" Forgiveness is the fragrance that the violet sheds on the heel that has crushed it.” Mark Twain

From Album: NYE in NYC!!

Confetti on the streets of New York @ NYE

Bird in Jardin du Luxembourg - Paris

TAP into your local gallery

These are some photos I took at a recent visit to Tap Gallery at Darlinghurst (Sydney). I discovered the space just walking past one day (which was very old school & exciting as most places I hear about these days are online or through marketing brochures). 

I love the diversity of the work that is often displayed, it's refreshing with a great mix of styles and mediums by emerging artists. The gallery has a certain unkempt feel to it but in a good way, you can take your time and wonder around casually without crowds or any polished up gallery staff watching over your shoulder. My visit was at midday on a weekday so I had the place to myself.

Bookshop cafe upstairs if you feel like spending a bit more time enjoying the space.

I’m a big fan of mixed media and collage so particularly like this series of collages (I didn't get the artist’s name unfortunately but I am sure you can find it on the tap gallery website along with other exhibits on display at the moment).

Tap Gallery is located at 278 Palmer St, Darlinghurst and is open daily between 12-6pm daily. Entry is free.

It would be great to see more galleries like this in Sydney especially in the outer sububrs where local art can really struggle to reach an audience. 

Vintage Fun

I have been shopping around for a leather bomber jacket for a while but have been facing a bit of a dilemma in that the ones I had been trying on at department stores are either genuine leather and way too expensive, or artificial leather and too stiff and plasticy. So I decided to do something I have never done before, shop Vintage!

I read an article earlier this week about the increasing popularity in vintage clothes due to the current ‘retro’ trend (yes I see the irony) and thought I may as well explore the numerous vintage stores near where I work. Although a bit apprehensive at first, I was actually pleasantly surprised at the ‘boutique’ rather than ‘op shop’ feel of the stores. The displays were cool, all items were neatly presented and the pieces where in great condition.  After being side tracked by a Dior scarf and Chanel clutch, I found my jacket waiting for me.  It looked great, fit like a glove, was real leather and as much as I didn’t want it to be – I knew it was the one.

I must admit though it did take me a while to convince myself to walk over the counter and pay but I eventually did.  Plus, I tried something new, probably saved 75% off what I would’ve spent on a new jacket, and may have even helped save a cow’s life!

My desire for leather was partly inspired by Australian actress
Asher Keddie at the 2012 Tropfest festival

Picasso is in Town

Roses are Blue

I'm not sure if it's because it's so close to Valentine's Day or the unusual colour, but these pretty blue roses caught my eye when walking past a shop window today. Since I had never seen blue roses before I was wondering if they represented anything so I looked it up and interestingly, in literature and art a blue rose is a symbol of love and prosperity... for those who seek it. Unlike red roses, they don't exist naturally and have to be especially created, which got me thinking about creating our own love and prosperity in life versus waiting for it to come to us... hmm, it's no wonder the blue rose is so rare.