Monday, 12 October 2009

The future is light

I've been in France celebrating my father's and my birthday so it's been a bit quiet here in blogland. But of course when you've been to Paris there'll be things to blog about.
But let me go backwards...





Tonight back home in Berlin I saw the wonderful Australian dance company Chunky Move's GLOW (above) at Radialsystem V - groovy newish arts venue by the river Spree. It was my first visit to this venue I'd eyed off from my bike a few times. I already knew the work of Chunky Move - I consider myself quite a fan of the forward-thinking Melbourne-based company directed by Gideon Obarzanek. This work was created in collaboration with German software designer Frieder Weiss. It's an ingenious marriage of physicality and technology, a dance between body and computer, light and sound. I saw a few years back the second work in this vein Mortal Engine which was equally as impressive.



In Paris we saw the wonderful Japanese dancer choreographer Saburo Teshigawara, founder of Karas. He performed a solo Miroku at the Théâtre National de Chaillot. "Miroku" is the name given to the Buddha in his last reincarnation when the world has reached a state of harmony.

His stunningly controlled, centred yet chaotic movement was set off by beautiful spare lighting, also designed by him, which varied in tempo to complement his movements or to draw attention to part of him only. The colour blue was used to suggest the infinite sky or sea. At times it really seemed to me that Mr Teshigawara's body was being moved around by the air around him. I was moved to tears as I recalled a childhood dream of mine that endures to this day, to dance by myself in a huge space to loud music...

Friday, 25 September 2009

Ryan McGinley





I'm sure Ryan McGinley has probably been widely blogged about, but as this is somehow my visual diary of inspiration I need to remind myself of this remarkably talented, successful young artist's new series Moonmilk - such beautiful photographs! A topic that is close to my heart more and more - how we need to be in nature, communing with it. These photos for me are about the scale of us vs nature and yet we most definitely belong in it, particularly in our nakedness. Sublime!

Tuesday, 22 September 2009

Hut Up Berlin





Mmmm, soft felted beauty abounds in Hut Up, a lovely light airy store in the elegant little courtyard of Heckmanhöfe in Mitte. All the fashion and accessories and toys are made of felted wool, and sometimes combined with silk and other materials. Very beautiful. I own a little halterneck piece that always attracts admiration...

Oranienburgerstrasse 32, Heckmanhöfe, 10117 Berlin Mitte
Mon - Sat 11.00 - 19.00

Sunday, 20 September 2009

Monday, 14 September 2009

White Market #2









My beautiful friend Daniela (Frau Dietel - jewellery and pottery above) and I did the White Market again, Saturday just passed, and it was a sunny day under our very cute umbrella stand this time. We had a good spot, surrounded by lovely fellow designers and had fun, despite a quiet day sales-wise. Thank you to all the people who visited us and admired our work! It was great to meet you. My new wool hoods got a lot of attention - and they look good on everyone I think!!

Thursday, 10 September 2009

Agata Olek






I have just discovered, through my friend Liz, the wondrously creative, colourful, eccentric, playful, inventive world of Polish born artist Agata Olek. Her work spans sculpture, installation, costumes for performers and more, and is crocheted, using largely recycled materials. It has moved me with its pure creative energy and wonder and cheek. Check it out! She's collaborating this month in New York with choreographer Carrie Ahern at The Lab Gallery.

Tuesday, 8 September 2009

Baumraum






Thanks to the Mono Kultur blog I discovered this wonderful site BAUMRAUM about Treehouses! Oh, I always wanted one as a child, and I say it's never too late to dream and make that dream a reality one day. Good to know where to go when I find the tree...