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Today Australia gained its first woman Prime Minister in Ms Julia Gillard and I had fun enjoying one of the passions that 50 years ago, I was denied the opportunity to study, because I was a female but have since overcome the male profession stereotype and mastered. I am referring to my love of another art form, that of landscape gardening. 

After the announcement of Ms Gillards appointment, I went to review the Flying Fish Point Beachfront B & B  and being a nature lover, I was most impressed with the beautiful landscaping of the garden and the clever use of space.

I saw some great ideas that would be easy to duplicate using above ground pools.  Amazing how lovely this small pool looks with a deck around it set amongst palm trees in front of a view.

 

There was a long narrow pond in the garden and stepping stones down the centre of it, a lovely outdoor pavilion. I will always adore beautiful garden design.

I felt good today that it makes no difference what sex you are, in regards to being our Prime Minister, or who landscapes a garden. 
 

That is one of my favorite quotes by, Eleanor Roosevelt.

How do people who patronize others, make you feel? 

A man and woman demanded, rather than asked,  to see my art work, over several days. When I put on a private showing, just for them, they said they would return when they were ready, (like I am to put it out on demand any time they ask), and she acted patronizing to me telling me, ‘how to sell my art work’. I had already told her I had owned and run an award-winning, gallery. I am obviously not an amateur so I did not like the assumption that my exhibition time was theirs to command, or that I needed to be told, how to sell art when I am, as I had informed them, now retired, to a hobby business level, due to my carer duties.

Then the husband met up with my husband on the beach this morning, where my man was happily fishing and so proud of his efforts, having caught 10 small whiting with a small rod and light line and 1 large whiting on his first try with the new heavier line I bought him yesterday. This man, through his choice of patronizing words, made my husband feel,  as if he was not an angler’s bootlace. 

He also ordered, my husband to throw back the one fish he caught, saying ‘it was undersized’, yet it was the same size, all the other anglers there were catching and keeping. I believe he was just picking on my man, because I was not there to protect him. I can only think that both members of that couple, gain some sort of superior feeling by speaking to others as if they were somehow inferior, using a patronizing way of expressing themselves.

He knew my man was like a child in looking to others to guide him so he took advantage, bullied, and strived to make him feel inferior.

I had politely ignored the patronizing of my art, that’s what I get, for putting major art work outside a caravan, I once had an art teacher tell  me that if you placed a Sir Hans Hysen landscape in an amateur art show, most people would have no idea what they were looking at.

 

Today I had the pleasure of meeting Australian entertainment legend Frankie J.Holden.  Frankie J. Holden is an iconic, Actor, Singer, Entertainer and now a Holiday Park Owner!

Yes, Frankie J Holden is currently in the process of finalizing arrangements with the other partners Laurie and Di Dellavirgin and Garry and Narelle Hetherington, formerly of the acclaimed “Holiday Hub”, at Pambula, to turn an already lovely caravan park in a magnificent natural setting, into a park to be known as the “Little Park, With A BIG Heart”.  Frankie J. Holden wants to bring the very best features he sees at many of the parks he is visiting in his travel show hosting, back to the Tathra Tourist Park.

We chatted about these plans he has for this park and his current travel hosting role in the programme What's Up Downunder  being presented by Channel 7on Saturday afternoon. This new show will bringthe world of caravanning into viewer’s homes and is sure to be a hit with gray nomads and families alike.

The show is co hosted, by this musician and actor Frankie J Holden and his wife Michelle Pettigrove and features their daughter Georgia and guests.

What’s Up Downunder is the only television travel program focusing on caravanning, camping, touring, self drive and fly drive holidays promoted through holiday parks. It will also showcase regional tourism in Australia. Staying in holiday parks had come a long way over the years, with consumers now able to choose many different product offerings from standard powered and unpowered sites to luxury spa cabins and more.  
What's Up Downunder will air on The Seven Network, including all regional affiliates on Saturdays between 4pm and 5pm.

 

I find on line study to be a great way to learn. I love learning from experts in the fields I am interested in and have no time for and little patience for hobby classes.

I have never totally stopped educating myself and last year I studied on line, for my certificate in Bone Health, as an addition to my current health science degrees I originally graduated with in 1967. I have continued to keep my health science degree up to date, until recently when I have begun to extend my interest outward, towards, Creative Arts Therapy, Eco Therapy, Fitness and Aging Well.

This year I have begun a new field of on line study and I love it.

I am, being challenged in a way I find will encourage me to do the work I need to do, to learn the information that will help me achieve my future goals and be able to use the information to help others. Education is rewarding in so many ways.  While I am educating myself on line, I can do all my study in my own time; this fits in easily with my current carer duties.

I am totally convinced, having experience it for myself, that online degree courses are a great way to achieve the credentials I am seeking. I know there are online universities that offer a wide range of degree options that are well worth investigating further by anyone interested in obtaining a degree qualification.

I mention Western Governors University, because it is a non-profit online university, and certainly, for me, cost is a considerable consideration, (though not as important as quality of tuition), when weighing up where I chose to do my studies.  Anyhow, ‘take a look’ if you are interested in obtaining a degree on line.

The two artists, who visited me today, asked me, ‘what advice I would give a starting out artist’. I said, ‘get a qualification, preferably in an essential service. My reasoning is that if you have a profession to fall back on should times be tough, you will be able to respect your art, enough to not fall into the financial crisis trap of painting trashy bread and butter paintings.

Art needs to be, kept free, of financial pressure to be ‘art’.  Work done under financial pressure to produce income becomes craft, skilled craft at best, manufactured product, at its, worst.

Artist integrity is easiest to maintain when the basic essentials of life, are secure, due to having professional qualifications. Even if you become financially successful artist, and never use the qualifications you earn, professionally, an education, is never, wasted.

 

An Original Artwork - Ford Customline in Paddock, all proceeds go to the Hope From Ashes charity to assist those rebuilding their lives after the Toodyay Fires of December 2009

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/Original-Artwork-Ford-Customline-in-Paddock_W0QQitemZ300396816772QQcmdZViewItemQQptZAU_Paintings?hash=item45f10ba984

Original Artwork - Ford Customline in Paddock VERY HAPPY TO POST AT BUYERS EXPENSE

Original Artwork - Ford Customline in Paddock.  

Ford Customline. Signed Artwork on Canvas 61.5cm x 91.5cm 

The Artist cannot be named in  Public Auction.

The Hope From Ashes auction will run online starting on the date of the benefit concert with new items being put up daily over the next week.  This online auction will raise awareness and funds and give people the opportunity to contribute and help Toodyay people who are rebuilding after the fire.

We have tried to gather together a range of diverse and high quality items and services that in some way reflect the diversity and creativity of the Toodyay community. In finding a gift for yourself you will be giving to the Toodyay community and we hope the excitement and high energy of the auction will be uplifting and inspiring in its way.

The auction has the Hope From Ashes flavour celebrating and demonstrating the generosity, positivity and support that has flowed so readily for and within the Toodyay community.

As well as people from Perth many local Toodyay businesses and individuals have also contributed to the auction, some although deeply affected by the fires through loss of home or workplace. Artworks, craft items, trips away, fantastic meals and even life coaching sessions, massages, motoring items, clothing and collectors plates are just a few of the amazing items we can offer you. The list grows every day so “no napping” or you may miss a fabulous item…which is just what you need!

We hope you will enjoy the items on offer and we hope you have fun whilst you bid big as we pull together to raise much needed funds for the survivors of the Toodyay Bushfires.

If you wish to make a donation in person, please use the following Bendigo Bank details. Thank you.
Hope from Ashes
BSB: 633 000
Account: 139 064 364

It is amazing what I find in these charity auctions and on EBay. I have bought everything from the complete spa bathroom with granite bench tops through to acne scar removal.

Herring Island Environmental Sculpture Park
From:   Sat, 9 Jan 2010
To:   Sun, 18 Apr 2010
Time:   12:00 PM - 4:45 PM
Melway Ref:   2M C2
Bookings Required:   no
Cost:   Adult $2.00    Family $5.00
Further Information:     Jenny Rickards
http://home.vicnet.net.au/~hisaf/
0418 971 897

Tucked away on the Yarra River in Toorak, Herring Island is a retreat for people from the bustle of the city just three kilometres away. Accessible only by boat, Herring island is a haven for Australia’s great wildlife too.

On the parkland is Herring Island Gallery. The gallery is a converted scout hall - the fireplace and the marks on the floor are the give-away signs! Curator Maudie Palmer commissions artists to create sculptures from natural materials such as stone, earth and wood. The sculptures reflect the island's unique and tranquil setting and appear to be part of the landscape.
 
A number of exhibitions are being held at the gallery over Summer. They include:

* Ceramics Victoria (from 9 to 26 January 2010)
* Association of Sculptors of Victoria (from 30 January to 14 February)
* Contemporary Art Society of Victoria (from 20 February to 8 March)
* Koori Heritage Trust (from 13 to 28 March)
* Photography Studies College Melbourne (from 3 April to 18 April).
Please join us on the island to view the exhibition. The exhibition is open from 12 noon to 4:45pm each day. Adults are $2. Children under 10 and those with a concession card are free and families are $5. Parks Victoria provides access to Herring Island via a punt (ferry) from Como Landing (Melway 2M C3). This operates from 11:30 am to 5 pm on weekends and public holidays. The punt costs $2 per adult.

Guided Activities
1. Canoeing / Kayaking (B3)

 

Volunteers
1. Friends of Herring Island

 

Publications
Links to other websites1.  Sculpture Gardens/Art

Brochures1.  A new guide to Victoria's Parks: Parks Discovery

Park Notes / Maps1.  Herring Island Environmental Sculpture Park - Visitor Guide
2.  Herring Island - The Sculptures

Books & DVDs1.  Victoria's National Parks
2.  Melbourne's Great Outdoors

Permits & Licences1.  Herring Island - Application for an Activity/Function

Victoria's Heritage Stories1.  Herring Island - The Island of Dreams

Artists; Have you ever considered applying for an artist in schools program?

One of my most enjoyable years was spent as an artist in School, guding 400 primary school age children through the production of a mural of Jells Park, in Victoria.  The project was jointly funded and I was paid a teachers rate plus the cost of my art materials.
I found it a wonderful experience.

Artists in Schools provides opportunities for professional artists to work with young people in Victorian primary and secondary schools.

Schools engage an artist for up to 20 days to work with students and teachers on a creative project, which may be in any art form.

Eligibility Applications are accepted from Victorian schools, including primary, secondary, government and non-government schools, including schools for students with special needs.

If a school received Artists in Schools funding for 2010, 2009 or 2008, it is ineligible to apply for funding for 2011.

The Artist Artists may work in any art form or combination of art forms, including literature, visual arts, performing arts and new media.

The artist must be a practising professional artist who relates well to young people and communicates, discusses and demonstrates their art with ease.

Performances or workshops that are identical, or very similar to those that the artist provides regularly in schools on a commercial basis will not be supported.

The School An Artists in Schools project needs significant support from the school.

The school needs to:

• Provide financial and in-kind support for the project within their own resources and/or through other external funding. The program will not support the entire cost of a project. Priority is given to funding artist/s fees. The school usually covers the other project costs.
• Provide adequate staff support, including a project coordinator and possibly a reference or support group.
• Identify the target group of students to be involved. An artist cannot be expected to work in a meaningful and in depth manner with large numbers of students.
• Allocate an appropriate working area for the artist.

Closing Dates September 2010 for projects commencing in 2011.

It takes approximately 11 weeks from the closing date until funding results are available. It is recommended that schools plan to commence projects in Terms 2, 3 or 4.

Funds Available Grants of $6,500 are available for schools to engage an artist for up to 20 days.

Two artists may work together on an Artists in Schools project but the total grant will remain at $6,500.

In the 2009-2010 financial year 85 applications were received and 30 (35%) were funded. The total funds awarded was $195,000 with each recipient receiving $6,500.

The program is a Department of Education and Early Childhood Development (DEECD) and Arts Victoria partnership with support from the Community Support Fund.

Artists in Schools Information Sessions Artists in Schools Information Sessions are conducted each year. To get an insight into the program and application process, you can access a recording of the session that was held online prior to the 2009 funding round. This session was hosted in Elluminate, you can follow this link to view the recording.

http://www.arts.vic.gov.au/content/Public/Funding_Programs/Education_Partnerships/Artists_in_Schools.aspx

216mm x 279mm Landscape Prints,
from the Art of,Acclaimed Artist,
Kathy Shell
Available now from http//www.campfire-yarns.com  website. 
Also available 'direct from artist', at the caravan awning studio.

I am looking forward to the outdoor life again, bushwalking and trekking up hill with my easel and art supplies is more effective than the best weight loss pills, I always  feel I get fitter and stronger when painting these landscapes out of doors and fully recommend, on location landscape painting over studio  painting to any artist. The paintings also take on an extra dimension as you hear the bird song, smell the leaves, feel the breeze and the temperature variations, and use all senses as you create the painting, painting as the human eye sees, rather than copying what a camera lenses has captured.

 

216mm x 279mm Prints,
from the Art of,Acclaimed Artist,
Kathy Shell
Available from http://www.campfire-yarns.com
Also available direct from artist from our caravan awning studio, while on tour. We will be touring south Gippsland, late February to early March, the Grampians in western Victoria during March.

Funny story: about when I was painting one of those flower paintings, it was a 36” x 48” canvas, which required a lot of stretching and as I was in my 50’s when I painted it and had some arthritic issues at the time. I turned the painting upside down to work at the top if it and save myself stretching and hurting. I overheard an art teacher telling a group of art students that, ‘Kathy Shell, paints upside down, because she sees the world that way’.

 Lol J 
That is how, ‘myths’ about artists, begin, someone assumes instead of asks.

I turned and informed the class of art students, that 'I painted that way because after 50 years of painting like this, (and I demonstrated stretching up to the top of the canvas,) I had repetition strain injury'. I was a candidate to learn a little more about natural anti inflammatory and joint care  jointsupplementreviews.net. as well as action modification. 

I still modify my movements, but with exercises, in my mid sixties I am free from the joint ain I had in my fifties though I still would not strain to paint high above my head for hours when I can move the canvas closer to my reach and if that means a tall canvas is painted upside down, then that’s how I will work.