The Annual contemporary art exhibition in celebration of International Women’s Day. More than 20 prominent and up-coming artists from the Cairns region have been invited to create works responding to the theme: The Bag: Object or Obsession? The exhibition will feature paintings, sculptures, ceramic and digital works and of course, a multitude of interesting bags!

Thursday 8 – Thursday 22 March 2012

c1907 Contemporary Artspace, City Place (near sound shell) Open Tuesday – Saturday 10.00am – 4.00pm

Official Opening and curator’s talk: 6.00 – 8.00pm Friday 9 March 2012

A Craft & Coffee Morning 10.30am – 12.30pm Thursday 8 March

Limited edition ‘Art Bag’ Give-Away – The first 50 visitors to the exhibition will receive a free limited edition ‘art bag’ give away as part of this year’s celebrations. For more information, check out the Knock Knock Contemporary Artists Initiative Facebook.

So we started a blog to inspire creative folk, with content provided by local artists and artsworkers from the Moreton Bay region.

Check back in every fortnight to see who we are shining a light on.  Previous Top 5 artists at tlctop5.tumblr.com

Savannah Van der Niet

Name: Savannah Van der Niet

Age: 18

Suburb: Margate

online: www.flickr.com/photos/savvysmilinginlove www.facebook.com/savvycreative

I’m a teenage design student, with a love for photography and all things arty. I carry a sketchbook and camera almost everywhere. My current projects include small photoshoots, organising craft events, and mapping ideas for a portrait series. I’m inspired my music, the world and all the beauty of it. I’ve been featured in Brisbane based publications such as Moustache Magazine and Quirk Quarterly as well as online blogs and a recent exhibition, but my proudest moments are compliments about how my work makes people feel. That’s what makes it worth it. I’m excited about the Brisbane creative scene, and about being a part of that.

1. Favourite Quote

“Not all who wander are lost” – Oscar Wilde

2. Song, Musician or Writer that inspires you.

Angus and Julia Stone

Angus and Julia Stone. Most people have one band they really connect with, and for me it’s them. I remember my search to find their first EP and the excitement when they released their first album. They’ve guided who I am, and I associate them with different times in my life. Creatively, they’ve been the basis of some of my works and are forever giving me new ideas.

3. Photo / Piece of Artwork

Artwork by Karrah Kobus

Tough call, my favourites change all the time! This is one I love by my favourite photographer, Karrah Kobus. It was an idea she had that worked out how she’d imagined by stumbling across turf and an abandoned house. The simplicity of the model and the earth tones make for a beautiful capture. I’m not usually a huge fan of post production, but I’m drawn to her works, and particularly the stories she tells along with them.

4. Online Video

Oren Lavie - Her Morning Elegance

Her Morning Elegance – Oren Lavie

This video is a film clip made completely with stop motion. It’s the first stop motion I remember seeing, and sent me on a creative high, spending 13 hours making a stop motion video. When so much has been done before, it’s encouraging seeing people flourishing with new ideas.

5. Gig/Event –  Something to Do

Wendy is a fashion blogger and writer whose creative and quirky fashion combinations can be seen on her blog Panache Halloweentown.

Question 1: Where did the name ‘Panache Halloweentown’ come from?

My best friend and I had just spent an afternoon shopping for Halloween, (all our bats and pumpkins were laid out in front of us) when we started stringing names and making up words out of boredom. Panache Halloweentown just stuck ever since and it was perfect for what the blog was going to be at the time.

Question 2:  How do you decide what goes onto your blog?

It really depends on anything exciting that is going within my days, what music I am listening to or what movie I was inspired by. I guess I have a lot of freedom to blog about anything fashion related/lifestyle/inspirations because it is just like a personal diary that I like to keep. Ultimately, it depends if I think that something is worthwhile sharing in one way or another…

Question 3:  How would you describe your personal style?

I like to conjure up versions of fictional characters from movies or song lyrics and I never fail to wear an op shop find! Recently I came home from Hong Kong with a few boxes of dead stock the 90′s rejected. Op shopping can prove to be rather lucrative over there since it’s not so popular yet. I guess I am also known to be a big fan of chunky shoes!

Question 4: What do you think is the future of fashion blogging?

Fashion blogging has always been very visual; the standard style shot with a blurb about what inspired your outfit along with an analysis of trends etc. but I am sure that with all that creativity and talent out there, there are more exciting ways to deliver an outfit post or standard fashion blog.

In particular, as we can see more bloggers integrating the use of social networking platforms such as twitter and facebook as well as interactive apps like instagram and loopcam, sharing your life with the world and interacting with your readers is becoming second nature. It has always been connecting with people, but it is important to remain genuine and sincere as you interact with one another as blogging becomes more accessible.

Question 5:  What is your favourite blog and why?

I’m terrible with bookmarking awesome blogs I find! But I guess that’s the beauty of it, I like the thrill of coming across something new every time.. I tend to be drawn to anything visually heavy. Other than that, my side links include some of the most creative and artistic souls I have come across in the interwebs, some aren’t your typical fashion blogs, those are the ones that I enjoy scrolling through the most.

Thanks Wendy and thanks Rachel for the questions. Stay tuned for Fashion Blog #4 – coming soon!

In the past year the YAQ website has posted over 356 events in all manner of artforms and locations. That’s almost one new event listed everyday! From festivals to showcases to independent productions and those bigger shows and exhibitions produced by established venues, the YAQ website has been a place to share these events and promote cultural product.

A new feature of the upcoming section is an Application Close field. This feature allows for an application closing date to be added to the listing. As a number of opportunities listed in the upcoming section include a closing date, we thought it important to evolve this part of the listings function.

With over 30 different writers contributing to 185 blogs and over 250 news items, the first year of the new look YAQ website yielded a fantastic array of stories, opinions, opportunities and fun. We have previously shared the Top 5 Blogs and Top 5 News items of 2011.

As the success of the YAQ website rolled out, the YAQ social media in our various twitter and facebook incarnations also took off with hundreds of followers, friends and likes helping to keep us updated and engaged with what is happening in the world of Youth Arts.

Heartfelt thanks goes to the 30,550 of you who have visited the YAQ website in the past year. Whether you’re a newsletter subscriber, a member, a contributor or just someone who happens to check in with YAQ occasionally – thank you for stopping by and as always, feel free to comment and share.

THANKS!

From the YAQ team

5. It’s closeby – c’mon it is.

I write a lot of grant application support letters for artists rightly taking their work or themselves to Melbourne, Adelaide, or significantly further abroad* as Australia’s tyranny of distance is definitely legit – and it’s expensive.

But do we ever really consider bumping out of our Brisbane season venue, packing the car, and heading an hour down the road to stage a mini season that lends our new work just a bit more longevity?

I acknowledge there’s not yet a Metro Arts-style venue set up by the sand. I’m just saying, for some shows, it might be worth a thought about where else your work might fit – and even a couple of preliminary conversations with GC locals in the know (refer items 2 & 1).

(*I just can’t miss an opportunity to recommend AQ’s Career Development Grant – several other bigger states don’t have an equivalent grant!)

4. The Gold.

I don’t have much to say here. It’s pretty black and white:

Just a couple of months ago, I arrived slightly early at an emerging artist’s exhibition on the Coast. More than a third of the pieces had already sold while they were being hung. Another third had sold by the time the opening night speeches were over.

On the Coast, visitors and locals alike seem to actually spend – and not just on all the glittery stuff. (Though if you ARE into the glittery stuff, you may want to read my previous blog about RSLs).

3. The Games.

I know you’ve heard it, but I am going to say it again. The 2018 Commonwealth Games will do for the Gold Coast what World Expo ’88 (it was too long ago to have a website to link to – bear with me) did for Brisbane. It will be a serious catalyst for the practical infrastructure, genuine community, and cultural engagement that would otherwise just gradually evolve.

A large proportion of the Brisbane industry leaders I most respect know each other well – because as kippers, they all came to Brisbane to work on Expo. They’ve become industry leaders who get the big picture, and who know the value of well funded public art and large scale performances in creating an overall event experience.

As 2018 approaches, the next generation of people like them will be looking for creative people like you. Make sure you’re looking out for them too.

2. Oases like Retrospect Galleries QLD.

Oracle Boulevard in Broadbeach is a shiny new development with a great advertising campaign that actually includes the word ‘arts’. As in, the arts is something with intrinsic value. I love this so much.

A lynchpin of the Oracle precinct is Lorraine Pilgrim, Director of Retrospect Galleries QLD. Lorraine knows about making money (or not) in the arts. She’s worked in the commercial gallery sector for well over 20 years, and made a success of it. Lorraine’s a passionate realist. And she’s hugely generous with her awareness of and advice for Queensland’s emerging artists.

I honestly love just spending time at Retrospect, and mark my word, important arts people make a specific effort to drop in for a coffee and a natter with Lorraine – who simultaneously manages to personally greet every single other person who walks in the door. She is a marvel to watch and learn from.

1. Two words – Mariam Arcilla.

In fact, like Madonna, most arts people on the Coast just say ‘Mariam’ and assume you know her. Mostly they are assuming correctly.

Mariam is a young creative person who makes things happen – and as a result has drawn together a formidable body of local young creative people who love their Gold Coast and only want to improve it further.

AND, like Lorraine, Mariam’s really willing to share information on her numerous online platforms, regularly featured in the YAQ enews: Mariam’s website; twitter; Rabbit + Cocoon; Winter for Elbows tumblr; Street Cube flickr – they speak for themselves.

And so the call to action…

Like all my bloggy suggestions, it’s not brain surgery. Just do a little bit of research, then take a day trip to the Gold Coast – and leave your togs at home for once.

Image: Eduardo Mariz 2011 CC BY 2.0

The Creative Resilience Alliance, funded by Arts Queensland and Australia Council for the Arts to deliver the project, are inviting residents, artists, and arts and cultural workers of the region to join the troops in creative recovery efforts  such as NAIDOC Week Exhibition, Writing for Recovery, and Youth Engagement Strategy projects (Cassowary Coast), among others. It’s also not too late to submit new project ideas for creative recovery and arts professional development in the region, but don’t leave it too late!

If you would like to get involved, or find out more about the project, please telephone Scotia Monkivitch on 0423 987 207 or (07) 3255 3900, visit the project page on the Arts Queensland website or visit the interactive project Creative Recovery website where you can join as a member, and tell your own creative recovery story or link with other artists in these regions.

(Thanks to Arts Nexus for sharing this story in their enews)

Brisbane Writers Festival is seeking a Marketing Manager. Check this one out today as applications close Thursday 16 February 2012.

University of the Sunshine Coast are seeking an Assistant Curator for their Art Gallery. Applications for this full time position close Monday 20 February 2012.

Brisbane Powerhouse are currently have two positions open and are looking for a Producer and Venue Supervisor.

Queensland Symphony Orchestra has several positions on offer. QSO are seeking an Associate Principal Percussionist, Production Assistant, Sales Team Leader and Casual Musicians.

Queensland Arts Council need a new Administration Assistant. Could this be you? A great entry level position, applications for this role close later this month.

To keep up to date with the latest and greatest in arts job listings – for FREE – head to Creative Foyer. When you sign up you will have access to a plethora of information, articles and opportunities.

In 2012, the Fresh Ground program is offering both medium and long-term opportunities for professional arts practitioners, through a flexible residency program providing artist-focused project planning and production support, financial investment and artist mentoring.

Residencies will be between three and eighteen months in duration and will offer:

• financial support of up to $10,000;
• access to rehearsal spaces and technical equipment and provision of technical labour to assist with the operation of equipment, with an in-kind value of up to $20,000;
• assistance in the development and implementation of Business and Strategic Plans; and
• support in the development of producing skills.

From initial exploration of a new idea to fully realising a new contemporary work for its premiere, Fresh Ground
is the opportunity to progress your project at the Judith Wright Centre of Contemporary Arts.

Want to know more…

Program Manager Lewis Jones will host two informal information sessions to outline the aims of the program and to offer interested artists a chance to ask questions. These will be held at the Judith Wright Centre on:

Monday 20 February at 5:30pm

Thursday 23 February at 5:30pm

Email rsvp@jwcoca.qld.gov.au to confirm your attendance.

Applications must be received or post-marked no later than 5:00pm, Friday 9 March 2012

For more information and to download the Application Guide, visit the Judith’s website.

Thank you for your patience.

Rachel is the designer behind the label Yellowcake, a fun line of dresses currently available through the Princess Polly chain. Full of whimsy and pompoms, Yellowcake is youthful and draws upon literary and childhood experiences to inspire one-of-a-kind creations. Here are Rachel’s responses to Amelia’s questions:

Question 1: What has your project taught you since you started?

This project has taught me how much I can achieve with my time and creativity if I put the effort in.  Whilst the task of making a dress everyday has been challenging, proving to myself that I can do it (and raise money for charity at the same time) has been so creatively and personally satisfying.

Question 2: What is some advice you would give to people starting out in fashion?

I would encourage people just starting out to focus on developing their own unique style and to have confidence in what they are designing.  It is easy to get swept up in trends and what other people are doing, but if you just stay focused on producing your own quality work (whether it’s fashion photography/clothing/styling) that you believe in, and that has come from your own creative mind, then it’s hard to go wrong.

Question 3: What do you think will be big trends in 2012?

I think that we are going to continue to see a lot of binaries in textures, prints and colours in garments and styling throughout 2012.  Whilst girly dresses in pastel tones of peach and baby blue will continue to remain popular (thank you Marc Jacobs and Miu Miu), I feel these will be teamed with strong accessories – like bulky, choker-like necklaces, printed stockings, and heavy heeled shoes.  I think mostly though, anything will go this year…the more adventurous the outfit, the better!

Question 4: What TV shows/Movies have inspired your style? (For example, I freaking love “The Nanny”!)

Any kind of costume drama (whether it be on TV or an epic feature film) always floats my ‘style-inspiration’ boat. However, my all time favourite would have to be Sophia Coppola’s Marie Antoinette – I watch it over and over again for ideas.

Question 5: Who are your favourite Australian Designers?

I adore the work of Lover, Gorman, Akira Isogawa, and Kit Willow all in equal parts!

Thanks Rachel! And thanks Amelia for the questions. Stay tuned for Fashion Blog #3 – out soon.