rave about a costume designer

Within one month, I have visited 2 exhibitions of costumes designed by the amazing Marion Boyce. 

Not only are her designs and the fabrics and the clothes remarkable, but she's has generously shared her work in these exhibitions allowing us to get up close (but not too close) and personal with them.

The alliances with the historic properties in Melbourne and Brisbane seriously inspires and enhances the quality of all garments.

Firstly, costumes from 'The Dressmaker'. This movie starred Kate Winslet and one of the Hemsworth bros. They were displayed at Rippon Lea in Melbourne.

They created the full film set concept, renaming the property Dungatar (as was the name of the town in the movie)

The infamous red dress.

 

Some dullness in the costumes of her Mother and the schoolmistress.

Contrasting with the elegance of her new style creations.

A recreation of the costumer's workroom

More gorgeousness

... And fun how they themed the meals in the cafe.

Blog part 2 will reveal the second exhibition.

wish we could grow magnolias

A drive to Mt Tambourine on Sunday reminded me of the blousy beauty of magnolias.

Brisbane climate makes their survival here a bit hit or miss.

I found some photos

Some images from our recent trip to QAG and GOMA.

This installation  is splendid and fun

This piece appealed to Paul's spatial confusion skills.

I think they're running out of wall space.

... And this huge explosion of colour just takes your breath away.

rave about Grayson Perry

Whilst in Sydney a couple of weekends ago, we visited the Museum of Contemporary Art at Circular Quay.

I'd read a review of British artist Grayson Perry's work and was intrigued.

Although the exhibition included his ceramic decorated vessels, sketchbooks photographs and paintings, it was his tapestries that made me gasp.

The sheer size and intricacy of detail was amazing. Here's one end of this piece..

..and here's Paul at the other end.

Social commentaries, stories and the artist's perspective on such things was very strong in all his pieces.

Glorious of suburban middle class life.

No visit to a gallery is complete without a reflective cup of coffee.

It doesn't hurt when the view is this good as well.

road trip

On the road again for family visiting in Armidale.

Taking the scenic route as there are extra adventures along the road.

Testing the coffee and sandwiches at Grantham. 8/10

Some interesting paraphenalia in the cafe.

We took the Gatton/Clifton road to traverse the Great Divide. It is much less severe than the Gap, but little traffic and lovely views.

After seeing ths signs for Darling Downs Zoo for years, it was time for the visit.

A surprising number of beguiling animals.

This meetcat refused to smile for the camera.

Rhesus monkeys (and capuchins, but they move too fast for a photo.

These unfriendly ostriches.

Famous white lions

The slow road led us to the Suttons apple cidery/ cafe for a late lunch. Hm what to have?

After that replenishment, we just had a fierce storm and 210 kms to drive to get there.

We let at 0900; arriving at 1815 Qld time. I think the diversions were worth it.

am still talking about geraniums

I know you've all been wondering how the geraniums are progressing. I am very pleased to report that they are flourishing!

Exhibit A

Exhibit B ; with some heliconia's thrown in for good measure.

.... But wait, there's a new kid in town. Our lovely friend Gloria donated this Gloxinia cutting for propogating trials.

I'll let you know how that goes.

Compare geraniums

Geraniums in Italy

New geranium at our front door. Thanks for the cutting Nick.

We have a bit of catching up with the rest of these flowers though.