Street ART: Conserving, not Destroying

For as long as I can remember, there has been a lot of conjecture over whether graffiti is considered a form of artistic expression, or just plain vandalism; I say that it is impossible to cram it under either umbrella, because the difference between street art and tagging is the same as painting a grand masterpiece on canvas, and scratching your name into a wooden desk with the pointy end of your compass.

This is but a taste of the beautiful images cropping up all over Melbourne's public spaces; I am definitely putting all my eggs in the art basket for these. Most of these photographs were taken whilst walking to my various workplaces; every day I see something new, and so I am never bored with this city.


To make it even cooler (well probably less cool for you guys but infinitely more cool for me), and to prove that this form of expression is often more constructive than destructive, a group of Melbourne's street artists have teamed up with Zoos Victoria (one of the organisations I work for), to create these amazing "Fighting Extinction" wall designs, in the hope that they will raise awareness for some of our native endangered species, which are currently under threat of permanent extinction. Biodiversity is important guys!

How cool! Apparently there are heaps more on AC DC lane, I'm going to have to get down there to take my own photos (these were taken by the good people from Melbourne Zoo). You can read more about this, and the campaign in general here.

So next time you're having a leisurely wander, or even a brisk walk through the city streets, don't be afraid to peek down some of the alleyways, don't turn away from all the hidden nooks just because you think there are drug dealers lurking in them (there often aren't) ; you never know what kind of unexpected beauty and ephemeral colour explosions you're going to find.

So, Do You Come Here Often?

So this afternoon I decided to take a leaf out of young Weetzie's book, and took myself on a date.

It began with a  wander down Gertrude St, a peruse through my favourite second hand book/record store, and visit to the Rearview Gallery to see Minna Gilligan's exhibition. Man it was difficult to find, thank goodness for google maps!!

Recognise the style? You might if you're a regular reader of Rookie! I was so excited to find out that many of the collages featured in this amazing publication were made in my very own backyard. Yay Minna! Yay Melbourne!

These last four pictures feature work from Georgina Glanville, who also makes some pretty neat mixed media collages as well. The exhibition runs until Friday the 24th, so if you're heading down Smith Street way, go check it out. The gallery is small, and well hidden, in fact it kinda looks like somebody's garage from the outside. But then I guess that's Collingwood for you.

I finished my date with a coffee at thousand pound bend, before heading off to meet a friend at the Suzuki Night Market. I highly reccomend taking the time to treat yourself to a little one on one with someone you might miss and often choose to neglect; yourself!! It could do you a world of good, and might even get those creative juices flowing again.

Where's your favourite place to go on a date with you? I'd love to know, maybe
I'll get there myself one day :)

Return to Pigeon Cove

So im back home in Melbourne now, and although i miss the sun and sand and the people in Qld, i am very glad to be home. My spirit has been cleansed with sea water and sunshine, pimms and Corona and Lime, Op shopping, family, rainforets, and houses on stilts, and am now ready to throw myself back into the social and music scene that makes Melbourne so great :)

Gigs Coming Up:

Sarah Blasko: I love her style. She's so quirky and old-fashioned and her voice is like nothing I have heard ever or since. When ever I'm sad or lonely i put one of her records and there is always a song to reflect my emotions perfectly, but instead of feeling even more depressed, i feel like her music is hugging me. It sounds silly, but its true. I can't wait to see her for the second time :)

Tori Amos:
My obsession with Tori goes way back to 2004, when i heard "Cornflake Girl" for the very first time. I never looked back. She is probably the musician that has influenced my life the most; she is a living embodiment of how the off-beat and eccentric can shine in a world where theephemeral, superficial and generic spring up everywhere like weeds; she is an exotic bird. It gives me hope. In short, i love her, and will always love her, which is why I'm going to both her Melbourne concerts. This will be the highlight of my 2009.

Falls Festival: Marion Bay

This is going to be a blaaaast! Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Lisa Mitchell and Yves Klein Blue are the ones I'm most excited about, but the whole three days are going to be epic!!! Bring on the drunken dance party festival shennanigans!!

Listening: "Colourful Life" Cajun Dance Party, "Ragged and Ecstatic" Yves Klein Blue, "Boys for Pele" Tori Amos

Watching: Jane Eyre, 2006 BBC production. I love this version so much, the story, the actors and the score <3>

Reading: "Cannery Row" by John Steinbeck. A Penguin Classic i picked up to amuse myself at the airport.

Wearing: Black Skinnys, Laura Marling Band Tshirt, Green nailpolish and my bows :)

Wanting: A Mr Rochester to come sweep me off my feet. More Lemongrass and Ginger Tea. Peace.

-S.O