A cosy space in Windsor

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Happy Spring people, although there’s not a whole lot of sunshine happening just yet, we certainly are getting hit by the typical Melbourne hayfever and bipolar weather. I’m pretty sure Melbourne is the only place on the face of this planet that endures extreme change in weather. I’m still learning how to adapt to these quick turnarounds, clearly I won’t get used to it since I’ve always been  the one to  catch a cold easily, which sadly is a reoccurring pattern for me this past month.

One of the nights I had to hide my cold was when I attended the opening of 4 solo shows at the Alternating Current Art Space two weeks ago.  I know it’s only a week left till it closes but maybe if you’re strolling through High St in Windsor, you might wanna volunteer some of your time to be in this small location.

The gallery is currently hosting  4 solo exhibitions under the one roof, curated and produced by some of Victoria’s successful young artists. I didn’t manage to get photos of all the artworks but shoutout to all the artists involved: Naomi Nicholls, Jessica Ledwich, Kate Wallce and Melanie Joy Caple. It was nice meeting some of you, great to be able to bounce ideas around and listen in on  your  motives behind these works.

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I really love Kate Wallce’s miniature hand painted  subjects. Her exhibition “In Transit” showcases her observations of people in the middle of  commuting to different places. The paintings look like they’re a decent size but they’re actually tiny – roughly the size of my index finger. They’re quite realistic and the simplicity of the paintings are quick enough to make you want to look closer to analyze the tiny brushstrokes.

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Naomi’s use of space was interesting given that she works on a large scale, it’s different to experience spacious art in a narrow space. The narrow part of the gallery  can be easy to pass by without noticing but with her bold and colorful palette it’s probably the perfect spot to drive attention. You won’t miss it from the corner of your eye.

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My friends and I headed to Fonda on Chapel for dinner afterwards. The atmosphere was buzzing and the waiter took us to the rooftop area, which was even louder…Friday nights what can you expect! The food was freaking delicious and the menu was an appealing piece of art  to look at. I recommend the Fish Tacos and the Pulled Pork Quesadillas.

I find myself in the city too often and don’t get the chance to fully explore places around South Yarra, Windsor and Prahran. The last time I was here was in July when I had dinner at Woodland House  with my family – another tasty  restaurant and less noisy! In fact we were the noisiest ones dining here.photo-5-7-16-6-52-41-pm photo-5-7-16-7-29-04-pm photo-5-7-16-8-24-44-pm photo-5-7-16-8-24-53-pm

I’m usually around these areas whenever there’s an occasion for a lunch or dinner. I do hear  there’s some great art and design galleries and shops around there also. If you guys can recommend me spaces or even restaurants to visit please email me!

Another week of fashion

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Melbourne is celebrating  another week of fashion this Spring! Following the success of  Virgin Australia’s Melbourne Fashion Festival  earlier this year, Creative Victoria is back at it again with the  Melbourne Spring Fashion Week. The Creative Collection exhibition at Town Hall is one of the first few showcases that contributed to the launch of this one-week event. Here, you’ll witness a body of work by rising Victorian designers and artists who bring in their own unique practices to create statement clothing, footwear, films, graphics and Avant Garde millinery.

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I advise people when attending any kind of fashion exhibition or runway to study   a specific part of the garment carefully. Usually in haute couture shows  the clothing worn by models down the runway are highly unpractical and there’s a reason for that. It’s obviously not intended to be worn in public but it’s made to inspire viewers with their   different techniques and how their techniques could be applied to improving the future of fashion. It’s always that one aspect on the garment that is inventive ie. the way zips are used, the placement of buttons, the way a fabric drapes etc. This is what the Creative Collection exhibition offers with a large mix of bold and minimalist designs.

There are plenty of events scheduled throughout the week including workshops, premium runways and seminars. This week’s the week for you to get a dose of inspiration even if you’re strolling by Swanston st. The big white tent known as the ‘Hub’ is home to a Mecca mini popup shop, free Messina ice creams, T2 samples, Vespas, Movish digital specialists, live entertainment and a lineup of designer runways.

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No I didn’t hashtag this on instagram but yep that’s me and my first time on a Vespa hah!

2016 Outstanding Illustration Artists in Asia

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At this rate I could spam my website with all that’s happened in the Asia Art and Design exhibition but I’ve probably done enough of that across my social media channels. The Asia Art and Design platform hosted their exhibition this year along with a publication showcasing 40 selected artists from the Asia Pacific region. Last September I was announced to be in the lineup to represent Australia and was also proud to hear that some of my artist friends were on board as well, Croter Hung from Taipei, Miloza Ma from Hong Kong and Evan Raditya Pratomo from Indonesia.

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Held in the  Kaohsiung Exhibition Center, the AAD exhibition promotes a diverse body of artists, each having their own unique style made with different materials. Each piece had their own lightbox.

I wasn’t able to attend the exhibition but I did manage to get my hands on a copy of the official AAD book (thanks for mailing a huge book!). The beautiful cover art is taken from Evan’s illustration “Filled Her Lungs”. The design makes the book feel special from the moment you hold it. The idea of using a transparent cover to create the illusion of depth is an instant eye-catcher and Evan’s graphic amplifies that effect.

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In one of my recent posts I mentioned SAKIROO being the guest speaker of the event. His work has received international recognition and his A-list clientele is living proof of how memorable his work is. A South Korean-born character designer and illustrator, he took to the stage to share his inspiration and his vibrant portfolio with the much-captivated audience. It is bold artists like SAKIROO who are the fabric of this modern creative era.

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It’s worth taking a careful look at his work. www.sakiroo.com is the cure to your creative block if you ever come across one.

Design had evolved naturally, as a passion and a lifestyle beginning at an early age when I made trips back to the motherland, Indonesia, I experienced the surroundings and the lifestyle that was vastly different from what I was used to. I found myself passing by villages where children made their own toys with whatever was left around them; scrap metal, bits of cloth, banana leaves, and even cigarette butts. Despite this, the children were happy and proud with anything they created.

This image struck me and forever inspires me to contribute my skills to places that need it the most. Design helps me make decisions, while art helps me take risks. Both areas reward me with opportunities to create something impactful and everlasting!