SHOW OF THE WEEK - MEREDITH TURNBULL

block party

Jeweller, writer and visual artist Meredith Turnbull is one of those makers that is constantly moving.    Cerebral and tactile, abstract and decorative she continually produced works that cleverly fuse historical forms and techniques with a thoroughly considered awareness of the implications of folk craft, modernism and hand-making on contemporary art practice and design. 

From super sized sculptures to wearable wooden blocks her eye is super keen and her output always on point. We love her work. So we're pretty excited to see this new collection of 'compositions' now on show in the newly refurbished Bus Gallery.

Turnbull fans (ourselves included) should also take advantage of Meredith's interactive Co-Workers Hanging Sculpture also on show as part of Melbourne Now.

This work was one of our favourites in the M.N megalith. No just because it focuses on scale via a range of mixed media from wall painting, abstracted 3D components and large photocopies (swoon), but because it also invites small people to play with, think about and create their own hanging sculpture with the extremely thoughtful option of either adding their finished creation to the exhibition or to take it home. Seriously brilliant stuff and highly recommended... see you there. BECK

Composititions'

5-22 Februrary 

Gallery 1

BUS PROJECTS

25-31 Rokeby Street Collingwood.

Melbourne Now
NGV until March 23

SHOW OF THE WEEK - HELEN BRITTON and JUSTINE McKNIGHT

q-tee

Have you all been wondering where we've been? Apologies for our long breaks between posts at the moment. We've been working on a major project for 18 months now and we are so close to the deadline we can feel it. So it's a mixture of stress and excitement for team HML. That being said the world certainly doesn't revolve around us and the craft world continues to produce amazing shows, events and activities both here in Melbourne and around the globe.

We very nearly missed out on the  current show at Gallery Funaki and it's is a real corker. A collaboratin between jeweller Helen Britton and fashion designer Justine McKnight has produced a series of works  called 'jewellery for tshirts. 

Jewellers are often thinking about how their work relates to the body, but how does it relate to clothing? Fashion designers think of jewellery as accessories, not a necessary partnership. So it is interesting territory to explore and they created some amazing pieces together. The show ends tomorrow (yes we are SO sorry it's taken us this long to tell you about it) so if you can scoot in - fantastic. But if not go here for an interesting read on the show. RAMONA

SHOWS OF THE WEEK - TROY EMERY, BONUS CARD PROJECT, JOHN BROOKS

BONUS!

You really don't have to go far to see three of the best examples of contemporary craft/art pop hybrids we've seen in quite some time.  Craft Victoria's opening volley this year involves four of our favourite artists Troy Emery, Lucy James, Kent Wilson (BONUS CARD) and John Brooks all presenting their own very particular perspectives on the decorative arts.

Troy Emery's From Far Away is an extremely clever exhibition. Using a range of pre made 'kiddie' craft objects like pompoms, tinsel and fringing in glorious candy-shop excess he immediately pushes viewers into a challenging and dichotomous position. Using a barrage of conflicting associations (trophy/ comfort/reductive totem) and the visual traditions of plush toys, museum display and traditional decorative arts he creates animal sculptures that are as much fairy floss dreamscape as they are animated nightmare monsters. An exposition of delicious repulsion and utter genius.

Loom of the Land sees Lucy and Kent create a collection of totemic objects reminiscent of oceanic and african tribal masks gleefully decorated in a carnival of saturated pop colours and geometric shapes. By using materials like wood, paint and textiles common to both 'traditional' tribal art and the sub cultural tribes of the west (think everything from gypsies to hipsters) they consciously mash up visual codes, notions of privilege and ceremonial culture. Thought provoking, and challenging beyond the super seductive 'decoration'.

Weaver and visual artist John Brooks pretty much had us from the moment we saw his studio textile grad work, so we are incredibly happy to the development of this new work Transgenesis. Brooks has taken full advantage of his insider knowledge of construction and materiality to create textile technology hybrids that explore the Darwinian concept of difference and mutation. One part Tom Baker era Dr. Who and two parts super shagged Yeti these bejewelled pelts are seriously something to see. Ignore the hotness outside and get amongst it. BECK

From Far Away, Loom of the Land and Transgenesis 

all on at Craft Victoria

31 Flinders Lane Melbourne

until February 15.

PROJECTS OF THE WEEK - WOOD BLOCKS AND LACE BOWLS

building blocks

Well the summer school holidays are stretching on in that usual way. kids underfoot, hard to get started, heatwaves etc. Not to mention an intense work period for Beck and I which involves us texting, emailing, phoning and typing all at the same time. The nature of collaboration for us at this time of year is all electronic despite being in walking distance of each others house! In between I've continued making little things, mainly gifts for friends and family. the blocks are for Mr M who works at the museum as a preparator - it's my version of an executive toy! The beards are for my sister in law's birthday -not 'til April so I'll make a little pouch for them too.

The log lady brooch (my favourite Twin Peaks character) was for me but Beck has made me promise to make her one. The doily bowl is to hold my newly acquired crochet yarns (I'm determined to MASTER it). The houses are a house warming gift, much overdue and the beads are for my daughter who as a 19 year old design student is very picky, but she loves these. None of these projects took longer than 30 minutes so they are all achievable for even the busiest bees. I hope you are all finding the time to make in between everything else you are doing. RAMONA

ps. clearly I'm loving orange and blue combos!

SEMINAR OF NEXT MONTH - NORTH CITY 4, SUSTAINABLE FASHION

green machines

The creative collective known as NorthCity 4 are starting their year off in a thoughtful an engaging way. Their contribution the Sustainability Festival is a terrific seminar that examines the nature of sustainable practice and the impact that has on communities. North City 4, from the outset have shown great commitment to sustainability. Just some of their studio strategies include using 100%  green gas, 25% green electricity and using recycled and reclaimed materials. You'll need to book HERE to secure your spot for the seminar.

Other highlights of the festival are the Create from a Crate design show hosted by the Victorian Woodworkers Association, the Undress Melbourne Sustainable Fashion show and the Bamboo Building Workshop. The Festival starts Feb 8, which is closer than you think people! RAMONA