Sculpture by the Sea - Bondi to Tamarama

On a misty morning last weekend we set out across the "Coathanger" (aka Sydney Harbour Bridge) to view the wild and quirky exhibition set along the cliff path between Bondi Beach and Tamarama Beach. 

Known as Sculpture by the Sea, a selection of Sydney Sculptors submit their works. They are quite varied in their appearance, some incongruous, some appropriate, but all amusing.

Taking two ten year olds, Finley and Alvin, who were on the lookout for fun places to play, found curiosity on the coast with the likes of log cabins and tyre turtles.

 Replica Easter Island heads, on this occasion made from iron sheets instead of stone faced westwards.

 The nets to me look like ocean poliforms.

Trying my best to not look like a beached whale, but standing quite close to one replica whale submarine.

Six sided forms.

The frog garden or maybe they're a garden of cane toads.

Striking shapes.

These cliffs are the favourite haunt of rock fishermen, though now they might be frequented by golfers.

More coastal pictures to follow.

Have a happy Thanksgiving.

Ocean Swim - Collaroy Beach 1.5km

As mentioned a few days ago, here are the images of mates who swam in the Collaroy Ocean Swim over a circuit of 1.5km. It was a sunny warm Sunday morning, the waters at Collaroy Beach were  calm, ideal for a short distance swim between bouys and dolphins.

At the shoreline waiting for the starters call.

Yes our beaches have shark nets and surf patrols, but the odd pod of dolphins make their way through to investigate what all the commotion is about.

 Thirty six minutes later hubby appears from the surf, refreshed and surprised by his time.

 It's one last energy burst, to run up the beach to the finish line and register his time. Well done Mr J in your budgie smugglers.

The event was organised by IGA Collaroy and Collaroy Surf Club

Enjoy your Tuesday.

Two Art Directors

Greetings from Sydney on a Sunday evening which is cool and mild after a humid and misty day spent at the beach. In the blog today I'm featuring photography from Jamie Laubhan and Larry Oliver; two very talented types known as Two Art Directors, who have a shop on etsy by the same name. Pictures from Picasa

I've featured their house before in a post called Scaramouche Silhouette of a Man. They sell wonderful vintage items and antiques.

I'm a fan of the colour contrasts, black, white, silvers and golds.

 Vintage frames with sharp detail in gold, black and gilt.

Cabinet of curiosities.

 Animal print armchair in black.

Neutrals, zebra and jaguar print mock rugs.

Have a great weekend.

From Tracey Emin to Damien Hirst - Check Mate

I hope you're all having a good start to your mid November week. With the cold weather really setting in for the Northern hemisphere, board games may be a minority past time in a world of interactivity, but in the Southern hemisphere this board game is as popular as ever.

That is why I was taken aback by this video clip, which shows some unique interpretations of that century old game chess. It's a very popular game poolside in summer as you relax under a shady palm away from the summer heat whilst sipping on a Pimm's playing this game of strategy and tactics.

In this video clip a number of prolific artists have come up their own versions of the chess set, complete with table, chairs and chess pieces.

It's a lot of fun, quirky and retro. The exhibition took place in Milan and features seven artists. I just love Yayoi Kusama's sea urchin looking porcelein chess set, so different.

Enjoy

I'm feeling a touch of gilt

Hi hope you're having a wonderful weekend. 

Over here I've been busy taking photographs at the beach of hubby participating in a 1.5km ocean swim off Collaroy Beach for the Surf Life Saving Clubs to raise funds and awareness. Conditions were ideal with no swell nor rips, just clear water where even with 10 metres to the sand I'm told you could see the seafloor.  Some pictures will follow tomorrow. 

In the meantime I've amassed some shots of wonderously subtle interiors from Denmark. 

Stencilled cabinet drawers contrasted with chrome draftsmans swivel stool. I'm loving the touches of yellow and gold featured throughout these neutral interiors.

 A couple of Platner chairs in the lounge room of this Copenhagen apartment.

 An old conservatory houses an imported antique french daybed.

A vintage collection of hat display stands make for an interesting focal point.

White floors and walls are almost clinical, though they work well here set with an antique Chinese painted armoire with butterfly detail.

The black fan coral against a pale coffee wall is my favourite.

I love an assortment of chairs at table. This collection look quite at home along the length of a raw dining table.

1950's veneer sideboard or credenza has renewed appeal with a replica Philippe Stark wineglass stool.

Love the dark floors here which add to the drama of this atelier. An unusual light globe chandelier hangs above the scene.

Have a great Sunday.

From Palace to Prints - Emilio Pucci

Emilio Pucci was born in 1914 into an aristocrat family and lived in a Palace in Florence, Italy. He had a priviledged upbringing; at an early age he was encouraged in sports; tennis, fencing, skiing, swimming and racing cars.

He went to the Winter Olympic Games at 17 with the Italian team. Later winning a University scholarship attending Reed University in Oregon where he was asked to design the Reed College Ski Team's attire and the rest is history.

Pucci's designs gained momentum and further interest when he was asked to create skiwear in Europe for a shoot in Harpers Bazaar.

His bold patterns were widely known on stretch fabrics like swimwear and particularly patterned designs for silk scarves.

Encouraged to put his prints on blouses by Niemann Marcus, Pucci went on to create intricately patterned silk print dresses.

He opened a boutique in Capri, where he met Baroness Christina Nannini, his Botticelli, whom he married in 1959.

After his passing in 1992 his daughter became the company Chief.

Pucci is now part of the Louis Vuitton Moet Hennessey group and his daughter Laudomia remains the Image Director.

LVMH brought in Christian Lacroix, Matthew Williamson and Peter Dundas between 2002 and the present day to lead the label with contemporary takes on Pucci's indomitable style.

Enjoy.