lightbulb....

So the string garden.....

"Curioser and curioser," said Alice as she tumbled down the rabbit hole...

Seems these delightful little chaps are also known as "Kokedama" or more affectionately known as; "The poor mans Bonsai". Well, well, well, what a co-winkydink, as my sister would say. Japanese related and I didn't even know it. I feel like there is potential here for new research material!! I am a part of a group show which is entirely garden related, later this year and have been wondering which direction to take, maybe this is a good start?

So quite often these little guys are covered in moss, and moss to the Japanese is considered quite beautiful. Moss even appears in ancient poetry and even in the national anthem of Japan (so I'm told..) meaning that Kokedama can now be regarded as a part of Japan that fuses tradition and modernity.

They are the ultimate in sustainable living and for the space conscious. Low maintenance, beauty in the everyday. Sounds like my kind of thing... its nature that can be held in your palm. Ever precious, yet surprisingly sturdy and resilient. Much like Japan itself in this difficult time?

Ladies and gentleman, I think I have found my beginning.

String Gardens

These by far were the most amazing thing I saw at the flower show. I had spied them before, trawling through the internet, but nothing beats seeing them in the flesh. They were just beautiful. All these hanging creations made for quite a striking installation. They are called string gardens. You can find some more here if you were interested. I can't figure out if these are grown over quite a period of time of just literally strung together. Maybe I should try and make some? How do I keep all the dirt together? (With the string you idiot) This idea will probably go in the pile with my vertical garden idea....I don't think i am much of the gardener type, shame because i really am in love with the idea of it. (Just spent the morning trawling through the Daylesford Organics blog man that is one amazing family. I think i might want to be them. This awesome rag tag bunch of super talented, both crafty and green thumb, up and moved to the country to start an organic farm 10 years ago (with an 8 month old baby) to start their new life. The mamma has her own blog Foxs Lane which is equally awesome.) I can keep succulents alive.....sometimes...does that count? I have a Brendan too, he likes gardening, does that count? Surely with these qualifications a move to the country to become organic farmers with lots of puppies is the obvious thing to do? Because lets face it, at the moment not much else is working out for me. How bad could a total upheaval be?

Im finding it hard to beep my head above water at the moment. Have suffered some setbacks and am worried I might go the way of Alice and drown in a sea of my own tears. I just thought this year was going to be amazing. In reality its turning out to be quite the opposite. How do i find the path again? What is lady universe trying to tell me?

I feel lost at sea.

Who would have thought there were florists in limbo?

While we were in 'limbo' in Melbourne, we were lucky enough to be there the same time as the Melbourne International Flower Show. There were some amazing arrangements, some were clearly over the top (florists gettin a little too excited) but here are a couple of images of some impressive arrangements while I sift through the masses...

Baby Blue

Pretty in Pink

Saw some friends, drank some wine, strolled the streets of Northcote in the sun, saw a movie, had some larfs, startin to feel a little better....

orange you glad you came to say hi?

I think this one is going to take some time to recover from.

I had such big plans for the year, for my practice, for some kick ass shows, all revolving around my trip to Japan. Now my organisation and foresight seems incredibly stupid to place so much on one thing. All I can say is that this is going to take some time to figure things out. Feeling kinda bleak and a little numb about it. Maybe its time for a bike ride to clear the fog?

Feeling a little green around the gills...

Not only have our travel plans been halted by natural disaster, followed by nuclear worries...my sister got bit by a dog and I have a gross head cold. Awesome on all fronts yes? And I have been sleeping in a midgets bed ( if you didn't know already, I am a giant.) Just awesome.

Time to pull up your socks

So Japan has been postponed. We made the hard decision to cancel our plans for now and it really has been a tough time getting back on top of things. Japan is going through such heartache that I really don't think it needs two more foreigners running around to add to the mix. It's been a real emotional roller coaster for me. I based my whole year on this trip and now I just got to pick up the pieces and start again....

I still have shows to make work for this year and I still very much want them to be Ikebana based. I think I will just have to work a bit harder and do more research to make this project work.
We thought we would try and lift our spirits a bit with Elizabeth giving me a crash course in floristry. We went to the Vic markets and picked ourselves up some lovely Australian natives (and some jam doughnuts, for research purposes...)

We got proteas, kangaroo paw and leucadendrons.

I think if I kind of can keep this practical based research going I might make some head way. The flowers have amazing textural qualities which I would like to translate to glass.

The proteas have an almost velvety kind of feel to them. Very tactile yet soft and delicate.

To me natives are just such a sturdy plant to work with. They have a long life span when cut and have such interesting shapes. I think there is a lot to work with here.

From a practical point of view, I quite like the simple round pot. I would like to experiment with blowing some organic shapes that might take on the textures of the plants or dirt.

Voila! The finished product. B.E.A.UTIFUL no? I just love that big open protea.

This one, also gorgeous, Elizabeth made. Clever little rabbit isn't she? I'm hoping we get to do some more lessons, it's a nice way to try and get back on track. It's a little shaky and there's been quite a few tears but I almost feel like I can see a path in the distance. Or maybe thats a twig, I don't know. Anyways, if you see me on the street just give me a hug ok? I might not ask for one, but I really need one.

Uncertain times

So by now you have probably heard of Japan's natural disasters. A 9.0 earthquake was measured followed by a tsunami which took out Sendai entirely. Thousands are missing. Their nuclear reactors are having trouble with the damages they have sustained.

We are scheduled to fly out tomorrow.

I am sitting in Adelaide airport as we speak, waiting to fly out to Melbourne. It has been a real rollercoaster and my heart goes out to all the people of Japan. I don't know how I feel about starting my journey when they are a country facing disaster, a country in mourning for all their loved ones lost.

I think there is very little chance of us flying out to Tokyo. I think our best plans is to delay the trip. While Tokyo has not been immediately affected, they are suffering massive aftershocks, transport shortages (trains not running in Tokyo if you can even fathom that) along with power shortages which mean blackouts, sometimes lasting for 3 hours or more. This is a country in disarray and I do not think it is safe for us to go.

It hurts my heart. I have been wanting to go for so long, making careful plans, organising an amazing journey, now it feels petty to worry about our trip when people have lost their lives. I'm not sure what to do or how this will pan out but for the moment we will remain in Australia.

Much love to you Japan, in your time of need.

5am starts are tough

The last two days I have been trying to just take it easy, hang out at home, maybe make some nice dinners? watch some crappy television? Sounds good right? Apparently my sub conscious Amanda has other plans... like hey, heres a great idea, lets wake her up every morning at 5am on the dot, lets fill her head with chatter, worries and stupid thoughts at 100miles a minute. Basically, lets....START PANICKING!! Oh and did i mention its only 1 more week to go? 7 DAYS!!

I do feel like I am almost organised, just a little further to go.

- return flight home

- travel insurance

- pack bag

- print off like a million documents

- BUY VEGIMITE

Then I am done.

Only 8 sleeps to go!!

Ikebana Australiana!!

In only 8 short days, I will be in Tokyo.

Trying desperately to navigate octopus like subway lines, scoffing myself stupid with sashimi and karrage (pretty much like a japanese version of kfc but a million bazillion times better), waiting patiently for the cherry blossoms to bloom, fumbling horribly with a foreign language (giving it a lovely Aussie twang), and most importantly taking classes in the honoured tradition of Japanese floristry; Ikebana.

Its all very exciting yet terrifying at the same time. I still have a few more things to organise (my flight home...) and the planning levels are off the bloody charts, but I am nearly ready. Its been a long time coming and to think that these 'hair brain' schemes of mine are actually coming to be a reality are mind blowing to say the least. I have always had a love for Japan and obsessed with my glass blowing and wanted to somehow combine the two, and now here we are. Nothing short of amazing. I thought before I take off I would take the time off to explain the project (for you and me both!). So here we go...

My sister is a florist and I am a glassblower. I have always thought there is the perfect project out there for us to work together on. Studying Ikebana together to then translate these learnings into vessels for Australian natives is our ultimate goal. We our looking to explore the parallels between Ikebana and our own design aesthetics. For me personally, I am excited to gain insight into a whole new set of design ideals which I hope will inturn contribute and strengthen my own skills as a designer and maker.

Much like glass blowing, Ikebana uses harmony of linear construction, rythmn and colour to create arrangements. I feel there are sililarities to explore and expand on which could lead to exciting new works. I have lined up a SALA show for August this year. I am going to make Ikebana vessels and work together with an Adelaide florist, Chill Flowers to create a window installation for the Adelaide South Australian Living Artist festival. I am then hoping to tour the show to Melbourne.

So how the flip are we going to do this? We will take weekly lessons at Sogetsu school of Ikebana. So how about some images already?!! Below are a couple of Ikebana installation pieces which are blowin my mind! Not just pretty flowers in a vase right?

Crankasaurus

This little one looks like how i felt yesterday...

Holy Shitballs! Check this out!!

WOAH!!! CHECK ME OUT! I'M OVER AT CRAFT VICTORIA'S BLOG, CLOG!!!!

The lovely Kim, of Craft Victoria is doing a mini feature on me as I am very happy to announce that I am now a new stockist of Craft Victoria.

I am more than a little excited!! So excited in fact that I just had to tell you all about it!! Take a gander, tell me what you think. (I only realised how messy my studio looks....) (who am i kidding, is.)

Craft Vic are kindly stocking my new range; 'Colour Pots'. I wish them well on their maiden voyage!

http://craft-victoria.blogspot.com/

Little Bird BIG City!

Lean in close my little birds because I have some big news for you...BIG news. John Candy (god rest his soul) big.

I am going to Japan!!

Ow yeah! Konichiwa Japanese Little birds! I am super excited to be able to announce to you that in March this year I will be traveling to Tokyo to undertake a research residency into the honoured tradition of Ikebana, Japanese floristry. My plan is to compile research for an Australian native Ikebana range. Proteas, warratahs maybe some banksias? Who knows? Its all very exciting!

I am both excited an terrified. Living in Tokyo for two whole months....gulp. I'm sure it will be fine, how hard can it be...HAVE YOU SEEN THE TOKYO SUBWAY MAP?!! ITS LIKE 20 OCTOPUS ON ACID!! But on the up side you can buy beer from a vending machine, so hey maybe if i just slug one of those before I attempt to decipher the trains everything will turn out swell.....

I am now trying to line up a sala show to display some of these new works I will create when i get home. I am thinking of more of an installation based show using the ikebana vessels, but early days yet, lets just get there right?

Now, where did I put that passport?.....

Grand opening!

Come on down! Pull out that party frock from the closet, hunt down those sparkly heels, maybe pop on some lippy? dust off that dashing suit (worn last at nanna's 70th down the rsl) and get your little caboose down to Electra House! Tonight! Preview! Grand opening, come revel in 'Florence's' beauty. And why not do so whilst enjoying an icy cider/beer at the newly installed Tuxedo Cat bar? You won't be disappointed I guarantee it! Just wait till you get your bevarage served from the caravan....

The details.....

7:30pm grand opening of Florence

@ Electra House 131 King William Street

Feb 17th

Seeya there!

Meet Florence

But first lets have a coffee.... ahh delicious.

Now today is the day for installation. First we hijack the board room and start sorting colours.

Next each piece has to be screwed into its length. It's a two man job, trust me..

We are the two men! Meet Jaan, twirly in guy extrodinaire.

Now meet Dani, head tape lady and all round good guy at stuff. Each piece must be carefully balanced off of each other.

Meet Jess, head packer and later scaler of great heights and attacher of cables.

As you can imagine we need fuel for such a big job. Burger time. Burgers all round. Viva la West Side!

Mmmmmmmm......

After everything is assembled we moved her to Electra House and began the install.

We don't pack light....

The cables go up and the armature can be hung.

She lives!

Each piece balances from its family. It really is quite beautiful. Florence has a quiet elegance to her and really must be seen to be believed. Why don't you come down to say cheerio and enjoy a pimms at the bar? Opening night is this Thursday from 6-8pm. Hope to see you all there.

Day 5 - Last making day

Today was the last day on the job for the Jam crew. And I am pleased to say..... they nailed it! Our target was 100 and we need 80, I'm not sure of the actual count but we smashed it thats fo' sure. Now we will have the luxury of picking and chosing the best for the mobile, the crem de la creme so to speak.

Look even Maddy is happy about it.

And here is Kristel, eye on the prize.

Remember these tiles we laid out ever so patiently?

Well they kinda turn out like this when they are rolled up.

Then they get spun out into this!

Here is Mads hard at work in the cold shop.

Now the thing about mobiles is you have to have balance right? Each one has to be weighed to fit in with each other.

Now its time to think about colour families. Who hangs out with who.

They get sandblasted on the back for that nice soft look.

Now for the first test run. A careful balancing act to counteract the weight of each piece.

and heres how you transport a precarious piece!

And here she is hanging....

Beautiful no? So I think this was a great project for everyone involved. It was a big learning curve for everyone. The team had a chance to find their feet, we all learnt about colour schemes and what works with murrini, Ruth and I are learning to work together and the piece is coming to life. We had the run of the hot shop at the Jam for a week and we are very grateful for their support. So we are maybe 70% there? Now for a whole new set of challenges...stay tuned for installation, i hear there will be scafolding involved......

Day 4 - the deal breaker

For me, today was a day of dualities. The morning was spent very pleasantly attending a Jumpmentoring information session. Here i met some other lovely artists and had quite an informative day. Got a great list of resources and learnt abit more about what Jump can provide for me. I feel really positive about this and look forward to the out comes. Already I would strongly advise any emerging artist under 30 to think about applying for next year. The Carclew team are super enthusiastic and a wealth of knowledge for folks like me. (They even fed me quiche for lunch! How civilised and delicious!) Tomorrow morning both Ruth and I will attend.

So what about the team you ask? A morning off? Time for a kip? Not bloody likely! Those kids were in there pumping it out as always, no rest for the wicked as they say, and by wicked i mean flipping AWESOME! I don't know the actual temperature today, up in the 30's I think, but man the Jam felt like the sun itself, and those kids were in there working hard, as always. Comrades I salute you. Your hard work is much appreciated and will not go un noticed. Sweat was pouring off them yet still they work with a smile, churning out piece after piece. Bravo my little hot shop demons, bravo.

My afternoon was frantic and stressful unfortunately... a grant dead line rapidly approaches tomorrow and lets just say this one did not run smoothly and not to my own fault i must say. But i won't bore you with the details my lovelies (i don't think i am even ready to revisit that yet!) So consequently I don't have any new pics for you, sorry! But I will tell you the team is rapidly approaching their goal of 100 pieces. Tomorrow is their last day and I am very excited to see the quality of work they are turning out. Huzzahs all round!

So instead I'm going to leave you with a snap of my new production line; "Colour Pots". Thoughts? Comments? Feed back is most welcomed here at Little Bird Big Chip....

Day 3 - Team in full flight!

Day three on the project and the team really found their wings today. Everyone had a job to do and the team hit full flight. We nailed some numbers to pump out the pieces.

Heres all that cane we have been pulling awaiting the chop.

Ruth workin the pastorelli!

A little squeeze, maybe a flip of the plate, ready for Mads to roll up.

B.e.a.u.tiful!

A little pinchy here and there to seal the deal.

I would like to chat a little longer but a lady needs her rest! Was a hot and especially sweaty day for me...time to hit the tub yo.

Day 2 - Viva la cane!

Another day, another cane.

Andi hard at work on the murrini chopper. Cutting the canes into little pieces.

Murini central, the kitchen.

Lookit! Looks like candies, no?

The beginnings of a tile.

Just a little more....

Maybe some of these?

Woah! All these lil' babies ready to rock.

The finished piece, or one of many... will take some action shots so you know how we get to this point. By the end of the day I am hot and forget I have a camera...

The murrini/cane makes all kinds of different and intricate patterns.

Today we just kind of tested the waters but tomorrow I am hoping we will go into full scale production and crank out some numbers. Our goal is 100 by the end of the week. God speed, lil murrini....