! Her work is an exquisite blend of installation, fashion, science and feminine passion.

I found a few links for Donna including Fibre Reactive, PICA, the Fungi Symposium where she delivered a paper about her honours work, the Bead Read which is a PDF newsletter for the Curtin University and she said her dress was on Beap and although I couldn't find it, it makes an interesting site visit anyway!

Hunter Island Press Print Sale

Thursday 26, May

Last night was the opening night for the Hunter Island Press print sale and its success was easily measured by the crowd of people there and constant line to the sales counter! The display is fantastic with an ever changing print selection as purchased prints are replaced by new ones from the pile waiting to be hung up. It was straight out good fun to watch the news ones popping up and scout around to see what had changed around the boards. Of course at the end of the day it is a winner for the artists and organisers as raising funds for a community studio is the primary objective. If the fundraisers continue to be fun and interactive like this one then they will soon gain support and funds. The print sale continues till June 5th and is at the Sidespace Gallery which is a part of the Salamanca Arts Center in Hobart. The prints are all $20, a bargain in anyones language and especially with some of the high profile names there, with half the sale going to the artist and half to HIP.

Perth Institute Of Contemporary Art

Tuesday 24, May

Perth was an interesting place to visit on a lot of levels, but the Hatched exhibition gets the first mention. Opening night was packed as people converged on the historic building and then wandered through the artwork displayed on two levels. The team at PICA had worked hard to set up the work according to the maximum effectiveness for display that they could configure. Some work lost out a bit, but thats to be expected in a show that combines such a big range of art disciplines. Multimedia seemed to dominate a bit with a broad approach to the variety of methods. Interactive work was popular, bringing home the message that people liked to be able to really get the 'feel' of the work. Local funk band, Bobby Blackbird and the Bluejays played in the bar area and the crowd rocked, drank and checked out the smorgasbord of artwork from around Australia. I'll point to a few of the artists in the next couple of days, but for now the warm room beckons me and a hot cup of tea is definately calling my name...

Few Days Off

Tuesday 17, May

I won't be able to access my blog while away in Western Australia, so no more blog entries for a week! Hope the house and family and dogs survive the absence... Thank you Amy for coming to Tassie to take on the caretaking role! Happy studies! (she's got exams in a couple of weeks back in Brisbane).

Off To Perth

Tuesday 17, May

Tomorrow morning we head out to the airport yet again, but this time its to the other side of Australia. Perth has a similar circumstance to Tasmania as it is considered to be quite remote from the bustling centers of the east coast cities. Western Australia is defined as remote by the desert that pushes its front to the coast, in part, leaving some pockets of fertile land.

Perth is where PICA is and of course that where the Hatched exhibition is being held. With 60 emerging artists converging on the city to experience all that it has to offer, it should be a great visit! My work that is in the exhibition is 'Pacing' from my honours project.

George Baldessin

Tuesday 17, May

The Australian printmaking history is incomplete without a mention of George Baldessin. Its a bonus to me that I have always liked his work! Coming to unfortunate and early death in a car accident he left behind a large number of plates he had worked on that have formed an extensive body of work for this prolific artist despite the shortened time span he had to achieve it in. He was also broad in his approach to art, being well admired for his sculptural work as well. I think that perhaps his work was in part an influence for my 2002 project, 'Body in Perspective', shown here as a JavaScript slideshow. Anyway, while down at the art school at uni today I picked up a brochure about the Baldessin Press, a studio nestled in bushland and reopened in honour of George. What a fabulous place that would be to work!

Apple Cake

Sunday 15, May

I read somewhere that the smell and warmth created by baking on a Sunday fills the house with content. So here's hoping for a calm week ahead! I used to do a lot of preserving, so by this time of year the pantry would have been full of jars stuffed with stewed apples (some with blackberries too), apricots and cherries. These days its just a matter of using the few bags of apples picked up at the farm stall before they soften, so apple crumble and cake are a great option. This is an old favourite that has been through its paces in the kitchen many times and has had a few variations that all seem ok.

• Apple Cake
• 185g butter
• 2 teaspoons grated lemon rind
• 3/4 cup castor sugar
• 3 eggs
• 1 cup self-raising flour
• 1/2 cup plain flour
• 1/3 cup milk
• 2 apples
• 1 teaspoon gelatine
• 2 tablespoons water
• 2 tablespoons strained apricot jam

Cream butter, rind and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, beat until combined. Beat in flour and milk and mix to a soft consistency. Spread in prepared tin.

Peel apples, cut into quarters and remove the core. Press into the the top of the cake, arranging around the outer edge and pointing towards the center. Bake in a moderate oven for about one hour.

Sprinkle gelatine over water, dissolve over hot water, add jam. Spread half the jam mix over the hot cake and the remaining half once it is cool. You may need to warm the jam mix first.

I have often made this cake without the lemon, substituting a teaspoon of vanilla, and also left out the glaze, or often spread some jam straight from the jar onto the warm cake! (lazy?) I usually cut the apple into smaller slices too, making it a tight fit of apple around the outside of the cake so that every piece gets a lump of juicy apple.

Fashion Body

Saturday 14, May

Just when I should be working hard on fine tuning my paper, designing prints for the HIP exhibition or any other constructive activity and thought process; I'm stuck on the fashion body image debate, again. So rather than allow any more swirling neurons in the head to be encouraged to multiply and consume more space, a regurgitation is about to happen. Groan say the fella's. Its all the fault of the little room. I have a pile of 'read only in otherwise useless time' magazines stacked in the corner seductively brimming with body image munching images and, just to balance out the foray, a select quote here and there amongst a smattering of brief reviews or articles promoting a healthy outlook on body image.

The age of the ditzy spunky blonde being the epitome of all we don't want to be is also being turned on its head by entrepreneurial high power women who play the role to the maximum and walk off laughing at the shallow interpretation played out by media. Using the media to preen the image is as much a part of the scheme as preening the image to fit western society idealism. Shelley Gare's article in the Weekend Australian (April 2-3 2005) "Send In The Clowns" ... 'Idiocy is on the increase and airheads rule, but the long-term effects of worshipping all things stupid may not be a laughing matter.' left me wondering if I should dye my hair blonde, hide my degrees and sell my art in high heels, flesh sucking lurex and ageless sculpting stockings. Hmmm, feel ggrrrr already. But surely if our social expectations were not based around the manufactured beings the general self esteem of the masses would be lifted? Maybe not, perhaps we have to have something (loosely expressed as 'someone') to aspire to. An achiever with just the right look. In her article Shelley quotes Prince Charles who reportedly said "whats wrong with everyone nowadays? Why do they all seem to think they are qualified to do things far beyond their capabilities?"... aspiration dear Charles, aspiration. We are all exposed to so much possiblilty 'nowadays'.

So what can be done about 'it'? Don't buy the knickers that are advertised with a triple show of buttocks (placed loudly across the back of the buses - keep your eye on the road boys) that are so impossibly shaped in photoshop that the poor women who modelled them look like skinny aliens with no thighs? Or perhaps turn right in the bookshop to pass the Paris Hilton bestseller and peruse the latest contribution from microsoft with furrowed brow? Women, it seems, are destined to forever be concerned with fashion and how they are perceived, but as Caroline Mead (also The Weekend Magazine, April 2-3, 2005) points out "...women who are concerned about popular opinion are really thinking only about how they'll be perceived by other women, rather than by men. Its pretty simple: women gossip and men don't. I suppose it stems from those dreadful teenage years when popularity was determined by how you dressed within your clique, wanting to feel accepted or just being desperate to not stand out from the crowd...". Hmmm, good point Caroline, so is that why the fashion industry aims the vast majority of its 'looking good' industry at the teeny boppers? (and I must say that I have come across some BIG male gossips)...

So perhaps Susan Maushart's comment (yeah yeah still in the same magazine) "Here in Australia, we don't need no stinkin' theory to explain the dismal state of our sexual unions. We just do what comes naturally, mate. We blame the sheilas." strikes a note of final understanding of the issue of perception, but gee I hope all the work of womens liberation and efforts to raise the status of women beyond the rag trade and sex hovels for the last few generations is not being lost in the quest to follow the celluloid sales pitch.

Ahhh - that feels better! And if you made it this far here's link to a Flash site promoting fashion with impossible bods! I think that perhaps these days we are supposed to know that they are impossible - thats part of the 'fashion as art' theme. If you don't believe me, check the hand on Daniel Tac's link - fantastic photographic images selling jewellery, and very well photoshoped.

An Experience: Bruny

Wednesday 11, May

During my wilderness study units we had a trip to Bruny Island. It was an unforgettable experience from start to finish. We camped out at Jetty Beach amongst big old eucalypts with the beach just a few steps away and gentle lapping of the tidal flow reminding us where we were. The island has a history of Tasmanian Aboriginal tribal territory and later of misery as the European colonists did their bidding of land claim. Its hard not to become emotionally involved when you hear the stories of torture and torment. In contrast, the beauty of the place and our trip on the Olive May reminded me that despite what our human presence has done, the land has strength to heal.

Bruny Island Inspired

Wednesday 11, May

Tasmania is quite a small place in relation to land mass in general around the globe, so it is intriguing how attractive it is to spend time in an even smaller land mass - Bruny Island. Lying to the south east of Tasmania and in plain view from the shore it is almost enchanted with a whisper that calls the visitor to walk its sandy beaches and view life from the other perspective. Michaye Boulter has made the shift to Bruny as her home, and spends her time capturing the landscape with an exacting eye for detail that has her work pursued with enthusiasm. Is it the way we can capture a piece of this beckoning island in our loungeroom? Or perhaps she encapsulates the ancient wildness of the remote areas and delivers them with integrity. Either way, its hard not to stop and look when you see one of her paintings.

Ross' Graduation

Tuesday 10, May

I can't resist putting up a couple of the graduation photos! It was a day full of fun, pride, great food and the company of the family - makes for some well earned memories!

Dawn Csutoros And Helen Wright Use Crayon

Monday 9, May

Last year I did an adult education day with Dawn Csutoros. She has carved a niche with her crayon work and has been involved with a considerable amount of community work as well. My interest in crayon is long and it was a day to refresh my passion and learn how to use soft crayon from a professional! At the moment I am trying to integrate crayon and print work, and Friday will be the day I find out if my experiments are working! It is the graceful and forgiving softness of crayon that I want to bring into my prints, but preventing the overriding of one medium with the other is the problem I am tackling.

The work of Dawn Csutoros reveals a wonderful grasp on the use of crayon and the vibrancy of colour it can produce, but the latest work of Helen Wright shows the gentle nature of the medium and just how subtle it can be.

Photo Site

Sunday 8, May

Sometimes its just about a website that I like! Photography is a medium that seems to take to the internet with overflowing enthusiasm, but Tero seem to have considered the risks of overdoing image display and their site is quite minimalist when you consider that photography is their business. Nice drawing material here too - love those hands!

With another tone of blue as the website theme colour is Russell Crowe's site, and since I couldn't find it when I mentioned him last month (Woolloomooloo) , I'll mention him again with the release of his new cd.

Plus a very good friend has just started up a blog with blogger. Thoughts is her personal journal and journey.

Mums Day

Sunday 8, May

I was raised, to a certain degree, as an anarchist, rejecting the official norms that govern our expectations of celebrated days. Therefore when my mother rang today, momentarily stepping in from her winter jaunt in the wilds of central Australia, and not realising that today was one of those commercially celebrated days, my 'happy mothers day' chime was received with the guggling blast of raspberry blowing from the other end of the line! Instantly the little girl uncurled inside and fearful moments of trying to present my report card to mum (received with a tirade against the officialdom of schools and the absurdity of reports - we got good at forging a signature that met the approval of the teahcer) and the cool response to cards made with good intention bubbled up to the surface. But hey, that was my mum being who she was with integrity intact, and her parenting has provided for a me an objective view to social issues and relationships that has enabled me to experience life in a broad and questioning way. This is her gift to me, and mine to her is that I understand it.

Mother's Day Flowers

Saturday 7, May

This morning I was sitting at the table sipping a cup of tea when an elderly gentleman carrying a lovely bunch of flowers appeared at my back door. Of course my first thought was - he has the wrong address - but after he insisted that his delivery skills were excellent I had to admit that the note on the flowers WAS addressed to me! My Sydney based boys had remembered me for mother's day! Wow! So here they are in all their glory - stunning orchids nestled in a vase made by my father and Craig and Ross (and daughter Amy) keeping a close eye on things in the photo. Precious.

Pigpen Goes Off!

Friday 6, May

Here's a blog that seems to be providing all sorts of interesting bits and pieces from the web and including the occasional arty link. So its worth having a look at Pigpen for some light relief!

Tasmanian Winter

Friday 6, May

It has come to my attention recently that Tasmania doesn't really get the low low temperatures that are experienced in many parts of the world. And it is true. We don't sink into the minus very often, but there is at least one thing about Tassie that makes living through the winter a bit harder than it should be, and thats the way our houses were built in years gone by. At least I hope they are doing a bit more for heat preservation now, but maybe not. Anyway, the simple fact is that our houses are built with the Aussie dream in mind - good size backyards plenty of space in the rooms, open plan for breathing space etc. But without consideration for the colder parts of Australia, like little Tassie. So here we are with no double glazed windows, lofty timber floors or concrete slabs on the ground, no heating built into construction (eg under the floor) and minimal insulation. So in winter we are huddled up around a little oil heater placed in the middle of the room - because heating more than one room is cost prohibitive - or wearing feather doonas as dressing gowns to waddle into the kitchen for a steamy cup of tea. So despite our seemingly warmer lifestyle, it could definately be improved on by some consideration at the architectural end, either that or have a house in Queensland for the winter months!

HIP Print Sale

Thursday 5, May

Hunter Island Press are holding a mini print exhibition and sale from the 25th of May to the 5th of June at the Sidespace Gallery in Hobart. This is the launch event for the group who are endevouring to establish a community print studio in Hobart. This is a worthy ambition and definately a good way to pick up some prints at a good price as they are restricted in size to 21cm x 21cm and with a cost of only $20 per print the intention to raise funds is the priority. Quality is assured by the involvement of reputable print artists (me too hehehe) so hope to see you there!

Hatched

Thursday 5, May

The trip to Perth approaches at an increasing speed (at least in my head) and yesterday I was asked to speak at the symposium - eeek! Ok, time to gather me up and get to work on the paper...

May Stuff

Tuesday 3, May

The significance of the first of May was a bit of a wierd one for me as it brought back childhood memories as well as being the start point for a couple of internet events. The somewhat mixed up celebrations that go along with the day are lost on the southern hemisphere as we are plunging into colder days (and the snow tickled mountain is a pretty good signifier of that) and shutting up the doors rather than throwing them open to spring as is the happening in the northern parts of the globe. Anya has a photo of the maypole being covered in its colourful ribbons and the primary school day memories of having the rare 'privilage' of skipping in circles about the pole in my white sports dress becoming increasingly dizzy and even more questioning of the purpose of the event as the grass turned mushy under my feet came rushing back. Marja-Leena has a better grasp on the story than I ever did, so I'll leave it up to her!

Event wise the May First Reboot swung into action with a large number of sites being uploaded with the common theme of css code. A good way to have a look at what can be achieved with some imagination and skill! Also starting up is the Ultimate Blogger competition which is being run along the lines of all those survivor type shows... Still could be worth keeping an eye on as they go through their challenges!

Dick Smith Buys Cresent Beach

Sunday 1, May

Back in June 04 I blogged the proposal for development at Cresent Beach on the Tasman Peninsula. The development was halted by the local council, to their credit, and the matter was reduced to a quiet simmer on the backburner. Not for Dick Smith though. This morning I woke up to his face beaming with delight from the Sunday paper over his 'over $1 million' investment in this fantastic little piece of Tasmania. Fantastic because it has superb dunes rising majesticly over a cresent shaped beach with views of an aquamarine blue ocean and the remote Tasman Island. Fantastic because it has been the destination for generations of locals and visitors who are willing to walk the 30 minutes through heath country to picnic in the dunes and usually walk the beach in solitude. It seems destined for development, despite all efforts to retain its unscathed status, so Mr Smiths plans will be under close scrutiny by those who have invested many sleeping and waking hours in weighing up the pros and cons of land use. Dick says he plans a low key development aimed at the high end visitor market. Single story environmentally friendly buildings. We're watching, Mr Smith, and listening.

May is also the 'first year' mark for my blog! Happy birthday bloggie!