quiet paws.

Samantha Wills, treasures from the deep…

tracey — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 23:45:41 +0000

Given the random jewellery purchases I’ve been making recently, sometimes the house starts to resemble a mermaid’s lair of sunken sparkly treasures which beg to be worn and loved…

I’m hoping that Poseidon won’t mind too much if I borrow these jewels from his vast oceanic domain. Surely he already has plenty of other enticements with which to please his eye?

This lovely pair of beauties which came gorgeously presented in their own wooden boxes, are from one of my favourite Australian designers, Samantha Wills. Many of her lovely pieces are right at home amongst my other plundered (not really!) valuables… Perhaps you will be tempted too?

So I’m no Carrie Bradshaw…

Twenty years with Robert Downey Jr.

tracey — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 05:17:52 +0000

I have loved many movie men over the years, with many of these early screen affairs igniting and extinguishing themselves during the eighties, the decade of my childhood. However some of the most special of actors have stayed with me beyond the pesky boundaries of the decades. As it turns out Robert Downey Jr is one such person who still manages to charm me today.

That’s not to say that our twenty year relationship hasn’t had its ups and downs. Like any affair of the heart or mind, often those artists we love the most are those who disappoint us the most when they fall below our expectations. This is true for me even if the nature of that relationship is as indirect as that between actor and audience member.

Before this year is over and in honour of my twenty year appreciation of Robert Downey Jr. I thought I’d share a quick timeline of scattered memories…

In 1989 I remember falling in love with RDJ in ‘Chances Are’ a movie about true love, soulmates and destiny. I don’t remember too much at all of the film, but no doubt its quality has not held up all that well.
In 1991 I drew a black & white portrait of RDJ for a high school art project (though admittedly I chose him because I had an easy picture to reproduce my drawing from… I was ever the lazy artist). I remember having a lot of trouble getting his nose right.
In 2000 I started watching Ally McBeal based purely on his addition to the cast; he was just too charming to resist. Sometime after this he was arrested (again) and I remember feeling frustrated at him for wasting the opportunity because I adored his character.

So that brings me to relatively recent times where Robert Downey Jr. is once again doing good in life and in the land of movies with his recent efforts in Iron Man and Sherlock Holmes… happy times indeed! Here’s to the next 20 years!!

No related posts.

Where the Wild Things Are… (inside all of us)

tracey — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 08:25:56 +0000

I’ve been a keen follower of the cinematic works of Spike Jonze for many years now. While I haven’t caught up on his complete back catalogue of films, I absolutely love ‘Being John Malkovich’ and ‘Adaptation’. He is also responsible for many of the film clips that visually stand out in my mind – ‘Buddy Holly’ by Weezer, ‘Sabotage’ by the Beastie Boys, ‘It’s Oh So Quiet’ by Bjork and ‘Praise You’ by Fatboy Slim.

Now I can add to the list his magical, fantastical and beautiful film ‘Where the Wild Things Are’. When I heard that Jonze was working on this film I knew that it would not just be a must-see, but a creation which would live up to (and possibly excel) the weighty expectations of many former children like me who grew up with Maurice Sendak’s classic book.

The film is told from the perspective of Max and through his eyes it explores concepts of family, friendship, trust, loyalty, responsibility and dreams. The thing that most struck me about the film is the way that Jonze has cleverly depicted how BIG even the smallest of problems can seem to a child; I know I remember feeling just that way when I was much, much younger.

Part live action, part animatronics, part furry costumed performers and part CGI means that the sum total of ‘Where the Wild Things Are’ looks and feels absolutely amazing. The story is a wonderful reflection of childhood, the nature of ‘wildness’ and the incredible power (and importance) of the imagination. I don’t want to give any details away at risk of spoiling some of the emotional intensity and fantasy of the film. All I can really say is that I would highly recommend it. While it is based on a children’s story, I would suggest that this is more a movie for adults to reflect on childhood rather than a movie for children themselves.

I think perhaps we all need to indulge in a little ‘wild rumpus’ from time to time…it is good and cleansing for the soul.

RE-reading books as brooches…

tracey — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 23:44:35 +0000

It’s taken me a little while to return to the world of brooches. I have a vague recollection of loving them as a child, but somewhere across the years I became a little less enamoured. Then a few years back when there seemed to be an explosion of cute and interesting brooch designs, I worried that if I succumbed, I would put holes in my clothes… But of course the reality is that very little clothing damage is done.

This year finally I’ve cast aside previous concerns and given myself over to loving brooches once more. In any case, how could I resist such lovely accessories as these by Brisbane crafter RE-read design?

These lovely one-of-a-kind handmade brooches (made from old children’s books) combine many of my loves…woodland creatures, pertinent words and unique design. I hope they do indeed keep me on the right path towards large open spaces…

Morality, Mortality & the Doctor of Imagination

tracey — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 01:45:20 +0000

The imagination is a wonderful and precious gift with which each one of us is bestowed. Terry Gilliam gets it. He understands how important is is for us to protect and nurture the delicate nature of our imaginations; for without it all creativity would be lost.

I wish I did more to encourage the ongoing development of all that is magical, surreal, beyond belief and ‘almost’ impossible. In the structure and rigidity of much of my world, I sometimes think that these more fanciful and fantastical ideals become lost between the cracks. Perhaps then, it is the way that the ethereal world of the imagination is able to overcome practical realities that makes it all the more special.

The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus is many things – thoughtful, mad, fun, intricate, wonderful, odd and awe-inspiring. It is therefore quite sublime.

The film follows the story of Doctor Parnassus (Christopher Plummer) and his travelling ‘Imaginarium’ show where audience members are able to travel through a magical mirror to explore their imaginations. Of course nothing is as simple as it seems; there are some dark devilish deals in the good Doctor’s past which are threatening the future fate of his daughter, Valentina (Lily Cole). Thus begins a desperate (and often hilariously cheeky) race against time to save Valentina from a fate worse than death, but just who will be her saviour?

Will it be her father, the thousand-year-old Doctor Parnassus? Or will it be one of her theatre troupe compatriots Anton or Percy? Or will it be the mysterious newcomer Tony (played perfectly in turn by Heath Ledger, Johnny Depp, Jude Law and Colin Farrell)? … But what of the devil himself (Tom Waits) in all this? Surely he also has a part to play and a hand to play? … and so the adventure between parallel worlds, life and death, good and evil, begins…

This is a story that sparkles. If you already enjoy the surreal experience that can be a Terry Gilliam film, you’ll like this movie. If you are a fan of beautifully delivered performances and precisely depicted characters, you’ll like this movie. If you appreciate whimsical, decadent and dream-like settings, you’ll like this movie. But perhaps it is for those who want to indulge in a visual treat that will unshackle your imagination and take the both of you on an amazing journey, who will like this movie most of all.

Gracia & Louise Zine Giveaway – WINNER

tracey — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 23:45:41 +0000

On Monday, the entries for the second ‘Something for Me, Something for You‘ giveaway closed, and (somewhat belatedly) a winner has now been drawn. With thanks to Mr Quiet Paws (aka Lee), the winning ticket has been drawn from my hat.

Congratulations Paul!! (I’ll be in touch to arrange delivery of your two magical Gracia & Louise zines).

Thanks to Gracia & Louise for creating such beautiful, mesmerising work and therefore enabling this giveaway!!

Thanks to everyone who entered (perhaps next time your name will be drawn!!). Please be sure to drop back again soon to enter the next lovely giveaway which will be announced shortly.

A is for Alegorie…

tracey — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 00:15:13 +0000

I love online stores that hold true to a beautiful philosophy such as the diversely stocked Alegorie which is all about ‘the story you tell through the accessories you wear‘. The other really great thing about the best online stores is their ability to transcend the sometimes cold nature of an indirect transaction between seller and customer, instead they display extraordinary attention to detail and provide exceptional customer service.

It was an absolute delight to receive my recent purchases from Alegorie, all perfectly wrapped and presented with style. So just what did these particular packages contain?

Well, firstly I picked up some beautiful paper and envelopes by Poppies for Grace (the Three Little Birds Letter Set and Lovely Day Letter Set) for a certain little writing project I’m hoping to work on in the future.

In the second package was this STUNNING silk gutli necklace by d|lux in the most beautiful coral shade of pink… this will make the perfect contrast against many of my dark coloured clothes and is a lovely versatile piece which can be worn in many different ways… This necklace also comes in black, so please be kind and not buy that one until I save up some more dollars… xx

Last but not least is this elegant yet simple black key necklace by Proverb… I most like wearing this with a jeans and t-shirt ensemble. I think it ‘classes the joint up’ in a most stylish way… Another all-too-easy purchase to commit to!

Perhaps you’re still trying to find Christmas goodies and gifts for yourself and for others? If so, may I suggest wandering through the virtual aisles of Alegorie if you’re hoping for something special delivered with a very large dash of excellent customer service…

Thoughts on Christmas and Fearless Gift Giving

tracey — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 00:05:25 +0000

Harry, I’m gonna let you in on a little secret. Every day, once a day, give yourself a present. Don’t plan it, don’t wait for it, just… let it happen. Could be a new shirt at the men’s store, a catnap in your office chair, or two cups of good, hot, black coffee. – Agent Cooper

How could I resist the purchase of a genuine Twin Peaks inspired Douglas Fir Christmas tree?

In the interests of full authorial disclosure I must confess from the outset that I love Christmas. It’s not because of the dreary carols that play ad nauseam in shopping centres, it’s not about dealing with scary last minute shoppers, it’s not the incessant and guilt ridden advertising that fills our television screens and our letterboxes, it’s not about religion, and it’s not about excessive eating and indulgence. For me, Christmas means giving; the one time of year where I have an extra special licence to spoil.

Rather than lavish expensive luxuries on family and friends, I am a firm believer and applier of the rule that it’s ‘the thought that counts’. This could be something as simple as baking a batch of cookies for someone, gifting something interesting or simply taking the time to show and say that you care.

Sometimes with gift giving I think it can be easy to either place too much pressure on ourselves so that we lose all enjoyment associated with the process of giving, or not placing enough pressure on ourselves to actually find a gift that ‘works’ for that particular person. Finding the right balance and holding onto some semblance of joy can be hard, especially with the general madness of the season.

This year my motto for gift giving is to be FEARLESS! This means that I’m hoping for all my gifts to be handmade; or created by a local or independent artist; or something non-traditional, surprising or bordering on ridiculous; or just something random that I think the recipient may enjoy. Instead of being preoccupied with finding the mythical ‘perfect’ gift, I want to gift something reckless, or something crazy, or something unexpected and try to avoid at all costs the dreary, the mundane and the pedestrian.

‘Harry, I’m gonna let you in on a little secret. Every day, once a day, give yourself a present. Don’t plan it, don’t wait for it, just let it happen. Could be a new shirt at the men’s store, a catnap in your office chair, or two cups of good, hot, black coffee.’ (Agent Cooper)

Sometimes when giving gifts we either place too much pressure on ourselves so that we lose all enjoyment associated with the process of giving, or we don’t place enough pressure on ourselves to actually find a gift that ‘works’ for that particular person. Finding the right balance and holding onto some semblance of joy can be hard, especially with the general madness of the season swirling around us.

This year my motto for gift giving is to be FEARLESS! This means that I’m hoping for all my gifts to be handmade; or created by a local or independent artist; or something non-traditional, surprising or bordering on ridiculous; or just something random that I think the recipient may simply enjoy. Instead of being preoccupied with finding the mythical ‘perfect’ gift, I want to gift something reckless, or something crazy, or something unexpected and try to avoid at all costs the dreary, the mundane and the pedestrian.

Count me the stars…

tracey — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 00:15:28 +0000

I know I’ve written before about how much I adore the words and beautiful ceramics created by Kylie Johnson, but after recently purchasing her gorgeous book ‘count me the stars‘, well I just couldn’t help gushing once more… That’s the thing about really great poetry and really great poets, they get under your skin, grab hold of your heart and stay with you forever.

This book is a true joy to behold and an absolute delight for all the senses. From the textured navy cloth cover scattered with glittery silver stars, to the place-keeping ribbon and on to the various fonts and formats applied to the enchanting words within… the hands, mind, heart and eyes cannot be anything but captivated.

While I have fallen head-over-heels with each and every one of her beautiful poetic verses, I wanted to share just a couple with you here (but you should buy her book so you can read the rest for yourself – I don’t want the other poems feeling left out).

If I were a word I would hope and wish for nothing more than to be a word crafted and carefully placed by such a talented poet as this. Her words leave me speechless …

Gracia & Louise – Zine Giveaway

tracey — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 23:45:57 +0000

ENTRIES HAVE NOW CLOSED!! A WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED SOON!!

I have long been an admirer of the beautiful work created by Melbourne artisans Gracia Haby and Louise Jennison. I’ve had these two lovely wooden critters of theirs guarding my bookshelves for a few years now, and they’ve been doing an excellent job at keeping unwelcome visitors away from my precious pages.

It was only really a matter of time before another beautiful package from their store made it to my door (I’m surprised it wasn’t much sooner actually).

Rather than containing things of wood, this time this pretty package contained all things paper. I picked up a few gorgeous zines for myself including ‘Before it’s too late’, ‘Summertime: and the livin’ is easy, just as Ella & Louis sang’, and ‘Postcards from…But for the moon nobody could see us’. A package from Gracia and Louise always means that I will be well and truly treated, not just by their delicate words and pictures, but just from the whole experience.

Of course I didn’t forget about you. I also purchased a second copy of ‘Before it’s too late’ and ‘Geschlecht und Schoklade’ to giveaway in the next installment of the ‘Something for me, Something for you‘ series of giveaways.

‘Before it’s too late’ is a limited edition zine (with an edition run of 70) by Louise Jennison and captures all the beauty and starkness of the Arctic while pondering the impacts of climate change on such a place. ‘Geschlecht und Schoklade’ is a small limited edition zine (with an edition run of 100) by Gaby Bila-Guenther (a Berlin based poet), Gracia Haby & Louise Jennison, featuring five of Gaby’s poems throughout with collage elements. Please be aware that with a title like this, the zine is a little on the ‘adult’ side so prepare yourself for some sauciness, raciness and some very cheeky humour.

If you’d like the chance to win the two zines pictured above, just follow the instructions below. Entries for this giveaway close Monday 7 December 2009 @10pm (AEST). Good luck!!

So, how does the giveaway work?

The giveaway is open to anyone in the world in recognition of the global market for things of beauty.
Just leave a comment on this post and I’ll assign you your very own personal raffle ticket number.
Once the competition closes I’ll place all the raffle tickets into my hat and the lucky winning ticket will be drawn at random.
If you’re lucky enough to have your ticket selected, I’ll contact you via email so that you can send me your mailing address.
Congratulations if you are the winner, your prize will then be on its way!