A weekend away

Yes, it has been a bit quiet here of late.  Lots of things have been happening, much of it isn’t blog worthy. However, I did take a mini trip to Australia’s capital, Canberra. Before you roll your eyes (because I would), the place holds a soft spot in my heart for lots of reasons and last weekend I paid a visit and was presently surprised.

Lonsdale Street Roasters

I always, always start the day with a coffee, preferably a good one at that. Otherwise, I’m not human. Lonsdale Street Roasters provided me with that good coffee hit. Read other reviews here and here. Too bad it wasn’t here a few years ago, otherwise I might have stayed! Maybe. No. The food menu is limited, but provides some decent options like the ‘Cuban slow roasted pork chipotle coriander’ panini.

3/7 Lonsdale St, Braddon ACT 2612

National Gallery of Australia and National Portrait Gallery

In 2006, the Australian Government agreed to fund the expansion and renovation of the NGA. The expansion was three-fold consisting of the $20 million renovation of the existing building, the $68 million addition of further space, a new entrance and improved accessibility, and the $5 million landscaping of the surrounding area. That doesn’t even cover the cost of the art, though the total cost might only buy an insignificant Picasso. So I guess the renovation / expansion is value for money. The gallery expansion and landscaping makes a lovely stroll, pass the Australian High Court, to the National Portrait Gallery completing a new ensemble of arts and civic facilities in Australia’s Parliamentary Triangle.

Parkes Place, Canberra ACT 2600 – http://nga.gov.au/; http://www.portrait.gov.au/

The Brodburger

I heard so much about these burgers from locals, or adopted locals. I was warned the wait was long, but friends were well prepared with a picnic rug and a lovely lake view. In due course we got our burgers. The hype surrounding these burgers is such that is not possible for them to exceed expectations, but they pretty much meet the expectations. The ingredients are top notch and the all important patty is hand made. The flavours balanced very well. Man of the house ordered the over-the-top Brodburger Deluxe: 2 x A grade gourmet beef patties, flame grilled, 2 x eggs, lots of crispy bacon. Topped with fresh lettuce, tomatoes and Spanish onions. Includes homemade aioli and tomato relish.

I think he ate a cow.

Bowen Park Carpark, Bowen Drive/Wentworth Av, Barton ACT 2604 – http://www.brodburger.com.au/

A very big thank you to Ms C and Mr E for a fabulouso time xxA

images: Rummage: Warning Hipsters Ahead; Qantas: Travel Insider; Haycraft Duloy; Man of the house.

Affordable Art?

I’m not sure what I was expecting… maybe affordable art? Maybe affordable art in MY price range? Affordable art seemed to be starting from $1,000 – I guess that’s fair, if I poured my heart and soul into something, I would like to think the value is on the upper of $1,000. But maybe some re-branding is needed. Accessible Art Fair?

Inside the beautiful Royal Exhibition Building

It was nice to spend a rainy afternoon browsing the stalls, some by galleries and others were the artists’ own. It was lovely being able to talk directly to the artists, finding out their inspiration.

I love art. I love staring at something and seeing something different each time. I love how a piece evokes a certain emotion and I am in awe of artists. A few friends of mine create some amazing art. One friend used string to create two round sculpture pieces (I’m sure she would explain the concept better) that sat on the ground. I’m not too pompous about art, as it’s rather subjective and I like to go with my first instinct. Does that mean I judge a book by the cover? Woah, I think that’s a whole other post… or blog even! Anyway, some standout art from the Affordable Accessible Art Fair for me were:

Emma Hack is a skin illustrator, photographer and sculptor, among other things. I fell in love with her Florence Broadhurst Mandala Collection 2010 that combines the much loved wallpaper designs in a collage background into which the muse is artfully blended in by body art. I love that her piece, such as Exotic Bird (see picture above), uses different mediums to create one piece. Her skin illustration is amazing. Check out the documentary video about the Wallpaper Collection.

Problems viewing the video? Click here

Chloe Planinsek is not a ‘typical’ artist, her desire to create art was born from not being able to find something for her home. Gee, I was I could whip something up like the Rhapsody (see picture below) from her Colour collection. This painting grabbed me because of its movement and texture.

Sarah Gully’s Friends and Parasites Collection at Red Gallery. I loved this quirky collection made up from drawings and miniature oil paintings with ornate frames. For this series, Sarah has taken inspiration from Old Master portraiture, but rather than focusing on the subject or the dark Renaissance interiors, Sarah instead looks past the figure to re-invent these landscape views with hybrid creatures. Each image is meticulously painted on specially prepared wood panels and worked in layers of oils and glazes.

There were soooooo many other artists, like Ian Penney and his astounding intricate paper-cut piece that was at least 100 x 39 cm in size. Overall, even though I came away empty handed, I had a wonderful time seeing so many different things under one roof.

Do you have a favourite style of art or artist?